by Nick Giongco
Teenager Vince Paras, a baby-faced puncher from General Santos City, attempts to win a world title on May 20 in Tokyo, against fellow unbeaten Hiroto Kyoguchi for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight crown at the New Ota City Gymnasium.
Armed with a 13-0 win-loss record with ten KOs, Paras would become one of the youngest Filipino world champions if he upsets Kyoguchi,who packs a 9-0 mark with seven KOs.
The youngest Filipino to win a world crown was Morris East, who had just turned 19 when he won the World Boxing Association junior-welter title in Tokyo in September 1992. Others who won world titles at age 19 include junior-lightweight Ben Villaflor, super-fly Marvin Sonsona and Manny Pacquiao.
Paras is now in Lipa City, Batangas, training under the wings of veteran cornerman Benny Dela Peña.