Fajardo books semis berth in Thailand boxing tilt
By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Mark Ashley Fajardo assured the Philippine team of another medal after advancing to the semifinals at the Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok on Tuesday, May 27.
Fajardo, a bronze medalist at the ASBC Elite Men & Women Championships last December, flashed his brilliance anew and scored a 4-1 decision over Ukraine’s Nikita Pohozhyi to assure himself of at least a bronze medal in the men’s welterweight (65kg) division.
Judges from Serbia and Ireland gave it 30-27, while judges from Tajikistan and Thailand had it 29-28 for the Filipino fighter. Only the judge from Morocco scored 29-28 in favor of the Ukrainian boxer.
The victory allowed Fajardo a semifinal date with hometown bet Khunatip Pidnuch, who overpowered Uzbekistan’s Ilyasov Sayat with a unanimous 5-0 decision.
The other semis pairing pit Kazakhstan’s Dulat Bekbauov and Bunjong Sinsiri, who also outclassed their respective rivals.
Bekbauov toppled Kyrgyzstan’s Seiitbek Uulu Munarbek with a split 4-1 decision, while Sinsiri clobbered Phuthanet Aiamram with a unanimous 5-0 score.
Fajardo remained one of the two Filipinos standing in this annual tournament after Riza Pasuit also assured herself of at least a bronze medal when she advanced to the semis in the women’s light (60kg) class.
