Fajardo eyes title shot vs Japanese champ

Filipino flyweight Miel Fajardo is determined not to let his first world title opportunity slip away.

With the International Boxing Federation ordering Japan’s Masamichi Yabuki to make a mandatory defense of his flyweight title, Fajardo expects to challenge for the IBF 112-pound crown as early as October or November.

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“It doesn’t matter where the fight takes place. What’s important is the opportunity to fight for a title,” Fajardo said during an open workout Friday at Elorde Sports Center.

Negotiations are underway for the title fight, with American boxing dealmaker Sean Gibbons representing Fajardo through Hong Kong’s Lennon Tsoi.

“Miel’s got a terrific chance because he is disciplined and hits really hard,” said Tsoi, a former professional boxer.

Fajardo, a native of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, earned his mandatory challenger status in April when he knocked out Argentina’s Tobias Reyes in just 65 seconds of their title eliminator.

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The 26-year-old Fajardo owns a 14-3-2 record with 12 knockouts. Yabuki, 34, brings an imposing record of his own at 20-2 with 18 knockouts.

Beyond the opportunity to become a world champion, Fajardo said his family remains the driving force behind his title pursuit.

“A victory would somehow make our lives better, and this is the main reason why I have the burning desire to win the world title,” Fajardo said.

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Winning the IBF flyweight championship, he added, would also give him a chance to bring pride to the Philippines.

“Winning would also allow me to give my country honor on top of the ring,” Fajardo said.