Young Cebuano boxer AJ Paciones faced a significant challenge on May 24, 2026, and emerged victorious. He claimed a unanimous decision win over Richard Laspoña at The Flash Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City.
This match showcased the skills of both fighters. The 21-year-old Paciones strategically maintained his distance, utilizing his long reach and sharp jabs effectively. In contrast, Laspoña displayed a more aggressive style, opting for powerful combinations from close range. Both men had their moments, making for an engaging contest.
In a thrilling final round, the crowd erupted as Paciones and Laspoña exchanged blows, showcasing their determination and skill. After ten intense rounds, the judges scored the fight 97-93 twice and 96-94, all in favor of Paciones.
With this win, Paciones successfully defended his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental flyweight title and is now eyeing a world title shot. He holds impressive rankings: No. 5 by the WBO, No. 11 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), and No. 13 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF). He remains undefeated at 13-0 with seven knockouts. Meanwhile, Laspoña suffered his first loss, bringing his record to 11-1.
In another exciting development, 21-year-old Zyvyr Medecilo captured the WBC International minimumweight title. He accomplished this with a ninth-round stoppage against Japan’s Tatsuro Nakashima, who now has a record of 12-6-2.
Boxing remains a sport of highs and lows, where each match can dramatically shape a fighter’s career. Many fans follow their favorite athletes on social media, reacting with real-time updates and opinions during fights. The growing popularity of boxing among younger fans suggests that the sport’s future could be quite bright, especially with emerging talents like Paciones and Medecilo.
For more insights on the state of boxing today, you can check this WBC report.
