A failed bid to win the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior-flyweight belt has not deterred DeeJay Kriel.
Instead, the former IBF minimumweight titlist is determined to push forward and do more following a 10th round stoppage loss to Nicaraguan boxer Felix Alavarado at the American Airlines Centre in Dallas, Texas, in the United States of America on Saturday.
Kriel was bidding to become the second South African boxer holding an IBF belt. Currently, flyweight king Moruti ‘Babyface’ Mthalane is the only South African boxer holding an IBF title.
‘‘Obviously, I’m a little bit disappointed. I will be back and better than ever. I will be a world champion again and I’m gonna be better than I have ever been,’’ Kriel said.
The 25-year-old former world champion has admitted that he came up against a formidable and strong opponent in Alavarado.
‘‘I fought a strong fighter and probably the best fighter in the world in that division. It’s gonna be interesting what happens now. I will move forward and come back stronger,’’ he said.
Kriel had the IBF mimimumweight belt strapped around his waist after he stopped Carlos Licona in February 2019.
