National boxing team standout Mark Ashley Fajardo has decided to turn professional with JC Mananquil of SanMan Boxing handling his promotional career.

Fajardo, who took the bronze in the 65 kilogram class of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, will make his pro debut in October.

Fajardo, 21, informed the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) about his decision to go pro, according to head coach Pat Gaspi.

“He told us of his wish to turn professional but he also left the door open to represent the country (in international competitions),” Gaspi said.

Fajardo, who hails from Talisay City in Cebu, was recruited by the ABAP after making waves in the Palarong Pambansa, noted topnotch Cebu ring guru Edito Villamor.

Another Cebuano, Brix Flores, the 1986 Seoul Asian Games bronze medalist, feels Fajardo’s style is tailor-made for the pro ranks.

“He can become a (world) champion,” Flores said.

Gaspi echoed Flores’ observations “because Fajardo hits hard.”

Gaspi added that one big reason why Fajardo made the big move was because his weight class was excluded from competitions in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

“He fights in the 65-kilogram class and it was not included in the Asian Games,” Gaspi added.