FORMER World Boxing Council flyweight champion Sonny Boy Jaro (37 wins, 13 defeats and 5 draws, 27 KOs) is on his way to regain the world title after knocking out Indonesian Ichal Tobida in the fifth round to capture the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) junior bantamweight title last Saturday at Almendras Gym in Davao City.
This is the Silay City native's third consecutive knockout victory after scoring two first-round KO wins early this year over Marzon Cabilla in January and Jovel Romasasa in March.
The 32-year-old Jaro has been working hard in the past couple of years to redeem himself as a world champion after losing his WBC flyweight belt via unanimous decision to Japanese Toshiyuki Igarashi in July 2012.
In March 2012, Jaro came out triumphant with a sixth round knockout over then Thai champion Pongsaklek Wonjongkam stunning the home crowd in Thailand.
Jaro suffered another upset against Hiroyuki Hisataka via unanimous decision in a 10-round clash at Bodymaker Colosseum, Osaka, Japan in April 2013.
Four months later, the Negrense fighter failed to bounce back with a split decision loss to Gerpaul Valero in a 10-round battle at Cebu City Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
“I would like to thank all those who supported me and prayed for my victory. You have to watch out for my next world title fight so that I can give another honor for my hometown – Silay City and our country,” a jubilant Jaro said.
With Jaro clinching another boxing belt, he complements other reigning Negrense world and regional idols like WBO junior flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes of Bacolod and Murcia, WBO Inter-Continental super bantamweight titlist Genesis “Azukal” Servania of Bacolod City, WBO International super flyweight champ “King” Arthur Villanueva of Bago City, and WBC International super featherweight champion Ryan “Crusher” Sermona of Himamaylan City. (HGD)