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Philippines, 20 Mar 2026 |
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Mel Fajardo, Jayr Raquinel Training Hard for Their April 13 Fights By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Tue, 12 Mar 2024  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.  |
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