Juan Carlos Payano Gets Top Nod at D.R. Awards

By Jake Donovan

He’s yet to fight since his upset win over Anselmo Moreno last September, but that doesn’t mean Juan Carlos Payano doesn’t continue to bask in the glow. The unbeaten southpaw will receive a hero’s welcome when returning to Dominican Republic, where he has been chosen as the nation’s 2014 Fighter of the Year.

The awards ceremony be held Thursday evening in Santo Domingo.

“I feel tremendously honored,” admits a humbled Payano (16-0, 8KOs). “I’ve been an athlete since I was a 7-year old boy living on Dominican Republic. It’s an honor for me to return as a champion.”

It was a slow road to the title despite just receiving his first shot after just 15 pro fights. Payano proved his worth in knocking out previously undefeated Jundy Maraon in the 7th round of their June ’13 ESPN2-televised bantamweight title eliminator, but had to wait more than 15 months before receiving his title shot.

Only two fights and wins came of his 2014 campaign, though the massive upset win over Moreno ranking high among the year’s biggest surprises. Payano was forced to fight through adversity, overcoming a grotesque cut suffered early on to outbox the long-reigning titlist before the cut worsened to the point of the fight going to the scorecards after six rounds.

Overcoming adversity is nothing new for Payano, who has sacrificed personal needs in order to reach the championship level.

“Payano is a great example of what a fighter should be all about,” insists manager Henry Rivalta. “He doesn’t have a lot of money yet, but is on his way. He’s a kid that deserves everything coming to him. He left behind his wife and four kids to sacrifice and make a better life for his family by traning in the United States. He wants to change their lives and is deserving of the opportunities he will get.”

For Rivalta, the forthcoming ceremony makes his relationship with Payano come full circle.

“It’s so cool to see him receive this honor,” admits the veteran manager. “It was five years ago when we went to the Dominican Republic and recruited him following his two tours with the D.R. Olympic boxing team (2004 and 2008).

“We told him what we can do for him. We got him his travel visa, brought him to Florida to train and fight. He just kept getting better.

“The WBA gave him the opportunity to fight for the title and he went ahead and did the rest.”

Payano patiently awaits his next marching orders, as one of more than 200 fighters currently signed with adviser Al Haymon. With the multitude of outlets for which Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions boxing series will air in the next few years, it’s not at all a stretch to believe that Payano will figure into those plans in the near future.

When that moment comes, he will be ready. Just as he heads home as a bantamweight titlist, he will proudly march into his next fight with the recognition of serving as Dominican Republic’ top athlete.

“I sacrificed four years for the dream of becoming a world champion, and now it comes with this reward,” Payano notes. “It’s been a great run, and the best is yet to come. My future is very bright.”

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox