Fans at the legendary Korakuen Hall in Tokyo were amazed today Sunday, August 16, 2026, as young Filipino pride Alex Santisima Jr. pulled off the signature victory of his career — a sensational 8th-round TKO over former world champion Yukinori Oguni!!
The 10-round super bantamweight main event, presented by Treasure Boxing Promotion, saw the 26-year-old Santisima entering the ring as the clear underdog — and leave it as a giant-slayer!!!
At Saturday’s weigh-in, Santisima scaled a fit and ready 120.8 lbs, while the veteran former world champ Oguni came in at 121.9 lbs.
But once the bell rang, it was Santisima’s speed, timing, and relentless pressure that told the story!
From the very first bell, the sharper, hungrier Filipino dictated the pace — his lightning hand speed and razor-sharp combinations frustrating the 37-year-old former titleholder round after round.
As the fight deepened, Santisima turned up the heat, systematically breaking down the dangerous Japanese warrior.
Then in Round 8, a thunderous flurry forced the referee to step in and wave it off — a stunning TKO victory for the boxer from many legendary champions: The Philippines!
Santisima (R) and Oguni at the weighin on Saturday.
👉 SWEET PAYBACK FOR THE ZIP SANMAN TEAM
This triumph meant far more than just a win — it was personal redemption.
Oguni, ranked #6 by WBO, RING #10, WBC #12 and WBA #11, had shocked the world last April 3 with a unanimous decision victory over popular Filipino former 2-division world champ Marlon Tapales.
Tonight, Santisima — proudly carrying the banner of ZIP Sanman Boxing Team of Cebu and General Santos, under the watchful guidance of veteran cornerman Michael Domingo — delivered the perfect reply.
The message was clear: You defeat one Filipino, another rises to answer the call.
Michael "Bruce Lee" Domingo, the popular former ALA fighter, now is now a highly accomplished world-class coach, great work, hermano!!
Tonight in Tokyo, Alex Santisima Jr. stood tall with your coach, bringing more honor to our flag, and proved once again — Laban Pinoy!
The author is veteran boxing writer Carlos Costa in Cebu 🇵🇭 carlos@philboxing.com
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