Fajardo faces Tyirha for IBF light flyweight title

MIEL Fajardo challenges International Boxing Federation (IBF) Intercontinental light flyweight champion Nhlanhla Tyirha on June 16, 2023 at the International Convention Center in East London, South Africa.

Fajardo is facing a career-defining fight against fellow world-ranked Tyirha. A win should boost him up the light flyweight rankings, wherein he’s currently rated No. 6 by the World Boxing Association and No. 16 by the World Boxing Council (WBC). He’s also ranked No. 9 as a flyweight by the IBF.

Tyirha is currently one of the highest ranked South African fighters. He’s ranked No. 5 by the IBF, No. 6 by the WBC and No. 7 by the World Boxing Organization.

The 23-year-old Fajardo is among the hottest Filipino prospects right now. After suffering his only career loss in 2017 against ArAr Andales, he’s been blazing the light flyweight and flyweight divisions, and is undefeated for six years.

In 2022, Fajardo had a breakout year. He scored a huge victory after stopping previously unbeaten Argentinean prospect Agustin Gauto in an upset in Dubai. He followed that huge win with victories over veteran Richard Claveras and Thai knockout artist Sarawut Jiamthong, who he both knocked out in a single round.

The 23-year-old Tyirha is also making waves in the light flyweight division. Following a unanimous-decision loss to South African legend Nkosinathi Joyi, he won four straight fights against legitimate Pinoy fighters. He beat Joey Canoy, Jaysever Abcede, Esneth Domingo and Orlie Silvestre.

Fajardo is 10-1-2 with nine knockouts, while Tyirha is 8-1 with two knockouts.

In the main event, Regie Suganob (13-0, 4 KOs) will slug it out with IBF light flyweight champion Sivenathi Nontshinga (11-0, 9 KOs). /