JHALEEL Payao headline the latest installment of Who’s Next? Pro Boxing Series in a crucial Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) bantamweight title defense against Renerio Arizala on Oct. 27 at the Mandaue City Sports Complex.
The 23-year-old Payao will be in a fight that will dictate his future in the sport, if he is ready for the next level or not.
?If he successfully defends his belt and shows an impressive performance, then we are looking at a WBO (World Boxing Organization) regional title in December,? said Omega Pro Sports International vice president Jerome Calatrava.
Payao is a winner of five straight fights since suffering his first career defeat in the hands of Michael Dasmari?as by unanimous decision two years ago. He is coming off a fifth-round technical knockout of Jason Tinampay.
The 23-year-old Arizala is on a five-fight slump, losing to the likes of Jake Bornea and Salatiel Amit.
Experienced Jason Canoy (26-7-2, 19 KOs) trades leathers with Eugene Lagos (11-4-2, 7 KOs) in the show’s other main feature.
Canoy looks to bounce back after losing Mzuvukile Magwaca by a split decision in March. Lagos is also coming of a loss to Mexican slugger Cesar Juarez in his last fight in April.
The undercard is headlined by an exhilarating fight between slugger Kenny Demecillo (12-4-2, 7 KOs) and tough journeyman Gerpaul Valero (21-19-4, 15 KOs). (EKA)
