Philippines, 09 May 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Three Regional WBO Title Fights Set to Ignite Cebu at NUSTAR Resort & Casino


PhilBoxing.com




CEBU CITY – The glittering halls of NUSTAR Resort & Casino will transform into a battlefield of grit and glory as three WBO regional title fights thunder through Cebu on February 8, 2025. Fighters from the Philippines, Korea, China, and Japan are primed to deliver a spectacle of skill and determination in this highly anticipated event, unveiled in dramatic fashion on Tuesday, December 10, at NUSTAR's Axis Bar.

Promoted by Dr. Winley dela Fuente's OX KBDF Gaming, in collaboration with NUSTAR, the event, dubbed as 'Binukbukay sa Sugbu' promises to reignite boxing in the region. Present at the press conference were WBO Vice-President for Asia-Pacific Leon Panoncillo Jr., NUSTAR's Senior Vice President for Gaming and Integrated Resort Operations Trevor Hammond, and the dynamic Dr. Dela Fuente himself. The event, hosted by former beauty queen Shanyl Kayle Hofer, set the tone for a thrilling night of championship bouts.


Promoter Dr. Winley dela Fuente speaks at the podium as WBO's Leon Panoncillo Jr., NUSTAR's Trevor Hammond and host Shanyl Kayle Hofer listen.

Main Event: Featherweight Fireworks

Headlining the event is the battle for the WBO Featherweight Global Title. Reigning champion Jeong Seon Kang (20-1-2, 11 KOs) of South Korea will defend his crown against Japan’s fierce contender Ryuto Owan (13-2-0, 8 KOs). Kang, 23, hails from Gwangju City and has forged his reputation with decisive victories over tough Filipino opponents like Milan Melindo and Tomjune Mangubat. His sole defeat in 2022 at the hands of Filipino fighter Lienard Sarcon spurred him to a ferocious comeback, stringing together five wins, three by knockout.

Standing in his way is Owan, 26, a former JBC Super Bantamweight champion from Tokyo. Known for his relentless style, Owan boasts a significant victory over former Filipino world title contender Mark Anthony Geraldo. The clash between Kang’s calculated power and Owan’s ferocity promises a bout for the ages.

Featured Bouts: Rising Stars and Redemption

In a high-stakes showdown, Cebu’s own Rodex Piala (10-1-0, 1 KO) is determined to reclaim his upward trajectory. Piala will face China’s heavy-handed Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke (10-2-0, 7 KOs) for the WBO Oriental Featherweight title. Piala, eager to rebound from his loss to Japan’s Kenji Fujita, faces a formidable adversary in Laayibieke, who is intent on proving his knockout victory over Filipino Vergil Vitor was no fluke. This clash of youth and ambition promises fireworks.

Adding to the drama, Filipino veteran Genesis Servania (35-4-0, 16 KOs), now fighting out of Vietnam, takes on China’s Aketelieti Yelejian (9-4-1, 2 KOs) for the WBO Oriental Lightweight title. At 33, Servania is no stranger to high-pressure bouts, having challenged Mexican star Oscar Valdez in 2022 in a heart-stopping encounter that saw both fighters hit the canvas. With dreams of another world title shot, Servania is ready to reignite his career against the determined Yelejian, who seeks redemption after a tough loss to Albert Pagara earlier this year.

A Vision for Boxing’s Future

Dr. Dela Fuente, celebrated for his success in derby gaming, is now channeling his passion into the world of boxing. "Boxing is my passion," he shared. "Promoting boxing involves risks, but I’m willing to take them. Our country is renowned for its boxers, and I’m committed to giving them a platform. If I can break even—or even lose a little—but see the joy and excitement of the fans, that’s a win for me."

Asked if he plans to sign up boxers to promotional contracts, Dela Fuente said he wants to remain neutral and is willing to talk to other boxing stables to collaborate to put up boxing events featuring their own up and coming boxers.

NUSTAR’s Trevor Hammond echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the casino’s ambition to become the region’s epicenter for sports and entertainment. The venue’s 2,500-square-meter Grand Ballroom, capable of hosting 2,000 fans, is poised to become a world-class stage for boxing and other major events.


WBO's Leon Panoncillo Jr. stresses a point as he talks to the media.


The Cebu sports media come in full force during the press launching at NUSTAR's Axis Bar.

What Lies Ahead

WBO Vice-President Leon Panoncillo assured fans that every bout sanctioned by the organization meets its rigorous standards, ensuring an evening of high-octane, edge-of-your-seat action. With four more undercard bouts set to add depth and excitement to the night, the NUSTAR Resort & Casino is the place to be for boxing fans this February.

As the countdown begins, the stage is set for a night where dreams are made and legends are born. Don’t miss the action as the sweet science takes center stage in Cebu.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • A TRIO OF MATCHUPS ADDED TO "CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH: A NIGHT OF BOXING" PRESENTED BY 555 MEDIA AND BASH BOXING
    , Fri, 09 May 2025
  • SHAW SURGES AS CAPITO STUMBLES IN TITLE DEFENCE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
    , Fri, 09 May 2025
  • 2025 USA Boxing Youth Men’s and Women’s High Performance Teams announced
    , Fri, 09 May 2025
  • Jessie Villasin chess tournament on Sunday
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 09 May 2025
  • Press Conference Notes: San Diego Favorite Emanuel Navarrete Set to Reignite Mexico-Philippines Rivalry against Charly Suarez
    , Fri, 09 May 2025
  • SALITA PROMOTIONS PRESENTS: UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. LANI DANIELS SATURDAY, JULY 26 * LITTLE CAESARS ARENA
    , Fri, 09 May 2025
  • Unbeaten Anthony Velazquez pitched shutout at home in Springfield
    , Fri, 09 May 2025
  • TYSON FURY VOTED THE MOST ENTERTAINING BOXER IN THE WORLD, ACCORDING TO BRITISH FANS
    , Fri, 09 May 2025
  • Undefeated super middleweight contender Darius Fulghum preparing to ‘Make a big splash’ vs. Bek Melikuziev
    , Fri, 09 May 2025
  • OKC Routs Denver; 149-106, Ties Series; Semis Series in East Remain Topsy-turvy as Boston Goes Down 0-2 With 91-90 Loss to NY
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 08 May 2025
  • SHAW SENDS A MESSAGE IN HUNT FOR UK OPEN GLORY | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
    , Thu, 08 May 2025
  • WBO presents the Amanda Serrano Championships
    , Thu, 08 May 2025
  • GM Antonio faces tough competition in ASEAN Seniors Chess Championships in Penang, Malaysia
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 08 May 2025
  • Boxing: Entertainment Sport or Sport Entertainment?
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 07 May 2025
  • JIM LAMPLEY'S BOOK TOUR IS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEK!
    , Wed, 07 May 2025
  • CAPITO IGNITES TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
    , Wed, 07 May 2025
  • Sol Levinson: The Man Whose Gloves Elevated Boxing
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • Undefeated Cuban Heavyweight Prospect Dainier Pero Finishes Intense Las Vegas Training Camp Ahead of May 9 MVP Main Event on DAZN
    , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Cardenas, Romero and Espinoza and Vows to Make Next Year's Cinco de Mayo Unforgettable, Highlighted by David Benavidez Facing the Winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev
    , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • Saving the Best for Last: GSW Upstages Raw Rockets
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • Antonio, Bagamasbad face tough competition in Woman FIDE Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao Open Rapid Chess Tournament on May 18
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • Andres “Savage” Cortes Finishes Strong Training Camp Ahead of Crucial May 10 Clash Against Salvador Jimenez at Pechanga Arena San Diego
    , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • SALITA PROMOTIONS and ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT PRESENT HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT
    , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • IBA embraces Bare Knuckle Boxing
    , Tue, 06 May 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.