IT WILL be a clash of undefeated young Filipino prospects as AJ Paciones locks horns with Leonard Pores III on Aug. 30, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Paciones is a 20-year-old phenom who’s been making waves in the international boxing scene. He’s currently the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental flyweight titleholder and is highly ranked globally.
He is rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) in the light-flyweight category, and No. 15 and No. 18 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and the World Boxing Council (WBC), respectively.
Paciones, a Cebuano based in Vietnam, won the biggest fight of his career after defeating former world champion Rene Mark Cuarto by split decision last year in Mandaue City. He followed it up with wins over Xiang Li and Sanchai Yotboon in Thailand.
On the other side of the ring, Pores is also a budding young star in his own right. He’s been knocking out his opponents left and right in just two years as a pro. This will be his biggest fight to date and will be his first international fight.
Coming in as the underdog, an upset win over Paciones could earn him a coveted spot in the world rankings.
The 21-year-old Pores has already fought twice this year, stopping both Dennis Gaviola and Christian Dave Puing.
Paciones is 11-0 with six knockouts, while Pores is 7-0 with six knockouts. / EKA