Fajardo shifts focus on weight
FILIPINO world title challengers Miel Fajardo (right) and Zyvyr Medecilo (left) and their Hong Kong manager Lennon Tsoi are set to reunite in Tokyo.
Photograph by Nick Giongco for DAILY TRIBUNE
Making weight seems to be Miel Fajardo’s biggest concern with three weeks before he challenges for Masamichi Yabuki’s International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight title in Japan.
It’s not because Fajardo is having a hard time getting rid of excess baggage.
In fact, as of Thursday, Fajardo is weighing 120 pounds, just eight pounds north of the 112-pound limit.
Matchmaker Anthony Arieta, who is monitoring Fajardo’s training at the Elorde Sports Center, told DAILY TRIBUNE that the IBF’s mandatory challenger, even wants to make the weight on the day he and his team leave for Tokyo on 20 November.
Fajardo battles Yabuki on 26 November at the Ebara Wave Arena.
“That’s what Miel wants because he doesn’t want to leave Manila still thinking about the weight,” Arieta said.
Fajardo knows that arriving in Tokyo still heavy could mess up his preparations and conditioning during fight week since he will likely stay indoors the moment he gets there until fight day.
Based on last year’s conditions, Tokyo from 20 to 27 November will be cold with temperatures ranging from a high of 15 degrees Celsius to a low of 7 degrees.
“Yeah, it would be hard to perspire outdoors by that time,” added Arieta.
Welcoming Team Fajardo at Haneda Airport is Lennon Tsoi, the Hong Kong manager of the IBF No. 1 contender.
From the airport, they will be brought to the Yokohama Bay Sheraton where another Tsoi fighter, Zyvyr Medecilo, will also be housed, according to Arieta.
Medecilo is also vying for a world title on the same night Fajardo faces Yabuki.
In the main supporting bout, Medecilo meets reigning World Boxing Association minimumweight titlist Takeshi Ishii.
Medecilo is also on the same flight as Fajardo and their respective trainers, brothers Ericxon and Jericho Asilo.