Manila’s freaky weather has forced Hong Kong boxing manager Lennon Tsoi to bring his prized puncher to the former British crown colony for a month-long training camp from 16 September until 17 October.

Miel Fajardo, who has a mandatory shot at reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion Masamichi Yabuki in November in Japan, has been unable to receive proper strength and conditioning owing to the incessant rains in Metro Manila the last four weeks.

“The weather’s pretty bad lately and Miel just could not get his conditioning going,” matchmaker Anthony Arieta, who helps out Tsoi in his dealings overseas and in the country, told DAILY TRIBUNE on Sunday.

Fajardo’s team is convinced that it would wasteful to wait for the weather to get better as it could jeopardize the buildup for the Agusan del Norte fighter’s first world title opportunity.

The Japanese media has reported about Yabuki’s mandatory defense against the Filipino heavy-hitter and Tsoi was left with no other choice but to relocate temporarily the fighter where he could run outside and train without having to worry about heading to the gym.

Fajardo earned his title shot after disposing of Tobias Reyes in less than a round in their IBF title elimination match last April in Reyes’ hometown in Rosario, Santa Fe in Argentina.

After his Hong Kong stay, Fajardo will set up camp at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque for the final phase of the preparation.

Tsoi, a long-time Manila resident, owns and runs a gym near Causeway Bay in Hong Kong.

Before deciding to become a boxing manager, Tsoi used to fight in the professional ranks.

But managing Fajardo and a few others is his priority right now.

“We are all excited to have our first world champion,” Tsoi said.

Fajardo, 26, packs a 14-3-2 win-loss-draw record with 12 knockouts, including seven in the first round.

Yabuki, 34, holds a 20-4-0 mark with 18 knockouts.