Cebuano KO artist looks to end fight early vs Mexican foe

Filipino fighter Jhack Tepora. Photo by Mark Giongco

KUALA LUMPUR—Jhack Tepora’s first world title fight could end quickly.

Tepora, the undefeated Filipino featherweight, refused to offer any predictions for his upcoming showdown against Edivaldo Ortega in the main supporting bout of the Manny Pacquiao-Lucas Matthysse “Fight of Champions,” but he believes it won’t go the distance.

“It won’t last 12 rounds,” said Tepora in Filipino Wednesday while working out at a makeshift gym at Le Meridien Hotel.

His trainer and older brother Jing-jing hinted that the knockout could come in the middle rounds, five to seven to be specific.

The probability of Jhack winning by stoppage is high given his reputation as a knockout artist.

Jing-Jing also said Jhack thrives against fighters like Ortega and his previous opponent Lusanda Kominisi of South Africa, who have the same come-forward style.

Komanisi went toe-to-toe with Jhack and paid the price after a crushing right hook sent him flat on his back in the second round of their fight held in East London, South Africa last September.

The power-punching Cebuano, who is gunning for the vacant WBA title, boasts a record of 21 wins and 16 knockouts. His last five fights ended in KOs.

Ortega, who is fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico, is no pushover with an impressive win-loss card as well, winning 26 fights against only 1 loss and a draw with 12 knockouts.