Philippines, 28 Aug 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Mel Fajardo, Jayr Raquinel Training Hard for Their April 13 Fights


PhilBoxing.com




Fajardo and Raquinel pose with their coaches Asilo and Alegria after a training session at the Highland Gym in Benguet.

They are not only stablemates, but also friends and sparring partners. World-ranked Filipino boxers Light Flyweight Mel Fajardo and Super Flyweight "The Dreamer" Jayr Raquinel - guided by their head coaches - keep on preparing as best as possible for their respective regional title fights set for Saturday, April 13.

MEL FAJARDO DEFENDS OPBF BELT APRIL 13 IN OSAKA, JAPAN

Mel Fajardo (11-1-2, 10 KO's), the 24-year-old knockout artist born in Agusan del Sur, will wage the most important battle of his boxing career, headlining the main event at the 8,000-seat EDION Arena in Namba, Osaka, Japan.

"The Silent Assassin" will defend his OPBF Light Flyweight Title from the furious fists of another World-ranked knockout artist: Thanongsak Simsri (32-1, 30 KO's) of Srisaket, Thailand.

The super hot clash will be Fajardo's first title defense of the OPBF (WBC's Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation) belt he claimed by stopping in 60 seconds popular Cebuano John Paul "The Destroyer" Gabunilas (10-3, 7 KO's), last August in LapuLapu City, Cebu.



Mel Fajardo rocks Paul Gabunilas seconds into the fight during their encounter in Lapulapu City, Cebu.

However, with far better credentials than Gabunilas, the 23-year-old Thanongsak could represent a bigger danger to Mel Fajardo, a fighter known for his devastating power.

In fact, stakes could not be higher for Fajardo, as he puts in the line of fire not only his coveted OPBF 108-pound title, but all his world rankings as well.

Currently, "The Silent Assassin" is rated in the world-rankings of all four major sanctioning bodies:

Mel is world ranked in the Flyweight division as WBC as #12 and in the WBA as #14.

Also, ranked in the Light Flyweights as IBF #4 and WBO #14.

Meanwhile, Mel's opponent, Thanonsak Simsri is ranked as high as WBO #4.

Truly, this coming April 13 rumble in Osaka, Japan, is indeed a major test for the Mel.

He and his team understand this so well.

That is the reason why Mel Fajardo keeps on training with his trusted head coach Ericxon Asilo of Samar at the popular Highland Boxing Gym in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Why in La Trinidad?

Because the high altitude of mountainous La Trinidad can provide Mel with enhanced oxygen utilization, as well as give him improved endurance capacity during fight night.

In addition, La Trinidad in Benguet Province offers a sense of relaxation, mountain trail roads and clean air, suitable for training.

The magnificent area is decorated with magnificent strawberry fields, which are some of the bests in the world, sights of beautiful colorful houses along the roads, cool weather ideal for jogging, as well as fresh yummy vegetables and meats to eat.

No doubt, Mel and Jayr are training with the right coaches at the right time, and in the right place.

Because the impending battles could be tough.

A silent boy, but a lethal warrior when the first bell sounds, Mel Fajardo has already fought and won in overseas rings in China, Dubai and Thailand.

This coming rumble will be his first fighting appearance in the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan. Will he manage to claim another thrilling win?

Mel's main sparring partner is none other than his trusted friend, world-ranked super flyweight Jayr Raquinel, the popular boxer from beautiful Negros Occidental, who will see action on the same day, Saturday April 13, although not in Japan.

JAYR RAQUINEL BATTLING FOR THE IBF ASIA 115 STRAP IN BACOLOD

The 27-year-old "Dreamer" Jayr Raquinel (15-2-1, 12 KO's), owner of fantastic punching power, warrior-heart, speed and skills is set to see action against another Thailand fighter.

"The Dreamer" prepares to fight for IBF Asia Super Flyweight Title on Saturday, April 13, at the plush SMX Convention Center at SM City Fortich Ave., in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

Raquinel's sparring sessions with sparring buddy Mel Fajardo at the Highland Boxing Gym in La Trinidad, Benguet, could not be more useful in getting him ready, in fact, in getting both of them ready.

For Raquinel, on the line will be the coveted red & golden IBF Asian Belt, as well his three hard-earned world rankings: "The Dreamer" is currently ranked as IBF # 11, WBO # 11 and WBC # 5. Not bad at all!


Raquinel Has stopped three Japanese fighters in Japan.

Really, a win in Bacolod will most likely improve Raquinel's standing in the World-Rankings in the Super Flyweight division, which is the hot weight-class that boasts champions as unbeaten young champ Fernando "Puma" Martinez of Argentina; as well as veteran warrior champions, probable hall-of-famers Juan Francisco "El Gallo" Estrada of Mexico and Kazuto Ioka of Japan.

Who would not want to fight any of them?

In fact, Raquinel's dream is to battle any of the champions for the world title. That's the reason why his fight on April 13 in the Syudad sang Bacolod is so crucial.

To make sure that he will be ready, Raquinel keeps on training at the Highland Boxing Gym in La Trinidad under the guidance and care of veteran head coach, former GAB titlist Allan Alegria of Cotabato del Norte.

Should Mel Fajardo and Jayr Raquinel score wins in their respective title fights on April 13, their careers get a huge boost, their world-rankings might sky rocket, inching them closer to a possible world title fight.

Good luck to both Pinoy warriors Fajardo and Raquinel in their respective title battles. On fight night, May the Best Men Win!


The author Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and whatsapp +639184538152.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Crawford to Be Stripped of WBA Title Once He Climb the Ring to Fight Canelo
    By Dong Secuya, , Wed, 27 Aug 2025
  • Sebastian Juarez Remains Undefeated with Captivating 4th Round TKO Over Louis Hernandez
    , Wed, 27 Aug 2025
  • Jajaira Gonzalez Prepared to Meet the Moment at 2025 World Boxing Championships
    , Wed, 27 Aug 2025
  • 2 Division & Former Unified World Champion Juan Francisco Estrada Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 27 Aug 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 AUGUST 2025
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 26 Aug 2025
  • Magpily rules PH National Women's Elimination - Luzon Leg
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 26 Aug 2025
  • Carlos De Leon Shines with 2nd Round TKO, Remains Undefeated on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 14
    , Tue, 26 Aug 2025
  • GM Daniel Quizon Wins 4th Edition Eduardo B. Basilonia Touchmove Open Invitational Rapid Chess Tournament; pockets P100,000
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 26 Aug 2025
  • Good Luck, Lucky Boy Reymark Alicaba!
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 25 Aug 2025
  • Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Released
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 25 Aug 2025
  • Mapua EE wins Bowling B Championship, IM Datu leads Mapua Chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 25 Aug 2025
  • ALOYSIUS YAPP CLAIMS LONG-AWAITED US OPEN CROWN
    , Sun, 24 Aug 2025
  • Don King Productions Moving Forward With October 4th WBA World Heavyweight Showdown
    , Sun, 24 Aug 2025
  • Controversial Judges from Pacquiao-Barrios Fight Tapped for Canelo-Crawford Showdown
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 23 Aug 2025
  • Levinson’s Gift: Runyon’s quiet revelation, Lawton’s last battle, and the first Filipino boxer
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Sat, 23 Aug 2025
  • Rodrigo to challenge undefeated Sandoval in US
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 23 Aug 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Call to Action 12 Items for Boxers' Safety
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • Libranza vs Pangga headlines Elorde card on Aug 24
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • GM Antonio to compete in P100,000 top prize Rapid chessfest this Sunday in Roxas City, Capiz Province
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • AISAT Basic Ed football training starts
    By Kim delos Reyes-Teves, , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • Josh Navarro Scores Another Win in Pomona, California
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • UNDEFEATED CRIZTIAN PITT LAURENTE SET TO FACE HEBI MARAPU FOR IBF PAN PACIFIC TITLE
    , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • Dare To Enter: Undefeated WBC Interim Champion Vergil Ortiz to Defend Super Welterweight Title From Number 1 Contender Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin
    , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • Euri Cedeno Takes on Willie Jones on Friday, September 5th at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA
    , Fri, 22 Aug 2025
  • COE AND HART CLASH ON BOOTS ENNIS CARD IN PHILADELPHIA
    , Thu, 21 Aug 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.