Extraordinary does not just happen.
Jonathan Taconing (22-2-1, 18KO) is one of the brightest stars in the local boxing scene today. Even at the age of 29 years old and “just” 25 bouts under his belt, the Zamboanga del Norte-native is just hitting his prime.
A southpaw with lightning-quick hands, he has amassed 22 wins in his career and winning has a stoppage rate of 81 percent. However, in his first world title bout the Filipino light flyweight lost in his bid via a controversial technical decision against Kompayak Porpramook back in 2012.
“Wala ako pinagsisisihan dun kasi ginawa ko naman yung best para sa laban na yun,” Taconing told Tiebreaker Times. “Talagang hindi lang talaga para sa atin siguro.”
Instead of sulking, Taconing pushed harder than ever and has strung together nine straight stoppage victories. It was an eye-opener that even impressed World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman. The streak has also granted him another shot at a world title as he takes on reigning WBC World Light Flyweight Champion Ganigan Lopez (27-6, 17KO) on Saturday, July 2 in Mexico City.
“He is the mandatory challenger for the Light Flyweight championship,” Sulaiman said about Taconing during his visit to the Philippines. “He will be fighting for a title in July and I believe he can be the next great Filipino boxer.”
Taconing though last fought in September of 2015. The long layoff though gave him ample time to train and rededicate himself to the sport according to him. “Medyo mahabahaba yung ensayo ko dito. Talagang pinaghahandaan ko talaga ito kasi medyo alanganin yung una,” he said. “Kelangan kong baguhin yung galaw ko para dito kasi pareho kaming southpaw. Kelangan talaga makuha ko kung paano siya gumalaw.”
After seeing the number four ranked Filipino light flyweight spar during the 16th Elorde Awards, Sulaiman gushed about the potential of Taconing. “The Philippines has had 15 WBC champions,” Sulaiman said. “I believe he can be the 16th.”
Upon hearing this, the 29 year old could only help but smile and be inspired. “Gusto ko lang ipakita sa kanya na deserve ko yung laban na yun,” Taconing closed. “Masaya ako na nagpunta siya rito para makita niya rin ang mga boksingero dito sa Pilipinas.”
Jonathan “Lightning” Taconing looks to claim his first world championship on Saturday, July 2 as he faces WBC World Light Flyweight Champion Ganigan Lopez of Mexico at the Arena Coliseo in Mexico City. Stay tuned to Tiebreaker Times for more updates.
