Fajardo makes weight for much-anticipated pro boxing debut
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebuano amateur boxing standout Mark Ashley Fajardo officially cleared the scales for his much-anticipated professional debut, taking the first step in his transition from decorated amateur boxer to the professional ranks.
The Talisay City pride weighed in at 143.2 pounds ahead of his four-round super lightweight bout against fellow debutant Ajay Bustamante, who tipped the scales at 141.7 pounds on Saturday, October 10. It was ahead of their bout in the Sanman 104 boxing event on Sunday, October 11, in General Santos City.
Promoted by Sanman Boxing Promotions, the fight marks the beginning of a new chapter for Fajardo, a 2025 Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist who has built an impressive amateur résumé on the international stage.
While Bustamante has already fought twice in the professional ranks, his record stands at one win and one loss. He suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Jhaymil Ubando in his February debut before bouncing back with a unanimous decision victory over Christian Garduce in April. Both fights were held in General Santos City.
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Fajardo, meanwhile, is stepping into the professional scene after earning bronze in the men’s 69-kilogram division at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand. He bowed out in the semifinals after losing by unanimous decision to host fighter Bunjong Sinsiri.
He also captured bronze at the 2024 ASBC Asian U22 and Youth Boxing Championships in Kazakhstan.
The Hitman
Now known as “The Hitman,” Fajardo has joined the training camp of veteran coach Nonito Donaire Sr., father of four-division world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. Donaire Sr. is among the trainers at Sanman Boxing.
Fajardo has also been receiving guidance from former interim world champion Reymart Gaballo as he adjusts to the demands of professional boxing.
The Cebuano announced his decision to turn professional a month ago after years of competing in the amateur circuit. His debut on Sunday will test how his international amateur experience translates to the professional game as he begins his campaign in the paid ranks.
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Other bouts
In the other featured matchups, Kevin Villanueva weighed 113.3 pounds against Eduard Teric (110) in an eight-round super flyweight bout, while Joey Canoy (106.7) faces Remark Antaran (106) in a six-round minimumweight contest.
Gabriel Tapales weighed 124.5 pounds and Justine Oinal 121.9 pounds for their six-round super bantamweight bout.
The undercard also features Lourinz Biasong (116) against Jovany Tagusi (121) in a six-round catchweight contest; Arjeam Montecalvo (113.7) versus Jayven Landesa (115) in a six-round super flyweight bout; and Joshua Dumasig (130.5) against Mark Glen Antaran (131.1) in a six-round super featherweight clash.
In the four-round bouts, Hanz Quilaton (114.8 takes on Jimson Arigola (115.5) in a super flyweight contest, Nino Tellor (107.8)faces Bobby Larano (109.3) in a minimumweight bout, and Aldren Diabordo (107.8) meets Frankie Batuon (109.7) in a light flyweight matchup.
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