FORMER World Boxing Council flyweight champion Sonny Boy Jaro is looking for a possible return to the world championship before he retires.
And the road to that journey begins on February 17 when the 36-year-old Silay City native, who now resides in Binagonan, Rizal, faces Donny Mabao of Cagayan Valley.
The bout is an undercard match of the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) light flyweight title fight between champion Edward Heno and Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo.
The Jaro-Mabao match is scheduled for eight rounds in the 119 pounds weight.
Coming off an IBF Inter-Continental super flyweight title loss to Jonas Sultan last year, Jaro (43 wins, 14 defeats, 5 draws with 30 KOs) admitted that he’s not getting younger and wanted to seal his boxing career with flying colors.
“I want to do this for my family and the future of my sons,” he said.
Starting his pro-career at 20 years old, Jaro shared that his life never had a clear direction and he would sometimes end up empty-handed despite his winnings.
“I have been very generous to everyone around me and forgot to spare something for my family. Thus, I want to make these final years in my career more fruitful,” he said.
“Sometimes we need to go through tough times to learn. That’s why my message to boxers who are just starting, save as much as you can for the future. We can’t foresee what is ahead of us after boxing,” he added.
The 29-year-old Mabao is hoping to end his 10-fight drought.
His last victory was two years ago when he defeated Michael Enriquez for the Philippine Games and Amusement Board (GAB) flyweight crown. His celebration was short-lived after he lost the belt to Felipe Cagubcob Jr. five months later.
The upcoming event is presented by Highland International Boxing Promotions and supported by the Singwancha Foundation and sanctioned by the GAB.
