Vince Paras

Vince Asuncion Paras (born 13 October 1998) is a Filipino boxer challenged for the IBF Mini flyweight title on 20 May 2018 and the WBC International Light flyweight title on 22 September 2018.

Born on 13 October 1998, at General Santos, Paras had a passion for boxing since he was little, he also idolizes Manny Pacquiao and aspires to achieve greatness like Pacquiao, stating: "I really love boxing. I have loved boxing since I was a little boy, when I would keep punching a boxing bag placed under a guava tree.", Paras was also poor, earning only $10 per amateur bout, he also used to punch a boxing bag that is wrapped by a discarded tyre around a coconut tree, his speedballs are suspended in hard wood and his gloves are "hand-me-own" gloves, he also worked on odd-jobs including scavenging.

He went amateur and won several fights before catching the eyes and interests of the legendary coach/trainer Freddie Roach, who after seeing Paras hanging outside his ward's upmarket gym was amazed and took Paras in for a few training sessions, gave him some equipment, advised him to finish high school and get off the streets of General Santos.

11 June 2015, Paras made his debut against compatriot and fellow debutant Romeo Garde at Robinson's Mall Atrium in General Santos where he finished Garde in the 1:31 mark of the first round.

After a successful and gallant debut, on 23 August 2015, Paras defeated debutant Tony Pagunawan via 3rd round TKO, their weights were 109lbs(Paras) and 110lbs(Pagunawan).

After reaching 2–0, Paras went to the Light flyweight division and defeated veteran Saddam Barambangan.

On 13 June 2017, Roach with Pacquiao reunited with Paras whilst Pacquiao was training and Paras brought a smile to Roach's face after he showed him the WBO Asia Pacific Youth title he won recently and was congratulated.

After amassing a record of 10–0, Paras fought his first titled bout on 10 June 2017 at Mandaue, where he fought Jimboy Haya in a 10-rounder clash for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Youth, although the belt was a minor title, it was significant for Paras, he won unanimously in all judges, with the ringside officials all scoring: 96–93.

After remaining undefeated, amassing a record of 13–0, Paras could possibly be Philippines' third youngest world champion at age of 19 years and 219 days old (Morris East being first at 19 years and 2 days old and Ben Villaflor being second at 19 years and 5 months old ), as he took on eventual two-time world champion Hiroto Kyoguchi for his IBF mini flyweight title at Ota City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan, however, Kyoguchi prevails unanimously scoring 117–110 on all ringside officials' scorecards.

In an attempt to gain a world-title shot at light flyweight, Paras fought fellow world-ranked Filipino, #1 WBC ranked and experienced Jonathan Taconing for Taconing's WBC International light flyweight belt at Elorde Sports Complex on 22 September 2018, Taconing would prevail victorious with a dominant unanimous decision in an exciting no-quarters blow-by-blow 12-round clash.

Prior to the defeat against Taconing, Paras won against veterans Reymark Taday and Vincent Bautista, both via stoppage, both in 2019, in 2020, Paras was not able to fight due to COVID 19 pandemic, but in 2021, Sanman Promotions signed Vince Paras in a promotional deal.

Paras defeated Reymark Taday on their rematch on 5 February 2022, which was also Paras' first bout since his inactivity starting September 2019.

On 4 April 2022, Paras was set to battle WBA (Regular) and WBA (Super) mini flyweight title challenger Robert Paradero in a 110 pounds catchweight clash in Sanman Promotions' "Bubble Series" IX, their fight would be taking place on 26 April 2022, their clash ended in a split draw with judges scoring respectively: 96-94 Paradero, 98-92 Paras and 95-95 even, both of them posted their first draw of their careers respectively, both of them uninterested in a rematch.

On 24 August 2022, Paras took on Jovanie Tagusi and won via 1st round corner retirement.

Despite both of them bowing to not have a rematch, they still made a rematch in 9 Oct 2022 at BF Homes Gym, Parañaque, Philippines for the vacant WBA Asia South Flyweight title, Paras won via unanimous decision.

Paras would fight Japanese prospect Ayumu Hanada on 13 May 2023 at Okada Manila and won via decision unanimously, after being announced as the winner, Paras made a unique move of hugging the round girl which turned into a nation-wide boxing clout.

In 12 Oct 2023, Paras fought up-and-comer Japanese top-caliber Kai Ishizawa at Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Paras edged out Ishizawa via split decision, marking his second Japanese victim, Paras later hugged the round girl again after prevailing, which would make the move seem like a traditional post-fight instinct.

Paras would try to redeem his lost from Kyoguchi and they had a rematch at Incheon, South Korea on 11 May 2024, Paras was able to avenge his loss against Kyoguchi and won via unanimous decision, marking his third Japanese victim, although some say Kyoguchi got robbed, he again continued his tradition by embracing the round girl after victory.