VETERAN Renoel Pael failed on his promise to knock out unbeaten Japanese prospect Ryusei Kawaura after losing by unanimous decision on May 14 in Tokyo, Japan.
The 28-year-old Pael was outclassed by Kawaura in the eight-round bout.
Two judges gave Kawaura identical scores of 80-71, while the third judge saw it closer with a score of 77-74.
“He could have had it if he was not dropped in the fourth round,” Flores told SunStar Cebu.
“He started to rally in the fourth but got caught with a solid punch.
It’s a waste because I think he took the fifth, sixth and eighth rounds.
The opponent was good. He was quick and has power.”
The 28-year-old Pael dropped to 23-9-1 with 12 knockouts.
His winning streak also ended at two, and he fell to 1-3 in fights in Japan.
However, he gave Kawaura a good fight. Despite the defeat, Flores feels that Pael will bounce back stronger.
The 25-year-old Kawaura remained undefeated with 6-0 with four knockouts. (EKA)