WITH a world title shot on the horizon, promising Cebuano prospect AJ Paciones keeps himself sharp as he takes on seasoned Thai fighter Sanchai Yotboon for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental flyweight title in Highland Boxing Promotions’ “World Cup Boxing” on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the World Siam Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
At just 20 years old, Paciones has quickly risen as one of the Philippines’ hottest young boxing talents. He already holds the World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia light-flyweight strap and wants to add another belt in a higher weight division.
Paciones has swiftly climbed the ranks despite being a pro for just three years. He fought mostly in Thailand and Vietnam, where he is based, and already became a regional champion at 18.
Last year, Paciones won the biggest fight of his career, beating former world champion Rene Mark Cuarto by split decision in his first hometown bout.
Paciones followed up his career-defining win over Cuarto with a successful title defense of his WBA belt against Chinese Xiang Li.
Paciones is rated No. 2 in the WBA light-flyweight rankings and could earn a world title shot anytime soon against current world champion Erick Rosa. He is also ranked No. 15 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 25 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).
The 28-year-old Yotboon should be good measuring stick for Paciones if he is ready for the next level. Yotboon has faced some elite competition, including Cristian Araneta, Vic Saludar, Riku Kano and Ginjiro Shigeoka.
After his loss to Araneta, Yotboon won back-to-back fights against fellow Thai fighters Thanathip Jantharod and Sittichai Nimnual.
During Friday’s pre-fight weigh-ins, Paciones made weight on his second try at 112 pounds, while Yotboon missed the mark after tipping the scales at 113 pounds.
Paciones is 10-0 with five knockouts, while Yotboon is 18-9 with 12 knockouts.
Unbeaten super-lightweight prospect Reymart Soledad is also fighting in the undercard.
Soledad (6-0, 4 KOs) trades leathers with heavy-handed Thai boxer Jatupol Raksapet (4-1, 4 KOs) for the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) super-lightweight belt. / EKA