Fighting for the first time in the featherweight division, in an ESPN Boxing Africa-organised tournament last night, Lamati dominated the fight, throwing cleaner punches from the first round.

Geraldo touched the canvas in the fourth round after he was floored by a strong Lamati right-hand.

Lamati improved his record to 21 wins – 11 via knockout – and only one draw.

The 30-year-old reflects on the bout and explains the reasons behind changing division.

“I was very alert because he is a tricky fighter. I was counting the punches that I was missing, he wanted me to be comfortable on that missing and then counters me,” said Lamati.

“Filipinos are very slick fighters and they are very awkward and they believe in power so I was watching him very careful and I wanted to counter him the same as he wanted to counter me.

“I wanted to push him and press him because I was feeling strong because this is a new division - I wanted to make a statement that was the thing.

“I had to change my training, I have a strength trainer, I have a dietician, my team changed everything, my training routine changed and it became better and makes me a better person. So now I’m feeling good, I’m feeling sharp every time I’m stepping in the ring.”

Lamati also received his WBC unity belt, which has the face of international icon Nelson Mandela, from Mexico, where the WBC Convention was recently held.

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