Philippines, 04 Apr 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Finding Inoue’s successors


PhilBoxing.com




There is speculation that with Naoya Inoue relinquishing his world bantamweight titles in four governing bodies, Filipinos will step up to the plate and vie for the vacant thrones. But according to MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons, the only Filipino assured of a crack at the moment is Nonito Donaire, Jr. who’s in line to battle for the WBC title even as his opponent is still to be determined.

Former IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, ranked No. 5 by IBF and No. 10 by WBA in the 118-pound division, was rumored to be taking on Inoue’s brother Takuma for the WBA crown. The WBA’s No. 1 slot is vacant and Takuma is No. 2. Gibbons said Takuma facing Ancajas may happen “eventually” but it’s not on the table yet. Takuma will take on Venezuela’s Liborio Solis for the vacant WBA diadem and if the Japanese wins, Ancajas could be his first challenger.

In IBF, General Santos City’s Vincent Astrolabio is No. 1 and Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodriguez, No. 2. The IBF has ordered a match between the fighters and set a deadline of Feb. 25 to finalize negotiations. If both sides are unable to come to terms, IBF will conduct a purse bid. Although IBF is pushing for the Astrolabio-Rodriguez bout, Gibbons said “it’s most likely not happening.” Rodriguez once held the IBF bantamweight title and is itching to regain the belt. He’s lost twice in his pro career, once to Inoue by a second round KO and once to Filipino Reymart Gaballo on a split decision. Gaballo is also in the bantamweight conversation, ranked No. 4 by WBC and WBO and No. 6 by IBF.

Astrolabio deserves a shot at the crown, coming off five straight wins, including a sixth round stoppage of Nikolai Potapov and a decision over Cuban legend Guillermo Rigondeaux. He’s IBF’s top contender after all. Rodriguez is ranked No. 3 by WBO and No. 5 by WBC. Down the line, the other IBF contenders are No. 3 Jason Moloney, No. 4 Melvin Lopez, No. 5 Ancajas and No. 6 Gaballo.

Moloney, the Australian managed by Top Rank, was supposed to face Donaire for the WBC title but backed out. The scuttlebutt is Top Rank isn’t inclined to negotiate with Donaire’s promoter Probellum. But surely, if a world title is at stake, personal or political differences can be shelved. Is the real reason Moloney’s scared of Donaire? Moloney is also ranked No. 1 by WBO where Astrolabio is No. 2. In Moloney's eyes, maybe Astrolabio could be less of a risk than Donaire. With Moloney forum-shopping, Donaire might end up facing No. 6 Mexican contender Alejandro Santiago who held Ancajas to a split draw in 2018. Thailand’s Nowaphon Sor Rungvisai is ranked No. 3 but isn’t in the equation. He’s not as renowned as his namesake Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, the former WBC superflyweight champion.

Gibbons also ruled out the possibility of Gaballo tangling with Moloney for the WBO title. Talks are continuing to determine the fighters tangling for the vacant WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO bantamweight titles. In other ring fronts, Gibbons said what he can guarantee is Eumir Marcial fighting a six-rounder in San Antonio, Texas on Feb. 11, Mark Magsayo tackling Brandon Figueroa for the vacant interim WBC featherweight crown in Ontario, California on March 4 and Marlon Tapales challenging IBF superbantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev in San Antonio, Texas, on April 8. He added that Jade Bornea’s fight against IBF superflyweight titlist Fernando Martinez isn't on the calendar yet.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • The Hard Road of Young Nationalista
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • 5 Pinoy boxers to fight in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • Transatlantic Clash II - "Battle at the Bridge"
    , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • Marco “El Tiburón” Romero moving up to scheduled 6-round bout next
    , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • Filipino chess phenom wins at Spring Blitz Chess Championship in Dubai
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • Team USA Advances Two More Boxers to Medal Rounds at World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025
    , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • IM Bagamasbad eyes GM title in Australian Chess Circuit
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • SAMPSON BOXING SIGNS TOP UNDEFEATED LIGHT FLYWEIGHT CONTENDER ERICK BADILLO TO CO-PROMOTIONAL CONTRACT
    , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • TURKISH KNOCKOUT ARTIST ELIF NUR TURHAN PENS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
    , Thu, 03 Apr 2025
  • The Past Week in Action 31 March 2025: Norman Stops Cuevas in 3; Mayer Outpoints Ryan; Zepeda Edges Farmer; Collazo Stops Cano; Yabuki KOs Ayala
    By Eric Armit, , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Wild and Wooly Wind-up Seen in West Top 3-6
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Rise of the Samurai: Inoue vs Nakatani in 2026
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Undefeated super middleweight prospect Tommy Hyde a true Irish Road Warrior In Australia for April 11th fight
    , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Melvin the Avenger
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • WORLD-RANKED LIGHTWEIGHT ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI TO FACE ALBERTO GUEVARA IN MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 6
    , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Carlos Flowers Shines on Day One for Team USA in World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025
    , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Tellez Sisters Reina and Gabriela Sign with Boxlab Promotions
    , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Arena Grand Master Mohamad Sacar sweeps 1st Vientiane Open FIDE Rated Standard Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 02 Apr 2025
  • Unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Anthony “ATV” Velazquez Ready to bust out of New England
    , Tue, 01 Apr 2025
  • BOOTS VS. STANIONIS – ‘MAKE THE DAYS COUNT’ PREMIERES NOW
    , Tue, 01 Apr 2025
  • “THE FILIPINO FLASH” NONITO DONAIRE TO MAKE FIRST VISIT TO CANASTOTA FOR 2025 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
    , Tue, 01 Apr 2025
  • Tokyo Olympian Rashida Ellis signs long term management contract with Trifon Petrov
    , Tue, 01 Apr 2025
  • Fightbook Adds Brendan Gibbons to Lead Athlete & Fan Activation Strategy
    , Tue, 01 Apr 2025
  • BOXLAB PROMOTIONS RETURNS TO ORLANDO FOR ACTION-PACKED FIGHT NIGHT ON APRIL 18
    , Tue, 01 Apr 2025
  • Takeaways From Last Weekend's Fights in Japan
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Mon, 31 Mar 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.