Pinoy Boxer Vies for Vacant WBO Asian Pacific Title

Promising Jetro “Silent Operator” Pabustan of the Philippines will fight Japanese Tatsuya Takahashi for the vacant WBO Asian Pacific bantamweight title on July 3 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

“My training is good with the help of my coach Jhun Agrabio,” said Pabustan, who will be accompanied by his manager Kenneth Rontal of Cagayan de Oro City.

The 27-year-old southpaw from Malungon, Sarangani Province won his last fight via a second round technical knockout against Jomar Ministerio last March 3 in Zamboanga Sibugay.

“I will do all my best to win this fight,” said Pabustan, whop holds a record of 28-4-6, 9 knockouts.

Pabustan bounced back by winning four of his next five fights including a unanimous decision over Kenny Demecillo, who later became the interim WBA Oceania bantamweight, WBF Asia Pacific bantamweight and WBF Intercontinental bantamweight champion. After losing by a unanimous decision to Kentaro Masuda for the Japanese bantamweight title in 2014, Takahashi (26-6-5-, 19 KOs) has then never been lost in his last 10 fights. He had two draws and won eight of them with six knockouts. Takahashi, 28 had fought but lost for the vacant WBC Youth Silver super bantamweight title by a 10th round technical knockout against Filipino Rey Perez in 2012 in Laguna City. (Lito delos Reyes/PNA)