Farenas stops Davis, earns title shot

MANILA, Philippines – Michael Farenas positioned himself for a crack at a world title after posting an impressive eighth round technical knockout win over previously unbeaten Mark Davis at the Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut Wednesday night (Thursday morning in Manila).

Reports said referee Steve Smoger halted the bout at 0:59 of the eighth canto as Farenas continued to pummel Davis with several unanswered blows, forcing the latter into the corner.

The victory guaranteed Farenas a shot at the IBF super featherweight championship against the winner of the other title eliminator bout between Argenis Mendez of the Dominican Republic and Cuban Rances Bartahlemy on July 10.

Farenas, who is handled by former world champion Gerry Penalosa, improved to 39-4-4-1, with 31 knockouts. Davis, meanwhile, suffered his first loss in 19 fights.