MANILA-BASED Cebuano Joe Noynay is a step closer to a world title shot after winning another regional belt with an impressive second round technical knockout win over Japanese Kosuke Saka at the Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan last Saturday night, April 20.

Nonay immediately made his presence felt, landing two powerful left straights that rocked Saka. However, Saka was game and wobbled Noynay with an overhand right.

Noynay capitalized on Saka’s aggressiveness and recklessness with a counter left straight that dropped him.

The 27-year-old Japanese warrior stood up but Noynay dropped him again with another left straight.

Noynay tried to knock Saka out but there wasn’t enough time in the round.

Noynay continued where he left off and dropped Saka with a left straight in the second round.

Even though Saka stood up from a third knockdown, the referee felt that the Japanese was out on his feet and stopped the fight.

Noynay logged his fifth straight win and won the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific super featherweight belt.

He improved to 17-2-1 with six knockouts and is also the WBO Asia Pacific Youth super featherweight champion.

Saka dropped to 18-5 with 15 knockouts.

The 23-year-old Noynay, a native of Bogo City, is currently rated No. 10 in the WBO super featherweight rankings.

This win should move him up in the super featherweight ladder, a step closer at a shot at WBO super featherweight king Masayuki Ito, who is set to defend his belt against Jamel Herring in Kissimmee, Florida on May 25. (EKA)