RP grabbed the 19th spot with a total of two golds, five silvers and nine bronzes.
Payla, in a phone interview over TV Patrol World, said he finally avenged his loss against Thailand's Somjit Jongjohor who had beaten him a few times in other past tournaments. He beat the Thai boxer on points, 31-15, for the men's light flyweight -- 48 kg gold at the Aspire Hall 5.
"Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga tulong at panalangin niyo sa akin (I thank you for all your support and prayers)," said Payla whose voice was cracking with disbelief on his new-found fame when interviewed by anchor Ted Failon.
Payla said he didn't take the personal comments thrown against him by the Thai opponent including that of his being a monkey-like banana eater. Payla just punched his way through openings and converted it to points. (MLSA)
