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Philippines, 11 Feb 2026 |
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Clash of the Rising Stars: Mel Fajardo vs John Paul Gabunilas for OBF Belt in Cebu! By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Sat, 08 Jul 2023  In one of the most exciting fights this year in the awesome City of Cebu, world-ranked rising-stars John Paul Gabunilas and Mel Fajardo will collide hard for the vacant OBPF Light Flyweight Strap, a rumble of skills and power between two young boxers with dreams of becoming world champions. Their 10-rounder main event rumble - which is a really perfectly even match-up - will take place on Tuesday, August 15, at the famous Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Barangay Lahug, in Gabunilas' hometown: The Queen City of the South, Cebu. A former OBPF Youth Champ, as well as WBO Youth titlist, the 22-year-old John Paul "Angas ng Cebu" Gabunilas (10-1, 7 KO's) of Barangay Pardo, Cebu, sees his battle against the world-ranked Mel Fajardo as one of the most important wars in his young boxing career. That's because the victorious one would instantly elevate to a higher level his boxing profile, rocketing him way up in the world rankings, not to mention the perk of getting so many more followers fans, as well as the attention of international match-makers and promoters. So, who will the winner be, and why?  The talented Gabunilas is ready to fight Mel Fajardo, not afraid of Mel's power. Could the 22-year-old Gabunilas, score the biggest win yet in his 4-year pro boxing career? Or will it be "The Silent Assassin" Mel Fajardo, born in lovely Agusan del Sur, the one to emerge victorious once again? Coming from an astonishing, fast and furious, 10-second knockout win in Thailand last December, the 23-year-old Mel Fajardo (10-1-2, 9 KO's) feels that his coming battle against the skilled and very active WBO world-ranked John Paul Gabunilas comes at the right time, feeling so much ready for it. What's more, the awesomeness of battling for the prestigious OPBF Belt and indeed a higher place in the world rankings (probably in all 4 sanctioning bodies), makes the clash even more attractive and thrilling.  Mel Fajardo Poses for the camera of Philboxing.com after ravaging his Thai opponent to Win the ABF Belt in Bangkok last December. For Mel Fajardo - who is world ranked as WBO #12, WBC #15, WBA #5 and IBF #7 - a defeat is not on his plans. He cannot afford a defeat to the hands of Gabunilas. He Just can't. That's because Mel feels that all of his hard work since he turned pro nearly 7 years ago in a Highland Show in Benguet deserves a win. Could he do it? Could Fajardo score another thrilling win in Cebu, as he did in his last fight last December in Bangkok, Thailand? That is what fans in Cebu need to find out. Let us consider this: Both are world-ranked boxers, both so young (Fajardo 23, Gabunillas 22), both orthodox fighters with fantastic speed and firepower in both hands. both focused, skilled, well-trained by excellent coaches, both hungry for glory and success. This fight can not be missed! Furthermore, the winner inches closer to a world title shot. Great. Copy all of that, but who will that winner be? Team Fajardo, led by manager Jose Monte Flores has completely confidence on Mel. Also confident on him are his coach and his promoters and matchmakers Erixon Asilo and Brico Santig of Highland Boxing. Team Gabunilas is 100% confident as well. The Cebuano fighter's experienced coach, Eldo Cortes, believes on the skills of his prized ward. Plus, Gabunilas' promotion company Team ARQ Boxing led by sports promoter Jason Arquisola has full trust on John Paul's win on fight night. So, fans in Cebu: you better get ready! In fact, this rumble could very well end by way of KO, right? Oo, pero who would stop who? Be there! Gabunilas vs Fajardo is destined to be one of the most thrilling and memorable fights staged this year in the blessed land of fearsome legendary warrior Lapu Lapu. May the Best Man Win! The author of this story is senior boxing writer Carlos Costa of Panama. Carlos has lived for years in Cebu and can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.  |
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