Boxing: Pinoy fighter Jaro wins WBC Flyweight title

Negrense Sonny Boy Jaro stunned the boxing world Friday by wresting the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight title from legendary Thai fighter Pongsaklek Wonjongkam with a sixth round knockout in Chonburi, Thailand.   Jaro pummeled Wonjongkam with a barrage of punches, sending the celebrated boxer from Nakhon Ratchasima down on all fours. He failed to beat the count, sparking a celebration in the corner of the newly-crowned champion.   The 29-year-old Jaro became the fifth Filipino who currently holds the flyweight world title after Nonito Donaire Jr, Donnie Nietes, Brian Viloria, and the charismatic Manny Pacquiao.   Jaro was the heavy underdog in the 12-round bout. He is a  native of Silay, Negros Occidental.   He had sought a world title twice, but failed against WBC light flyweight Edgar Sosa in 2008 and World Boxing Association light flyweight Giovanni Segura in 2009.   He raised his record to 34-10, with 24 KOs.   The 34-year-old Wonjongkam is one of the most beloved boxers in Thailand, strung up 55 straight wins – considered one of the longest streaks in boxing history – from July 1996 to July 2007.   He was recently named `Fighter of the Year’ by the WBC.   Wonjongkam’s record fell to 83-3-2, with 44 KOs.   Jaro came out ready against his fancied opponent, surprising the long-time champion by knocking him down in the opening round with a vicious right uppercut.   Three rounds later, the celebrated Thai was again down on the canvas, courtesy of a right straight to the head by Jaro.   By the sixth round, Wonjongkam appeared ripe for the picking and Jaro readily seized the opportunity, unleashed a barrage of punches against the hapless Thai for the knockout win.   The last time a Filipino boxer gave a stunning performance in Thailand was in 1998 when Pacquiao won the same WBC Flyweight title belt in 1998 by knocking out champion Chatchai Sasakul in eight rounds. — RF/RSJ/ELR, GMA News