PASIG City—WBC world flyweight champion Sonny Boy Jaro was one of the interested spectators watching the Pinoy Pride XIV weigh-in at Robinson’s Galleria in Ortigas.
The 30-year-old Jaro from Silay City, Negros Occidental won the WBC crown last March with a stunning sixth-round technical knockout upset win over Pongsaklek Wonjongkam of Thailand in Chonburi, Thailand.
Jaro is set to defend his title for the first time in Japan this July 16 against Japanese Toshiyuki Igarashi (15W-1L-1D, 10 KOs).
Jaro (34W-10L-5D, 24 KOs) said he has started sparring in the gym against his stablemates. He also said he has already seen films of his challenger’s previous fights.
“I know he will try to run. But I am confident that I can catch him and knock him out.” Jaro said.
Igarashi owns knockout wins over Filipino Rexon Flores and Indonesian Alex Buckie, who was stopped by Dodie Boy Penalosa Jr last April in nine rounds in Mandaue City. The Jaro vs. Igarashi bout will be held in Kasukabe, Saitama, Japan. /correspondent Rene Bonsubre,Jr.