MANILA – Filipino boxer Jayson Mama pulled off a stunning unanimous decision win over the heavily favored Thai fighter Teeraphong Utaida in the IBF Silk Road Tournament in Beijing, China.
The victory was huge for the General Santos City, Cotabato del Sur native Mama, the current WBO Oriental Youth Flyweight champion, to boost his stock in the flyweight division.
Bucking the odds, Mama relied on his speed and youth to dominate the experienced Utaida from start to finish to get a unanimous 99-91, 98-92, 98-92 from the three boxing judges on Thursday night .
“It was a great opportunity to showcase my talent. I faced a durable veteran. I am the newbie here but I think I was able to prove to everyone that I am the real thing,” Mama said.
Sanman Promotions CEO Jim Claude Manangquil lauded his boxer Mama for his impressive showing despite being put as the overwhelming underdog in the boxing clash.
“Records are nothing in fights. Battles are won in the training camp. It’s on how hard you work for your game. I have seen Mama train. He is determined to take home the belt and that’s what he did,” Manangquil said.
With the victory, the 21-year-old Mama stretched his untarnished slate to 12-0-0, with six stoppage wins, while Utaida saw his slate dropped to 38-7-1 with 21 knockout wins./PN
