In a compelling display of skill and power, Filipino junior bantamweight Vince Paras notched his third successive triumph, decisively halting the challenge of Sarawut Thawornkham in the fourth round. This significant victory not only extended Paras's winning streak but also secured him a prestigious IBF regional title in the 115-pound division, solidifying his successful ascent to a new weight class. The promising fighter and his team are now eagerly looking towards potential world championship opportunities within the super flyweight category.

Filipino Boxer Vince Paras Secures IBF Regional Title in General Santos City

In a thrilling boxing event held on a recent Sunday at Venue 88 in General Santos City, Philippines, the dynamic Filipino junior bantamweight contender, Vince Paras, demonstrated his exceptional prowess by delivering a decisive fourth-round stoppage against his Thai opponent, Sarawut Thawornkham. This impressive victory marked Paras's third consecutive win, showcasing his formidable presence in the ring following his notable trilogy with Hiroto Kyoguchi. Throughout the intense bout, the 26-year-old Paras, boasting a record of 24 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw, and 17 knockouts, maintained relentless pressure on the 33-year-old Thai southpaw. He effectively unleashed damaging combinations, particularly with potent left hooks to the body followed by powerful overhand rights. The decisive moment arrived in the fourth round when an overhand right, delivered along the ropes, severely troubled Thawornkham. A subsequent body-head combination compelled the referee to intervene, leading to a temporary collapse for Thawornkham and an official stoppage at 1 minute and 59 seconds. This triumph earned Paras an IBF regional belt in the 115-pound division, signaling his successful transition to a heavier weight class. This move comes after his unsuccessful bid for a world title at 105 pounds against Hiroto Kyoguchi in 2018, and two subsequent split decisions against the same opponent in 2014. Despite Thawornkham's record of 24 wins, 4 losses, and 19 knockouts, and a preceding three-fight winning streak, he had been out of the ring for nearly five years since his March 2020 stoppage loss to Jeny Boy Boca. Thawornkham's previous world title challenge in 2019 against Artem Dalakian for the WBA flyweight title also ended in a tenth-round stoppage. Promoter Jim Claude Manangquil emphasized the strategic importance of Paras's move to the 115-pound division, stating that fighting at flyweight had significantly drained Paras's energy and diminished his power. Manangquil, representing Sanman Promotions, expressed a keen interest in matching Paras against Willibaldo Garcia, the IBF junior bantamweight titleholder from Mexico who recently upset Rene Calixto in May to claim the title, or any other super flyweight champion. In other notable fights on the card, Ramel Macado Jnr, with a record of 10 wins and 1 loss (5 KOs), secured a ten-round unanimous decision victory over Adrian Dulayba (7-2, 4 KOs) to claim the Philippines Boxing Federation junior bantamweight title. Additionally, Pete Apolinar (18-6-1, 11 KOs) delivered a seventh-round stoppage against Pablito Canada (8-28-6, 2 KOs) in a lightweight contest.

Vince Paras's recent triumph serves as a powerful reminder of the strategic depth and adaptability required in professional boxing. His successful transition to a higher weight class, driven by the astute insights of his promoter, highlights the critical role of understanding a fighter's physical capabilities and optimal performance zone. This victory, culminating in an IBF regional belt, not only bolsters Paras's individual career but also brings renewed attention to the vibrant boxing scene in the Philippines. It underscores the potential for Filipino fighters to compete and excel on the global stage, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams in the squared circle. The pursuit of a world title now seems not just a possibility, but a tangible goal within reach for Paras, embodying the relentless spirit of competition and ambition.