Philippines, 28 Apr 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


MERLIN, QIU MAKE WEIGHT FOR WBC ASIAN TITLE IN HUNAN, CHINA


PhilBoxing.com




Filipino Jilo Merlin scaled-in at 121,7 lbs (55,200 kgs), while his tough Chinese opponent Qiu Xiaojun tipped the scales at 121.9 (55,300 kgs) ahead of their clash for the vacant WBC Asian super bantamweight belt Friday (Aug 9) in the City of Hengyang in Hunan Province, China.

The clash is a golden chance for the taller, more experienced Jilo Merlin to capture an international belt as the aggressive Qiu - who has been outpointed twice by Pinoy Jonathan Baat - tends to get confused when skillfully boxed from the outside.

Since the lanky Merlin lacks punching power (only 2 KO's in 31 fights), his focus should aim at outsmarting Qiu, 23, setting him up with left jab, stinging him with straight and overhead rights from a safe distance, always circling to the left of Qiu to avoid the power right from the Chinese and avoid being trapped in the corners or against the ropes.

Merlin's mission should be scoring the more telling blows throughout the 12 rounds to achieve the win, thought it might be not at easy feat as the dangerous Chinese comes forward relentlessly.

The 25 year-old Merlin (13-16-2, 2 KOs) of Agusan del Sur is managed by Highland Boxing of Filipino matchmaker Brico Santig, winner of last year's WBC Asian Promoter of the year Award; while Qiu Xiaojun (7-2, 3 KOs) from Suzhou, China, is handled by the very active Chinese promoters Liu Gang and Wu Shiniu.

The action is being supervised WBC Asian Boxing Council Secretary General Patrick Cusick of Australia.

The Qiu-Merlin battle for the vacant WBC Asian Super bantamweight is a production of the Chinese boxing outfit Zovi Boxing Promotions.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • MELBOURNE FIGHT WEEK: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN FULL AS NICOLSON TAKES ON TURNER FOR THE WBC INTERIM WORLD TITLE
    , Mon, 27 Apr 2026
  • ‘I’m coming to put on a performance—something exciting, something real. Don’t blink – The Black Hulk Bilal Seidu is back May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
    , Mon, 27 Apr 2026
  • Fil-Am Brandon Kier Sustento strikes again in US chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 27 Apr 2026
  • Llover nears title shot
    By Joaquin Henson, , Mon, 27 Apr 2026
  • All Star Boxing, Inc. Signs Undefeated Japanese Prospect Yuga Ozaki to Multi-Year Promotional Agreement
    , Mon, 27 Apr 2026
  • Labog rules Okada Manila Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 27 Apr 2026
  • Dacullo Edges Cometa in Thriller, Remains GAB Philippine Youth Minimum weight Champion
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 27 Apr 2026
  • SKYE NICOLSON FIRES WARNING TO MARIAH TURNER AS SHE TARGETS HOMECOMING WIN THIS WEDNESDAY IN BID TO LAND UNDISPUTED SHOT
    , Mon, 27 Apr 2026
  • Salim Ellis-Bey Concludes 2026 World Boxing Cup - Stage 1 with Silver Medal
    , Mon, 27 Apr 2026
  • IIEE PSME Quezon City wins all matches in PCAP
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 27 Apr 2026
  • Alvin Gayeta Roma leads Mansa Engineering team to the championship of the Oliver Laroya 3x3 (Tatluhan) Rapid Chess Team Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 26 Apr 2026
  • Simona Winkler, Salim Ellis-Bey and Noelle Haro Advance to Medal Rounds At 2026 World Boxing Cup – Stage 1
    , Sun, 26 Apr 2026
  • Sanman 100 Official Weigh-In Results from General Santos
    , Sat, 25 Apr 2026
  • Subkhankulov stops Usmonov, Agrba wins hard test, and Aminova claims WBA Asia title at IBA.PRO 17 in Ufa
    , Sat, 25 Apr 2026
  • Pero vs Miller: Heavies Collide in Prove it fight on DAZN
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 25 Apr 2026
  • Subkhankulov Stops Usmonov in Russia, Claims IBF No. 2 Spot at Lightweight
    , Sat, 25 Apr 2026
  • Yeow Ming to fight in Bangkok for ABF title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 25 Apr 2026
  • MILLER VS. PERO - WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER AHEAD OF TOMORROW NIGHT’S ACTION
    , Sat, 25 Apr 2026
  • IBA Pro Champions Night to feature world champions in Saint Petersburg
    , Sat, 25 Apr 2026
  • Noelle Haro and Marie Rosendo Advance to Quarterfinals with Wins on Day Four of 2026 World Boxing Cup – Stage 1
    , Sat, 25 Apr 2026
  • Bautista to face Dulayba at Okada on April 30
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 25 Apr 2026
  • LAS VEGAS FIGHT WEEK: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AS MILLER AND PERO COLLIDE IN WBA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Fri, 24 Apr 2026
  • Undefeated Knockout Artist Amari “The Reaper” Jones Headlines First-Ever DAZN Card Against Former World Champion Vincenzo “Il Capo” Gualtieri
    , Fri, 24 Apr 2026
  • Mexican female stars Mayelli Flores and Irma ¨Torbellino¨ Garcia sign with MVP
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 24 Apr 2026
  • Basil to fight Britanico on April 26 in Delpan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 24 Apr 2026




  •  



     
    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
    © 2026 philboxing.com.