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| Arvin John Paciones and Miel Fajardo |
As 2024 draws to a close, we’ve witnessed two of the most promising young Filipino boxers in action. Both AJ Paciones and Miel Fajardo possess the charisma and skills that scream future champions. However, their careers seem to be at a crossroads—one that could lead them to stardom or stagnation.
On December 26, 2024, while most of us were indulging in post-Christmas festivities, these warriors were hard at work in the ring, fighting not just for glory but for their families and their dreams of becoming world champions. Let’s break down what happened on this eventful day in Tanzania and Thailand.
Miel Fajardo’s Back-to-Back Defeats
Miel Fajardo, one of my favorite young fighters, stepped into the ring at the Super Dome Arena in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, against local fighter Mchanja Yohana. Unfortunately, he fell short, losing via unanimous decision with identical scores of 116-111 on all three judges.
This marks Fajardo’s second consecutive loss on foreign soil, following his defeat to Thanongsak Simsri in Japan earlier this year. At just 24 years old, Fajardo's record now stands at 11 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws.
Fight Reaction: Fajardo vs. Yohana
Watching the fight delayed here in Manila with a fresh and calm mind was an eye-opener. While it’s easy to cheer for our kababayan, objectivity is crucial. As expected, Fajardo delivered an exciting fight—charging forward, throwing heavy punches, and aiming for a knockout.
However, his aggressive style took its toll. Fajardo appeared to gas out in the later rounds, allowing Yohana to rally back with his own offensive flurries. Despite a knockdown scored by Fajardo in the 5th round, Yohana recovered and finished stronger.
For Filipino fans questioning the 10th round “knockdown” that wasn’t called, I reviewed it repeatedly. The replay shows no clear punch landed, and the referee’s no-call was the right decision.
While questionable refereeing has marred previous fights in Tanzania (remember Noli James Maquilan vs. Salmin Kassim?), this bout was relatively fair. The only minor gripe was the referee occasionally giving Yohana extra recovery time, but that’s something we see in many venues, even in the Philippines.
What’s Next for Miel Fajardo?
Fajardo’s physical abilities are unquestionable, but now the real battle begins—his mental resolve. With back-to-back defeats, his confidence will be tested. It might be time for an “activity fight” to rebuild his momentum.
Fajardo’s recent schedule hasn’t been ideal, with only three fights in two years. Improvements in his footwork, defense, and punch combinations could make a significant difference. Adding feints and utilizing his jab more effectively might also help him conserve energy and land cleaner punches.
AJ Paciones: The Teenage Sniper
At just 19 years old, AJ Paciones continues to impress. Fighting at Spaceplus Bangkok in Thailand, Paciones delivered a dominant performance against China’s Xiang Li. The judges’ scorecards were one-sided: 120-108, 119-109, and 119-109.
Known as “The Sniper,” Paciones showcases the maturity of a seasoned fighter. Training at the famed Saigon Sports Club in Vietnam, he’s thriving under a strong support system. Despite being a pure Filipino, Paciones has found a second home in Vietnam and Thailand while surprisingly only fighting once in the Philippines.
Is the WBA World Title Next for Paciones?
Paciones is now ranked at the top of the WBA standings and is eyeing a shot at Erick Rosa’s world title. Skill-wise, he’s ready. However, there’s a valid concern about his lack of experience fighting outside of Asia.
If the fight happens in the Dominican Republic, Rosa’s home turf, it will be a new challenge for Paciones. Ideally, his team could push for the bout to take place in a more favorable location. After all, boxing is a team sport at its core—teamwork truly makes the dream work.
Flyweight Prospects: A Bright Future
One is undefeated, while the other faces back-to-back losses. Yet both AJ Paciones and Miel Fajardo have immense potential. Their careers will depend on how they adapt, evolve, and receive guidance from their teams.
As a boxing analyst and fan, I see world champions in both of them. It’s only a matter of time—and the right moves.
What’s your take? Can Paciones continue his rise to the top, and will Fajardo bounce back stronger? Let me know in the comments below!
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