Reigning PBF bantamweight champion Jahleel “Iron Chin” Payao of Omega Boxing Gym successfully retained his title Friday night in what the promising fighter described as the toughest test in his young career.
The 24-year-old Payao beat ALA Boxing Gym’s Raul “Vulcan” Yu via a close unanimous decision in the main event of Who’s Next 5? Civil War” at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
Two judges scored the 10-round bout, 96-93 while the third judge had it much closer at 95-94, all for Payao of Dumanjug, Cebu who improved dhis record to 16 wins, one defeat with nine knockouts.
The Butuan City native Yu meanwhile, dropped to 9W-3L-D2, 8KOs.
Payao floored Yu in the fourth round but the latter looked to return the favaor in the fifth with a solid right hook which was ruled by referee Tony Pesons as a slip. It was back and forth for the two fighters until the 10th.
“I was satisfied with my performance because I was able to execute our game plan very well even though I was bothered by the accidental headbutts in the fight,” said Payao. “It’s up to my promoters if they want me to fight bigger names. All I can assure is that I am always ready for that challenge.”
Omega Pro Sports International (OPSI) is planning to give Payao a regional title shot.
Manigos wins big
In the co-main event, Jason Canoy Manigos pummeled Renerio Arizala en-route to a unanimous decision victory after 10 rounds. Two judges saw the bout at 100-90 while one judge had it, 97-93 all in favor of Manigos (27-7-2,19KOs) of Omega Boxing Gym. Arizala dropped to 13-7-2,5KOs.
Kenny “Big Heart” Demecillo meanwhile, joined his fellow Omega Boxing Gym stable mates in the podium after scoring a unanimous decision victory against Gerpaul Valero in their 10-round bout. Demecillo improved to 13-4-2, 7KOs while Valero dropped to 21-20-4,15KOs.
Tomjune Mangubat also of Omega Boxing Gym needed only 54 seconds to beat Crisanto Contemprato while the visiting Richard Bulacan of Davao Oriental stunned Omega Boxing Gym’s Rimon Rama with a unanimous decision victory. Elias Joaquino outboxed Jimboy Haya to earn a split decision win.
In other results; Jay-ar Aliasot defeated Ryan Bongcawil, Mark Vicelles beat Rey Tagulaylay, Royder Lloyd Brobon edged Jerson Bancil, Ponciano Rimandiman won over John Kenan Villaflor and Marjun Piencenaves scored a TKO victory versus Johnrey Espinosa.