By Rey Danseco

Philippine champion Sonny Boy Jaro gets another shot for an important title when he fights for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Pan Pacific light flyweight championship on July 19 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Jaro, was originally scheduled to face the undefeated but aging WBA Pan Asian Boxing Association (PABA) light flyweight champ Vicky Tahumil. But the Indon promoter informed Jaro two days before his departure for Jakarta, that he will face a younger, world rated opponent named Angky Angkota.

The 31-year old Tahumil, who wrested the PABA crown from the once considered Filipino prospect Marvin Tampus last year, is already rated No. 3 by the WBA and he can’t afford to lose his chance for a world title shot.

Angkota, 23, is no pushover. He has a menacing 18-1 record with 13 knockouts and is rated as the No. 10 light flyweight by the WBO and the No. 31 minimumweight by the WBC.

Angkota is unbeaten in his last 13 fights since losing on the scorecards to Tahumil for the Indonesian national light fly title in May of 2002. 

His last five victims since August 2004 were Tampus, PBF titlist Donnie Nietes, former world champ Joma Gamboa, Isidro Lorona and PABA No. 7 Rocky Fuentes via a first round knockout on May 7. Angkota's first Pinoy victim was Wendell Cajoles (TKO 7) in Oct. 2002. Jaro, who hails from Silay City but is based in Binangonan under Ailjoe Jaro's stable.

Jaro lost in his first fight abroad last April 29 for the vacant WBC International light flyweight via a 6th round stoppage to former IBO world junior flyweight champion Monelisi Mhikiza Myekeni at the Graceland Casino in Secunda, South Africa.

Jaro gained his confidence back when he scored a 3rd round knockout in his last appearance against compatriot Edwin Ubatay on June 25 in Binangonan. He now sports 18-3-3 with 10 knockouts.