Payao to defend Phl bantam crown vs ALA’s Yu

CEBU, Philippines — Jared ‘Iron Chin’ Payao (15-1, 9KOs) of the Omega Boxing Gym has vowed to put on a show when he defends his Philippine bantamweight title against Raul 'Vulcan' Yu (9-2, 8KOs) of the ALA Boxing Gym in the main event of  "Who’s Next? 5:Pro Boxing Series" tonight at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

The 24-year-old Payao guns for his third straight win by knockout, but he admitted that it's going to be a tough task as he battles Yu, who once challenged for the IBF Youth title but lost to Jade Bornea via unanimous decision last February at Lagao Gym in General Santos City.

“I consider him as one of my toughest challenge but I am positive that I will come out victorious,” said Payao. "I cannot say that I can knock him out early, but I will really look for a knockout."

 "I think I am ready for the next level. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to fight for a regional belt because that is really my goal for next year,” added Payao.

Both Payao and Yu tipped the scales at 118 pounds during the official weigh-in yesterday at Parkmall’s activity center.

For his part, Yu is ready to spoil Payao’s plan, more so that he is also yearning to resurrect his sagging career.

“I consider this fight as my final chance. I failed last time in winning the IBF Youth belt, but I believe that a victory against him (Payao) will revive my dream of someday fighting for the world championship,” said Yu, who sparred with three-division world champion Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes as part of his rigid training regimen.

In the supporting bout, another Omega fighter in Jason ‘Dillinger’ Canoy will slug it out with Renerio Arizala in a 10-rounder under the bantamweight division.

The rest of the card features Kenny ‘Big Heart’ Demecillo vs Gerpaul Valero; Tom June Mangubat vs Crisanto Contemprato; Rimon Rama vs Richard Bulacan; Jimboy Haya vs Elias Joaquino; and Jay-R Aliasot vs Ryan Bongcawil. (FREEMAN)