By MARK REY MONTEJO
Rising Filipino boxers Mark Ashley Fajardo, Robert Malunoc Jr., Jay Bryan Baricuatro and Flint Jara barged into the semifinals of their respective categories in the 2024 ASBC Asian Under 22 and Youth Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Fajardo made a good impression with a technical knockout win as he just needed 10 seconds to complete his quarterfinal assignment on Thursday night, May 2, after throwing a solid left hook in the opening round that stunned Iraqi Ali Qasim Al-Sarray to secure his ticket to the men’s light welterweight semis.
The Talisay, Cebu native also scored a TKO victory over Jordan’s Abdallah Almharat in Round of 16, where he put the latter down to the canvas twice.
Meanwhile in the men’s minimumweight (46-48 kg) class, Malunoc outlasted Iranian Mahdi Shabi in their quarterfinals bout and set up a battle against Tajikistan Muinkhodzha Muminov in the semis.
On other hand, Baricuatro toppled Uzbek Shodyorjon Melikuziev.
In men’s bantamweight (54-51kg), Jara won via split decision over Turkmenistan’s Alisher Orazbayev.
Jara is set to tussle with Mongolia’s Enkhasaikhan Oyun-Erdene in the semifinals.
The four PH boxers are assured a bronze medal finish.
