YOUNG Cebuano prospect Jhaleel Payao is relatively unknown in mainstream boxing. But he made a huge statement that he is ready for bigger fights after dethroning World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth super flyweight titleholder Rene Dacquel the other night.
The 21-year-old Payao kept his unbeaten slate clean and became the new WBC Youth champion with a unanimous verdict against Dacquel at the Olivarez Sports Complex in Paranaque City.
?Payao put on an impressive performance. I think he will reach great heights in his career,? Omega Boxing Gym trainer Christopher ?Ping-Ping? Tepora told Sun.Star Cebu.
All three judges were in unison and gave the fight to Payao with scores of 96-94, 97-93 and 97-94.
Dacquel was Payao?s most credible opponent to date after fighting mostly journeymen.
Payao remained undefeated with 11-0 including six knockouts, while Dacquel suffered his first loss in over a year and dropped to 12-4-1 with four knockouts.
Following his prot?g??s impressive performance, Tepora was quick to jump that Payao is ready for the big league.
?I think we are ready to accept an offer for a world title,? he said.
By winning the WBC Youth strap there is a possibility that Payao will break into the WBC?s super flyweight world rankings. The current WBC super flyweight titleholder is unbeaten Carlos Cuadras of Mexico, who recently demolished Filipino Marvin Mabait in six rounds.
