Jayson Vayson, recognised throughout Philippine boxing circles and fast accumulating wider notice as “Striker,” has etched his path in the light-flyweight division based on perseverance, explosiveness, and a style that combines classic Filipino fundamentals with his own tactical innovations.
Born on May 11, 1998, in Veruela, Agusan del Sur, Vayson’s entry into the sport was shaped by the rural boxing gyms of Mindanao, where he trained under veteran instructors and competed in local tournaments for much of his youth. His amateur journey, while modest in terms of international medals, was built on regular success across Mindanao’s regionals and national youth competitions. Developing through over 60 amateur contests, he became known for resilience and adaptability, often winning by technical skill rather than raw power. This trait would later serve him as the calibre of opposition increased. Vayson’s professional debut came on October 15, 2016, at Pigkawayan, where he dispatched Frankie Batuon via third-round technical knockout. This inaugural contest hinted at a high work rate and willingness to press forward—early signs of a boxer determined to impose his game from the opening bell. Through his first four bouts, Vayson maintained an undefeated record, notching knockouts and decisions in the southern provinces while adjusting to the variations in styles typical of the homegrown Filipino fight scene. The venues—mostly municipal gyms and small promotional cards—were testimony to Vayson’s grassroots rise, often fighting under primitive conditions where local fans appreciated aggressive talent and ring courage.

The upward trajectory continued with Vayson shifting his attention toward more experienced domestic opponents. In his ninth professional bout, he drew with Rene Mark Cuarto in Taguig City over six rounds. In hindsight, this showed Vayson’s upward trajectory at an early stage. By now, he had emerged as a consistent feature on mid-level cards, fighting against regional contenders such as Nutlai Lalbiakkima and Geboi Mansalayao. Against Mansalayao in 2020, Vayson scored an emphatic third-round KO, mixing measured pressure and explosive combinations, showing deeper tactical range than he had in earlier rounds. Notable is his first international trip to Japan that year, where he lost to Seigo Yuri Akui by a wide unanimous decision. The step-up in opposition and travel suggested changes had to be made to reach a world-class level.

Vayson bounced back, staying in Japan for two further bouts. He toppled the well-regarded Ryuya Yamanaka by second-round TKO before winning a unanimous decision against the unbeaten Takeru Inoue. Two additional fights in Bangkok, Thailand, followed, Shanborlang Marbaniang being knocked out in nine rounds and Jirawat Aiamong in two.

Throughout his career, Vayson’s fighting style has proved distinctive for the 108-pound division. His orthodox stance is built around a crisp jab, a potent right cross, and a nuanced ability to work at both short and mid-range. His reach of 66 inches and smooth lateral movement allow him to control distance and test rivals who rely on speed and flurries rather than sustained technical combinations. Vayson’s best attributes include his stamina, disciplined defence, and the capacity to adjust rhythm over rounds—a vital skill when facing counter-punchers in a division famed for tactical diversity. His knockout ratio, while lower than that of some peers, reflects a balance between power and method, with wins often coming by outboxing rather than sheer force. Despite this, his ability to finish inside the distance—when presented with the opening—demonstrates the evolving threat he poses as his career advances. Early signs of promise have been validated by competitive outings at the regional championship level and sanctioned title eliminators, showing not only physical tools but also a mature approach developed over nearly nine years in the paid ranks.

Jayson Vayson stands out as an exemplar of the new generation of Filipino boxers redefining the sport’s traditions through technical boxing and constant tactical growth. His record—one marked by well-matched opposition, resilience against tough punchers, and an evolving style—offers more than statistics, painting a portrait of a fighter intent on carving out meaning in every round. In nearly nine years as a professional, Vayson has repeatedly shown not only flashes of brilliance but an unwavering commitment to improvement, drawing respect both from aficionados of the “little giants” and observers seeking the next chapter in Asia’s storied boxing history.