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Philippines, 16 Feb 2026 |
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Rising from Defeat: 'Angas Ng Cebu' John Paul Gabunilas Faces Japanese KO Artist Kanamu Sakama in a Redemption Bout By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Tue, 26 Dec 2023  Gabunilas (R) and Sakama (L) at yesterday's weighin in Japan. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the renowned "Angas Ng Cebu," John Paul Gabunilas, with a record of 10-2 and 7 knockouts, eagerly geared up to showcase his skills in the legendary land of Japan. His adversary for the day was none other than the formidable 20-year-old Kanamu Sakama, a double World-Ranked (WBA and IBF) Japanese boxer weighing in at 108 pounds. Gabunilas, a charismatic 23-year-old with a penchant for delivering thrilling victories, found himself at a crucial juncture in his career. Still reeling from a devastating defeat at the hands of the World-Ranked "Silent Assassin" Mel Fajardo just four months ago, Gabunilas was determined to reclaim his spot in the winner's circle. The memory of that quick and brutal bout lingered, where Fajardo's unpredictable puma-like move had caught Gabunilas off guard, sending him crashing to the canvas within a mere 60 seconds. Despite the setback, Gabunilas displayed a lion's heart, valiantly getting back on his feet until the much-respected veteran referee, Tony Pesons, intervened to halt the contest. As Gabunilas stepped into the ring in Japan, the question loomed – would the psychological impact of his recent defeat play a role in today's match? Could he shake off the haunting memories and focus on overcoming the challenge posed by yet another brutal puncher in Sakama?  The details of today's clash revealed that Gabunilas would be facing the "Japanese KO Artist" Kanamu Sakama, who boasted an impressive record of 8-0 with 7 knockouts. The non-title 8-rounder war in the Light Flyweight division was promoted by Ohashi Promotions, the same company that promoted Japanese boxing sensation Naoya Inoue. With the stakes high, Gabunilas was tasked with navigating Sakama's formidable record and proving his mettle in the ring. The clash was not just a battle between two boxers; it was a test of faith from Ohashi Promotions, indicating their desire to elevate Sakama to the status of a punching superstar, much like the acclaimed "Monster" Inoue. Amidst speculation about how the fight would unfold, fans across Pinoyland rallied behind Gabunilas, hoping for a triumphant comeback. The clash between Gabunilas and Sakama promised to be a thrilling undercard for the Naoya Inoue vs. Marlon "Nightmare" Tapales main event at Tokyo's Ariake Arena. As the clock ticked towards the anticipated showdown, questions lingered – could Gabunilas leverage his superior boxing skills to outmaneuver Sakama's attacks and secure a much-needed victory? Or would Sakama, with the advantage of being the local fighter, unleash a storm of leather, cornering the Pogi Pinoy against the ropes? With the fight scheduled to take place around 3 pm Japan Time, fans hoped for a link or stream, perhaps on platforms like YouTube or Facebook, to witness Gabunilas' redemption in the ring. As the Filipino boxing community, represented by Philboxing, extended their best wishes, it was clear that the Gabunilas-Sakama clash had captured the imagination of fans worldwide. May the best man emerge victorious, and may Gabunilas find the strength to overcome the ghosts of his past defeat. The stage was set, and the boxing world awaited the outcome of this high-stakes encounter in the heart of Japan. Good luck, Gabunilas! May the thrill of victory be yours! Veteran author Carlos Costa from Panama, living in Cebu, can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and viber/WhatsApp 09184538152. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.  |
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