Brazilian boxer Leonardo “Amendoim” Monteiro advanced to the semifinals of the 2011 Gold Regent Boxing Championship after claiming a points decision victory over Noun Phirak in their quarterfinal bout at TV3 arena on Saturday. Noun Phirak, who had predicted a 100 percent success rate before the fight, could only hide behind his gloves during the fourth round as Monteiro launched a barrage of attacks that nearly led to a knockout. The Brazilian kickboxer admitted his surprise at the result, claiming Phirak had used his elbows well during their fight. Organisers were forced to postpone Saturday’s other quarterfinal between Heng Samrang and Sheymon “Da Silva” Moraes of Brazil, after the foreigner pulled out with injury. The two will now face each other on August 20, when the remaining two quarterfinals will also be contested, with Long Sophy facing Iran’s Abass Ahmadi and Pich Seyha up against Danmag Nusson of Sweden. The eight-man 65-kilogram tournament, now in its second edition, has three-round semifinals and finals bouts slated for September 3. TRANSLATED BY IN SOPHENG