Payla seeks revenge vs old foe

DOHA — For Violito Payla, it’s payback time. Payla, who assured the country of a boxing silver with a resounding RSC-O win over Chinese Bo Yang Sunday, faces Thai ace Somjit Jongjohor,a flamboyant fighter who has dominated the flyweight division for so long, including two victories over the Filipino slugger.

Now, Payla wants to settle an old score.

"He has beaten me twice and now I want payback," said Payla, who climbs the ring at 2 p.m. at the Aspire Hall 5, vowing to stop Jongjohor and hand the gold medal for the Philippines in the Asian Games here Tuesday.

"I have prepared long and hard for this fight. He is a good fighter to meet but I will try my best," said Payla. "I will put up a good fight."

Against Jongjohor, the defending champion here who also ruled the world in 2003, won the Asian Championships in 2004 and reigned in the Manila SEA Games last year, Payla will have to dish out his best, very best.

For the Thai is also oozing with confidence and the has vowed to make it three in a row over the Cagayan de Oro native.

"I have fought him before and won," said Jongjohor, moments after stopping Katsuaki Susa of Japan with an RSC-O win in the semis with Payla still to see action against Yang. "If he (Payla) gets through this round, it will be a piece of banana for me."

Payla did get through, dominating Yang with a combination of punches that often hurt the fighter, who just days ago demolished the reigning Asian and world champion in Lee Ok Sung of Korea, and won in convincing fashion.

With that kind of performance, Jongjohor will be facing a rival as solid as rock, a fighter who has tremendously improved in all aspects of the game.

"I won’t tell our strategy but I can size up with Somjit," said the 27-year-old Payla.

Time could also be on the Filipino bet’s side since Jongjohor is turning 32 next month and the rigors of countless fights and battles against the world’s top boxers in the ranks might have caught up with the veteran Thai champion.

Payla knows all these and he plans to slow down Jongjohor with his fast hands, quick feet and right thinking.

"I have the edge in age and speed ," said Payla, who also hopes to draw inspiration from his family who will be watching the fight.

"I am more inspired because my family will be watching although it will be only shown late in the Philippines," Payla said.

Whether it is live or delayed, Payla vowed to deliver the gold on time.