Former world champion Sonny Boy Jaro made a successful return to ring.
Jaro (43-13-5, 30KO) outpointed, 99-92, 96-94, 97-93, Marjun Pantilgan (11-4, 10KO) to win the vacant WBC International Super Flyweight belt in the main event of Shape-up Boxing Promotion’s fight card, Wednesday evening at the Makati Cinema Square in Makati City.
After a yearlong absence in the boxing scene, the 34-year-old Jaro used his experience against his younger and faster opponent. Landing few yet accurate shots to the 22-year-old Pantilgan to start the fight.
In the second round, Jaro connected with a well-timed uppercut to the head of Pantilgan. Pantilgan though immediately returned the favor, landing a right straight.
Pantilgan tried to assert his might by pressing forward against Jaro in the next round. He threw jabs and an overhand which made the veteran go on defensive mode.
The Mindanao boxing federation champ put up his finest showing in the fifth round where banked on his speed to launch his combinations. He also landed a perfectly-timed right straight that caught Jaro off balance.
However, it turned out to be his last as the grizzled veteran restored order in the succeeding rounds. The 61-fight veteran targeted most of his shots to the body that frustrated his younger opponent until the end of the fight.
After the final bell, all three judges scored the bout in favor of the Jaro.
“Masaya ako kahit mejo mahirap kasi comeback fight ko, championship fight kagad,” a relieved Jaro told Tiebreaker Times after his fight.
“Kaya nagpapa-salamat ako lalo na kay Sir Anson dahil pinagbigyan niya ako ng pagkakataon ulit kahit sa ganitong edad na kaya nagpapa-salamat ako.”
Asked about what’s next for him, the former WBC world flyweight title holder said that it’s still up in the air. He also expressed his intention for another run at the gold, eyeing a future showdown with WBA champion Luis Concepcion.
“Depende po sa manager ko kung anong plano niya (para sa akin),” he said. “Pero sana makalaban tayo kay Concepcion.”
Shape-Up Boxing Promotions results
Makati Cinema Square, Makati City – November 16, 2016
Sonny Boy Jaro def. Marjun Pantilgan (UD)*
Eduard Heno def. Roque Lauro (TKO, 6th)
Arnel Baconaje def. Jason Berwela (TKO, 1st)
Cris Ocana def. Julius Bala (TKO, 5th)
Kyota Otsuka fought Glenne Calacar in a draw
Glen Bismanos def. Romano Villanueva (TKO, 1st)
*For the vacant WBC International super flyweight belt
