Rene Mark Cuarto absorbed a split decision loss and blew away his International Boxing Federation minimumweight title against Mexican foe Daniel Valladares in Monterrey, Mexico Saturday, July 2 here in Manila.
Cuarto lost steam in the latter rounds after a strong start which paved the way for Valladares to adjust and turn aggressive midway through the match.
The championship rounds, however, proved to be instrumental for Valladares despite enduring a bloodied face due to his right eyebrow cut he sustained way back in the fourth frame.
Though both boxers seemed gassed out, the Mexican boxer landed more significant punches down the stretch and connected powerful hooks on the Filipino.
One judge scored in favor of Cuarto, 114-113, while the rest handed 116-112 to Valladares.
Early in the eighth round, a Cuarto knockdown was ruled out by the referee Wes Milton despite landing a clean right hook.
The 25-year-old Cuarto also sustained a crucial point deduction in the 10th round due to a loose glove lace which took away the momentum from the former champion.
Cuarto fell to a 20-3-2 win-loss-draw record on top of 11 knockouts while Valladares marched on a four-match win streak with a 26-3 slate built on 15 KOs.
Following Cuarto's defeat, the Philippines is now left with one last world champion in World Boxing Council featherweight titlist Mark Magsayo following Cuarto's defeat.