Philippines, 16 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


RYUTO OWAN AND JONG SEON KANG ENGAGE IN FIGHT OF THE YEAR CLASSIC, WITH OWAN EMERGING VICTORIOUS AS THE NEW WBO GLOBAL FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION


PhilBoxing.com




CEBU, Philippines — On Saturday, February 8, the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu played host to one of the most electrifying battles in recent memory, as Ryuto Owan of Okinawa, Japan, and Jong Seon Kang of Korea clashed in a thrilling contest for the WBO Global Featherweight Crown.

From the opening bell, it was clear that fans were in for a treat, as both fighters came out swinging, each determined to claim victory.

I enjoyed the action live at Nustar with my good old hermano award-winning boxing writer Dong Secuya, and what a fantastic evening of boxing it was!

The action was non-stop, with both men giving their all in a battle that will be remembered for years to come.

The fight was a true war, with both fighters dropping each other to the canvas a total of four times.



Each time, they rose to their feet, refusing to back down, and continued to push the pace.

The intensity was palpable, with the two young men leaving everything they had in the ring.

Kang suffered a cut due to an accidental clash of heads, and was allowed to take a brief pause after receiving a non-intentional low blow thrown at him by Owan.

However, despite these minor setbacks, the fight remained remarkably clean, both Kang and Owan showcasing their exceptional skills, bravery and sportsmanship.



As the battle raged on, it became clear that Owan's superior skills, sharp jab, and speed would ultimately prove to be the deciding factors.

Kang, however, refused to back down, and the two engaged in a thrilling toe-to-toe combat that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.

In the ninth round, Owan caught Kang in his own corner, unleashing a devastating barrage of blows that forced referee Surat Soikrachang to intervene, sparing Kang from further punishment.

Despite the brutal nature of the fight, Kang showed incredible heart and resilience, never surrendering… or wanting to hitting the canvas again.

It was a testament to Kang’s warrior spirit and a reminder of the incredible bravery and dedication required to compete at the highest level in boxing, as these men did.

In the end, it was Owan's relentless pressure and precision punching proved too much for the world-ranked Kang.

The fight has already drawn comparisons to some of the greatest battles in boxing history, with Dong Secuya, managing editor of Philboxing, commenting:

"Ryuto Owan vs Jong Seon Kang reminds me of the historic war between Jose Luis Castillo and Diego Corrales."

If you're a boxing fan who loves action-packed fights, do yourself a favor and search for Ryuto Owan vs Jong Seon Kang on YouTube. Trust us, you won't regret it!

Photos by Carlos Costa for Philboxing.com.

The author, veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and WhatsApp +649284538152.


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


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Rapista wins WBC Far East Silver super flyweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 16 Feb 2026
  • IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade-Arca faces tough competition in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 16 Feb 2026
  • Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
    By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026
  • “The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026
  • Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
    , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
    By Dong Secuya, , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • 3 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Young Australian Benji Birchell Claims Title Win in Thailand
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Tickets for the Inaugural “Mike Tyson Invitational” Amateur Fight Night on Saturday, March 14, in Las Vegas Are on Sale Now
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Men's Elite High Performance Team and Squad Rosters Announced
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • IIEE, SAEP shared lead, PIChE won 3rd in a row in the PTC WED NEMO Chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 9 FEBRUARY 2026: Figueroa Stops Ball in 12; Medina Outpoints Curiel; Asanau, Unal Win in Montreal
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 10 Feb 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.