When WBC and Ring magazine flyweight champion Sonny Boy Jaro (Sonny Boy Jaro-Singwangcha) steps into the ring this weekend in Japan to defend his crown against Japanese challenger Toshiyuki Igarashi (15-1-1, 10 KOs), he will do so knowing he has the support of not only his “kababayans” in Silay City, Negros Occidental, but its government officials as well. View slideshow: Soy Boy Jaro photos and news clippings
After expressing his sadness for not being recognized by his hometown officials after his upset victory in Thailand, the Silay City government headed by Mayor Jose Montelibano and Vice Mayor Mark Golez are rallying behind Jaro in his title defense in Japan on July 16.
“It hurt me that in the city I grew up in, my own mayor didn’t even acknowledge my win. I proudly carry them with me whenever I step in the ring, but they didn’t even recognize me when I became a world champion,” Jaro opened up to me last month, and added, “I don’t need money, I just wanted to feel accepted and appreciated, and that the honor that I brought to the country and my city will be recognized.”
Silay City officials express their support for hometown boy Sonny Boy Jaro Photo credit: City of Silay – Sun Star Bacolod
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After getting wind of the interview, and with the help of local news publication Sun Star Bacolod wherein this scribe has a regular column, the Silay City officials have gone out to let Jaro known that the city is definitely proud of his accomplishments in an ad campaign in an effort to help boost Jaro’s morale for his upcoming fight, and make amends. The city of Silay will host and celebrate Jaro’s victory once he returns from his defense in Japan.
