Nazareno makes most of slot in Pacquiao-Rios undercard, stops foe

MACAU – Filipino Dan Nazareno didn’t let the opportunity to see action in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Brandon Rios fight slip away.

He didn’t just win his fight against the much favored Liam Vaughan of Liverpool, United Kingdom – he did it in remarkable fashion.

Nazareno, who entered the fight sporting a journeyman’s record of 17-10, with 13 KOs, battered Vaughan in two rounds to force the stoppage in their super welterweight bout on Sunday at the Cotai Arena here.

Nazareno, a native of San Fernando City, Pampanga, showcased relentless pressure throughout the fight, prompting Vaughan’s trainer Marvin Somodio to throw in the towel.

The official time of the stoppage was 0:59 of the second canto.

The loss is Vaughan’s second against eight victories. The British fighter appeared to be gassed out after the first round, thanks to Nazareno’s body shots.

It was a remarkable win for Nazareno, who was originally scheduled to face Vaughan after the Pacquiao-Rios main event but ended up fighting each other earlier to the delight of the pro-Filipino crowd.

Nazareno was signed up for the fight on the strength of his impressive showing as one of Pacquiao’s sparring partners during the fighting congressman's preparation in General Santos City.

And he surely made the most out of it.