Boxing Rivalry: Paciones Challenges Yotboon for WBO Oriental Flyweight Title
Twenty-year-old boxing sensation AJ Paciones continues his ascent in the sport as he takes on experienced Thai fighter Sanchai Yotboon for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental flyweight title. The highly anticipated match is set for Highland Boxing Promotions' "World Cup Boxing" on May 31, 2025, at the World Siam Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Picies, who is associated with the Saigon Sports Club (SSC), has rapidly emerged as one of the Philippines' most promising young talents, with a current record of 10-0 and five knockouts. His rapid rise is notable considering he has been a professional for only three years.
Pacies has fought primarily in Thailand and Vietnam where he is based. His exceptional skills have earned him the title of regional champion at just 18 years old. Moreover, he currently holds the World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia light-flyweight strap and aims to add another belt at a higher weight division.
Last year, Pacies achieved his biggest career victory when he beat former world champion Rene Mark Cuarto in his hometown fight by split decision. He successfully defended his WBA title against Chinese Xiang Li shortly thereafter.
Picies, who is ranked second in the WBA light-flyweight rankings, is poised to challenge current world champion Erick Rosa for a world title shot. He also ranks 15th by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and 25th by the World Boxing Council (WBC).
Sanchai Yotboon, a 28-year-old Thai boxer with a record of 18-9 and 12 knockouts, presents a formidable challenge for Picies. Yotboon has previously faced top-tier competition, including Cristian Araneta, Vic Saludar, Riku Kano, and Ginjiro Shigeoka.
Following his loss to Araneta, Yotboon bounced back with consecutive wins against fellow Thai fighters Thanathip Jantharod and Sittichai Nimnual.
During the pre-fight weigh-ins, Picies weighed in at 112 pounds on his second attempt, while Yotboon missed theWeight category limit, tipping the scales at 113 pounds.
Reymart Soledad, an unbeaten super-lightweight prospect, will also feature on the undercard. Soledad (6-0, 4 KOs) will face off against heavy-handed Thai boxer Jatupol Raksapet (4-1, 4 KOs) for the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) super-lightweight belt.
In the upcoming WBO Oriental flyweight title fight, AJ Pacies, a Filipino boxer based in Thailand and Vietnam, will face established Thai fighter Sanchai Yotboon. Despite his relatively short professional career, Pacies has already made a significant impact in boxing, having won the WBA Asia light-flyweight title and beating former world champion Rene Mark Cuarto last year.
