Former World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight champion Malcolm Tuñacao has strengthened his bid towards another title shot after scoring an impressive knock out win over Japanese prospect Himeno on Monday night at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

The stylish southpaw Tuñacao scored a knockdown in round 8 and was declared the winner via technical knockout when unranked Takafumi Himeno was proclaimed unfit to continue at 2:43 of round 9 because of a closed left eye.

Seeing action for the first time this year and the fourth since 2003, the victory improved the 5-foot-7 Tunacao’s record to 17 wins, one loss and two draws with 12 knockouts.

“Malaking tulong itong panalong ito para makabalik ako sa top 10 sa WBC ranking,” said Tuñacao, who managed to reach as high as No. 3 ranking after winning the vacant WBC International super-flyweight crown over Indon Ringo Jaguar via 5th round demolition in September 2003 at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

But in the latest January rating of the Mexico-based WBC, Tuñacao slipped down to No. 12 among super-flyweights after he was stripped of the title last December due to failure of facing mandatory challenger Masibulele “Hawk” Makepula of South Africa in required time.

Tuñacao is based in Japan in the past two months after he was tapped as sparring partner of WBC super-flyweight boss Katsushige Kawashima, in the Japanese’s preparation for the successful title defense against American Jose Navarro last Jan. 3.

It was Himeno’s first defeat in his last 10 fights that include two draws since 2001. He now has 11-3-2, 3 KOs record.

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