Jaro loses title in first defense

CEBU, Philippines - Sonny Boy Jaro's reign as WBC flyweight champion ended in his very first defense, losing by split decision to Japanese challenger Toshiyuki Igarashi over 12 hard-fought rounds last Monday night in Saitama, Japan.

Jaro won on one card, 116-112, but Igarashi got the nod of the two judges with the scores of 115-113 and 116-122 to dethrone the Filipino boxer.

It was a heart-rending defeat for Jaro, who pulled off boxing's biggest upset in recent memory when he dethroned Thai legend and WBC ‘Fighter of the Decade’ Pongsaklek Wonjongkam via a sixth round stoppage last March 2 in Chonburi, Thailand.

The 30-year-old Jaro, who has woven a Cinderella story in Philippine boxing out of that shocking upset, fell to 34-11-5 (24KOs), while Igahashi improved to 16-1-1 (11KOs).

In a report by Jake Donovan of boxingscene.com, "Jaro fought tooth and nail every step of the way in his best effort to keep the clock ticking his Cinderella story, but Igarashi had other ideas, offering a disciplined enough performance to cope with the unconventional style of the now ex-champion."

"Constant lateral movement from the challenger proved troubling for Jaro, who landed the more telling blows on the night but just not with enough frequency to win rounds. Igarashi's jab also proved to be disruptive, even if never thrown with much conviction."

Donovan added that "tense moments were provided down the stretch, as Igarashi was forced to contend with a gushing cut over his left eye. Jaro did his best to bust open the wound, but spent perhaps too much time treating it like a bulls-eye as his attack became one-dimensional."

"Both fighters raised their arms in victory at the end of 12 rounds, but Jaro's body language suggested a fighter who knew his days as champion were soon coming to an end. Still, the visiting fighter was ever the sportsman, going out of his way to congratulate Igarashi at the end of the fight and again when the final scores were announced."

Donovan further noted "that the fight was a split decision helped provided extended drama, if not a false sense of hope for Jaro. Feelings of dejection was evident in the Filipino's corner once the final card was read in favor of Igarashi, bowing their heads in disappointment as the crowd erupted." (FREEMAN)