Philippines, 04 Nov 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


THREE PINOYS PUNCH THEIR WAY TO CHINA OPEN BOXING FINALS


PhilBoxing.com




Three Pinoy boxers punched their way into the finals of the tough China Open Boxing Championships in Guiyang.

27 year old lightweight Junel Cantancio from the well-known Cantacio boxing clan upset host China?s Wang Bo in the semi finals and will

Cantancio who is nicknamed "Unli" for his seemingly boundless pressured Wang Bo from the opening bell resulting in all three judges scoring every round on the new 10-point must scoring system for the Filipino who won on the scorecards of the judges who turned in identical 30-27 scorecards.

However, the win of Cantancio was overtaken by the disappointing loss of 2012 London Olympian light flyweight Anthony Bariga who dropped a unanimous but fairly close decision to Guiyang?s hometown boy Wu Zhonglin.

Wu ended up with a 30-27 shutout on one scorecard but eked out a 29-28 margin on the other two.

A report from Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines executive director Ed Picson said ?the pint-sized Barriga took too much time trying to figure out his opponent and lost precious ground in the process. He shifted to his usual slick style in the third round but by then, Wu had already taken a commanding lead.? Barriga who wins a bronze medal dislocated his left thumb after connecting with an uppercut in the third round and had to be taken to a hospital for .treatment.

Picson noted that Barriga and other Filipino boxers need to be more conscious of the nuances of the scoring system. He said "They need to know how to adjust their game to the system. We had a lengthy meeting after the fights this afternoon with the coaches and boxers to explain to them in more detail what they need to do to take advantage of the new rule."

The country?s female boxers put on an outstanding performance with Josie Gabuco and Nesty Petecio entering the finals on big wins.

World champion Gabuco who is No. 2 in the AIBA world rankings faces China?s Xu Shiqi, the same boxer she beat in the finals of the world championships in Qinhuangdao, China last year in a battle for the gold medal.

Gabuco remarked "I know she is out to avenge that loss, so I'm prepared for her."

The talented Gabuco pulled off a stunning upset when she beat London silver medalist and 3-time world champion Ren Cancan in the semis last Wednesday. Ren Cancan was ranked No. 2 in the higher weight division.

Petecio will have lanky Alexis Pritchard of New Zealand to contend with in the lightweight gold medal face off with Pritchard some six inches taller than Petecio.

But the brave Filipino took it in stride simply stating "I'm used to fighting girls that tall."

ABAP president Ricky Vargas conveyed his pleasure at having three boxers in the finals of a tough tournament but said "let's work at getting more next time."

In thirteen finals bouts on Friday, Chinese boxers were to figure are in nine of them. In two weight categories ? the men's flyweight and bantamweight, the gold will be contested by boxers from the host country.A total of eight nations and 90 boxers are represented at the China Open.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 1)
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 04 Nov 2025
  • MATCHROOM BOXING ANNOUNCES HISTORIC ‘LIVE FROM GHANA’ EVENT FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 AS CRAIG RICHARDS AND DAN AZEEZ COLLIDE IN ACCRA – LIVE WORLDWIDE ON DAZN
    , Tue, 04 Nov 2025
  • Bryce Mills Defeats James Bernadin  By Unanimous Decision
    , Mon, 03 Nov 2025
  • NBA Daily: Wembanyama Struggles as Suns Give Spurs First Loss 130-118
    By Reylan Loberternos, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025
  • Oklahoma City Thunder the only undefeated NBA Team
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025
  • RP Blu Boys Close Out Strong with Unbeaten Record in Japan Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025
  • Pero Outlasts Thompson in Orlando, Secures Unanimous Decision Victory
    , Mon, 03 Nov 2025
  • Jonas Magpantay Crowned Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Champion
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025
  • Jonas Magpantay reaches Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Finals
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025
  • Pistons defeated Mavericks in NBA Game 34 in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025
  • GM Antonio finishes 14th in World Senior Standard event
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025
  • NONITO DONAIRE FIGHTS SEIYA TSUTSUMI FOR THE WBA BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025
  • Luka Dončić Equals Wilt Chamberlain’s Historic Scoring Feat
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA II RESULTS: JERUSALEM, TAPALES, MARCIAL LEAD WINNERS
    By Eric Armit, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025
  • Last Pinoy Standing: Jonas Magpantay marches into semis in Qatar World Cup 10-Ball
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025
  • WEIGHTS FROM NIGHT OF KNOCKOUTS XXXVII AT MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL
    , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • 3 Filipinos Reach Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Last 16, Biado Out
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • Joshua Buatsi vs Zack Parker Headlines Manchester Show on DAZN
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • NBA Referees will wear headsets during NBA games
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • PERO, THOMPSON READY FOR ORLANDO SHOWDOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • South Cotabato overall champ in Batang Pinoy boxing meet
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • Bernardino to play in Malaysia and France chess championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • Make way for the Philippines' oldest active chess player
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • Canada High: Mikaela Mayer Wins Unified Super Welterweight Crown
    , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Great Virtues of Champions
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Fri, 31 Oct 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.