ONE-TIME world title contender Michael Dasmariñas makes his ring return on Nov. 27, 2021 following his failed world championship bid against International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Association bantamweight king Naoya Inoue.
Dasmarinas is reportedly fighting Ernesto Saulong in a yet-to-determined venue in the Philippines.
The 29-year-old Dasmariñas challenged Inoue on June 19, 2021 at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dasmariñas got knocked out by Inoue in three rounds.
Following his loss to Inoue, Dasmariñas dropped out of the IBF ratings after being rated No. 1. He’s still ranked No. 20 in the World Boxing Council, wherein Nonito Donaire Jr. is currently the titleholder.
An opponent like Saulong should be a good gauge on what level Dasmariñas is at right now following his loss to Inoue.
The 32-year-old Saulong is a veteran former WBC International bantamweight champion and one-time world title challenger. He has fought the likes of former world champion Ryosuke Iwasa, unbeaten prospect Brock Jarvis, Lwandile Sityatha, Jhunriel Ramonal and Alie Laurel.
Saulong, however, is on a three fight losing streak. He’s coming off a unanimous decision loss to undefeated former amateur standout Criztian Pitt Laurente.
Dasmariñas is 30-3-1 with 20 knockouts, while Saulong is 22-7-2 with nine knockouts.