Ken Shiro stops Jonathan Taconing in world title fight

Reigning WBC world light flyweight champion Ken Shiro made a successful sixth defense of his title following a fourth-round knockout finish against Jonathan Taconing Friday night at the EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan.

The Filipino challenger brought the fight to the Japanese as he went to target both the head and body while the champion boxed and moved to avoid danger. Shiro stayed composed throughout the contest, throwing his patented right hand at Taconing.

Taconing was consistent in moving forward even after he suffered a cut from an accidental headbutt in round three. In round four, a perfectly timed right hand followed by a left uppercut sent the Filipino crashing to the canvas.

Taconing was able to beat the count, but the referee nevertheless halted the fight at the 1:00 mark of round four. The win improved Shiro's unbeaten record to 16-0 with 9KOs while Taconing dropped to 28-4-1 with 22KOs. —LDF, GMA News