Cebuano Fajardo impresses in pro debut

Sports

CEBUANO boxer Mark Ashley Fajardo was superb in his pro debut, scoring a first-round knockout win over the weekend in General Santos City.

Sanman Promotions top honcho JC Manangquil liked what he saw when the Talisay City, Cebu native Fajardo demolished Ajay Bustamante right in the first round of their four-round super lightweight encounter.

“I’m excited to see the start of Fajardo’s pro career. I think he will be a champion in the future,” Manangquil said of Fajardo, a 2025 SEA Games bronze medalist.

Manangquil said bigger fights will be lined up for the 11-year-old Fajardo, who dealt Bustamante his second loss in three fights.

Manangquil said Fajardo is set to see action again on Dec. 13 against a still-to-be-determined opponent.

“I’m happy to be a pro boxer now, and I want to thank everyone, my family and my coach and Team Sanman and ERD,” said Fajardo, who also won bronze in the 2024 ASBC Asian U22 and Youth Boxing Championships in Kazakhstan.

Fajardo decided to turn pro after a stellar amateur career.

In the amateur ranks, Fajardo, nicknamed “The Hitman”, collected 17 wins, six by knockout, and 13 losses.(CCM)