Filipino lightweight Harry Tañamor stunned American Luis Yanez, 17-7, to enter the International Amateur Boxing Association World Boxing Championships semifinals Thursday at the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion in Chicago .

The shocker of a win assured Tanamor of the RP- PLDT-Smart boxing team of the bronze medal in the light-flyweight class, a press release from the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines said.

Tanamor also won the bronze medals during the 2001 and 2003 World Championships held in Belfast , Ireland and Bangkok , Thailand , respectively.

‘‘This is a night to remember. I'll never forget this one,'' said the 29-year-old Tanamor, who battles Anmat Ruenroeng of Thailand in the semifinals slated Friday evening.

Ruenroeng downed Armenian Danielyan Hovhannes, 18-6 in another quarterfinals showdown.

Using his speed and movement, Tanamor came out on fire against Yanez, who is the reigning Pan American Games titlist.

The Filipino pug piled up points with body blows against the startled Yanez to take a commanding 12-5 lead halfway through the bout

Egged on by the crowd, Yanez tried to pin down Tanamor, but the Filipino skirted around the ring to preserve the victory.

''Harry boxed perfectly. He had the experience and the skills to neutralize Yanez,'' said head coach Patricio Gaspi.

Gaspi noted that Tanamor's hit and run tactic prevented Yanez from doing much damage.

ABAP president Manny Lopez said the victory justified the decision of the association to field Tanamor despite his age.

''I, for one, believe that Harry remains deadly as ever. He is in great shape as proven by his victory. The quality of competitions has improved greatly and ABAP is glad of Harry's achievement,'' Lopez said in the press release. *

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