Puebla - Julio Cesar "Pingo" Miranda was crowned WBO flyweight world champion after beating Philippine fighter Richie Mepranum by TKO in the fifth round of their battle held in the city of Puebla.

The third time was the charm for Miranda who previously failed to win a crown by falling against South African Moruti Mthalane on November 20, 2009, and to the Thai FIB Pongsaklek Wonjongkam, on April 24 of that same year, whne he challenged for the WBC interim title.

For the "Pingo", the fight did not start easy to counter Mepranum's Filipino style. Miranda, starting the second round with a coup that changed the course with a hook to the liver resulting in a rictus of pain in the face of Richie.

The punishment to the liver area of Mepranum continued in the third and the fourth with a left hook that exploded in the jaw of his opponent, "Pingo" brought down Richie who survived.

In the fifth round, again Mepranum was hit in his soft areas, which caused him to fall down again to the canvas. The brave Filipino rose but referee Russell Mora decided it was not necessary for Mepranum more punishment.

Miranda's record rose to 32 wins, 25 by knockout, in exchange for five defeats and one draw. To Mepranum, it was his second defeat in 22 wins, five by knockout, and a draw.