Ghana’s Manyo Plange and IBO world bantamweight champion Michael Dasmariñas fought to a split draw Saturday night at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
Judge’s scorecards read 97-93 for Plange, 95-95, and 96-94 for Dasmariñas.
Most observers thought the decision should have gone to Plange. Dasmariñas, who hails from the neighboring Philippines, held his last two fights in Singapore. This was no different and may have affected the judge’s outlook.
Dasmariñas looked untrained and uninterested at times as Plange controlled the early rounds, forcing the action by working his way inside and making the champion uncomfortable.
Dasmariñas, showed signs of frustration in the fourth round, where he started swinging wildly. While Plange stuck to his game plan as he outworked the Filipino IBO bantamweight champion.
The pattern continued for the full 12; Plange throwing and landing more. It was therefore a surprise, when the fight was declared a draw, as Manyo looked good to have carried the day.
After the surprising decision was announced, Plange showed sportsmanship as he lifted Dasmariñas before the two headed out of the ring.
–ghananewsagency
