By REYNALD MAGALLON
BANGKOK — Mark Ashley Fajardo is hoping to break the ‘host jinx’ that befell Filipino pugs so far in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games as he takes on Thai fighter Sinsiri Bunjong in the semifinals of the men’s 69-kilogram class scheduled on Monday, Dec. 15.
Fajardo, the only Pinoy boxer who had to go through a Round of 16, advanced to the semis hardly breaking a sweat after Indonesian rival Jekri Riwu retired due to an elbow injury.
He will be gunning for an assured silver against the Thai — a matchup that hasn’t been friendly for the national pugs.
Both Hergie Bacyadan and Junmilardo Ogayre were sent packing by their Thai opponents the same day Fajardo arranged a fight against one.
“Fofocusan ko po yung next na laban ko kasi next na kalaban ko Thailand. Alam naman host” said Fajardo, who is aiming to get some sort of redemption against the host team which has now eliminated three Filipino boxers.
Bacyadan lost to Thai boxer and defending champion Baison Manikon, 4-0 in the women’s 70kg while Ogayre absorbed 5-0 loss to Sakda Ruamthan in the men’s 60kg quarterfinals.
On the opening day, Ian Clark Bautista’s bid for a fourth straight gold medal came to a halt after losing to another Thai fighter Sarawut Sukhtet in the men’s 57kg class.
“Pagsisikapan ko po kasi ayun nga, gaya nung sa unang laban, hindi magpalugi iyan, sabi nila na-luto raw. Sa akin, gagawin ko lang yung best ko,” he added, referring to Bacyadan’s earlier loss.
So far, PH boxing has an assured eight bronzes with all but Bacyadan has the chance to get a higher placing.
