By Carlos Costa

In a thrilling display of power, Filipino Rey Loreto impressively mauled and knocked out tough South African former world champion Nkosinathi Joyi to capture the vacant International Boxing Organization (IBO) Jr. Flyweight World Title on Saturday at The Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco.

South African referee Andile Matika waved off all actions declaring the knockout at the 49 second mark in round 3, and Loreto reaching his boyhood dreams of world title glory.

The 23-year-old Davaeño new world champion Rey Loreto, nicknamed “The Hitman,” improved his pro fighting record to 18 wins, 13 loses, with 10 wins by way of knockout, while the defeated Nkosinathi Joyi (the former IBF minimumweight world champion) came down to 24 wins only 3 losses with 17 knockouts.

“We are so happy, we did it!!   The South African was a dangerous experienced opponent.   But I knew we could do win.   Loreto is new world champion,” shared his proud manager Brico Santig as Loreto's trainer, JJ Jorda, carried the Davao wonder kid on his shoulders in the ring of The Salle des Etoiles in sign of victory. 

“This world title is a triumph for all the Philippines, a victory for all” said Santig.

The Loreto-Joyi battle was one of the supporting attractions in the card headlined by the defense of IBO/WBA middleweight world champion Gennady "GGG" Golovkin (28-0, 25 KO's) against challenger Osumanu Adama (22-3, 16 KO's)