Payla remains unfazed by foe’s exploits

DOHA — Battering the reigning Asian and World flyweight champion is one big feat for Chinese Bo Yang, who created quite a stir in boxing in the Asian Games here by eliminating Korean Lee Ok Sung, 41-21.

But Violito Payla isn’t worried a bit by Yang’s punching power, not to mention the Chinese bet’s advantage in height and reach. In fact, the Filipino fighter has set his sights on fighting Thai Somjit Jongjohor in the final of the 51kg division.

"I’ll just stay focused," said Payla, who snapped the country’s medal-less week with a victory over Jitender Kumar of India in the quarterfinals Thursday.

"I am actually preparing to fight the Thai (Jongjohor) but I need to defeat Yang first."

And the first step for Payla to reach a dream final stint is to put Yang out of the way.

Boxing president Manny Lopez said his ward has a big chance against the Chinese, who was scintillating when he thrashed N. Holapatiphone of Laos, 20-7, in the prelims but made heads turn when he pulled off a surprise rout over Lee, who won the Asian title in Vietnam and the world crown in China, both last year.

Payla has a chance because the Chinese is not an experienced fighter," Lopez told The STAR.

A peek at Yang’s profile indeed showed nothing of his past fights although his first two victories here could hint at the portent of things to come for the Filipino bet.

Still, Payla’s camp remains undaunted.

"I think it’s a good match up, although Bo Yang has a good footwork, with the right distance, I believe Payla will catch him and be able to connect with his punches because he’s got more speed," said Lopez. — Dante Navarro