Philippines, 14 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


The Second Rise of Jesse Espinas


PhilBoxing.com





World-ranked Jesse Espinas, affectionately known as "Little Giant," is still a force to be reckoned with in Asian boxing.

Hailing from Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines, Espinas is again making waves in the sport since his debut in April 2012.

With a career spanning over 13 years, he has built a record that proves that he is a real warrior who has fought some of the very best boxers here in the Philippines and around Asia, with no fear at all.

That is why boxing enthusiasts and promoters alike do not forget who Jesse Espinas, the popular “Little Giant” is.


Espinas wins his last fight in China on June 21, 2025 stopping Asian Champ Jiangtao Cao.

👉 Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Espinas's journey in boxing began 13 years ago when he quickly demonstrated his potential with a string of victories.

His southpaw stance and aggressive fighting style earned him a reputation as a tough opponent in the ring.

As he gained experience, Espinas continued to climb the ranks, eventually catching the attention of my old Cebu hermano, promoter Sammy Gello-ani.

Nowadays, Jesse is guided by coach/promoter Brico Santig of the Highland Boxing Gym.


Espinas poses with his coach Allan Alegria.

👉 Notable Fights and Achievements

One of the standout moments in Espinas's career came when he faced previously unbeaten Thai boxer Paipharob Kokietgym in 2016.

He was supposed to be the dude B, but in a stunning display of skill and determination, Espinas secured an eighth-round TKO victory, impressing fans and solidifying his image as a fearsome fighter with the heart of a lion.

This win showcased Espinas's ability to perform under pressure and his capacity to adapt during battle. Isn’t that cool?

In his most recent war, Jesse Espinas claimed the WBC Asian Super Flyweight Title with a 5th-round stoppage of Asian Champ Jiangtao Cao on June 21, 2025, in Huhehaote, China.

During that exciting fight that I watched online, Espinas was just awesome against a much taller opponent.

Yet, with the guidance in his corner of coaches Brico Santig of Benguet and coach Marvin Alegria (son of my old friend brother head coach sir Alan Alegria), Jesse Espinas claimed a thrilling win, filling with pride and joy his family, his Highland teammates, his fans back home and friends.

This victory not only adds to his record, improving his world ranking to # 11 in the WBO, but also demonstrated his determination and continued commitment to boxing.

Despite doubters who look at his defeats in his record, Jesse Espinas delivered to Pinoy fans a win, earning the coveted green WBC Asia Super Flyweight belt.

👉 Dedication and Bravery

After his latest fight, Espinas's professional record stands now at 27 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw, with 14 knockouts.

He has competed in the super flyweight division, although he has occasionally moved in weight-classes for certain bouts.

His ability to compete effectively across different weight classes is a testament to his versatility, heart of a lion, and skill as a boxer.

With his good image and recent win, Espinas is still poised to make waves in our sport of boxing boxing.

As Jesse continues his journey in boxing, climbing the world rankings, we wish him all the best always!

With his determination, skill, and experience, Jesse Espinas is undoubtedly an exciting boxer to watch.

Jesse Espinas's career is an inspiring testament to his hard work, dedication, and bravery.

As he continues to push the boundaries of his abilities and challenge himself against the best, there is no doubt that "Little Giant" remains a popular boxer, he is our courageous and friendly “Little Giant” in Filipino boxing.

The author is Carlos Costa of Cebu.


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


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Itauma suffers injury; Magnificent 7 rescheduled to March 28
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Top Super Lightweights Bryan Flores & Starling Castillo Battle in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
    , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Harden surpasses Shaquille O'Neal's to become the ninth all-time leading scorer in NBA history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • “It’s time, LFG” - Holly McMath Trilogy for WBC Title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • IBA President Kremlev encourages sporting organisations to protect women’s sport following Trump’s statement on Imane Khelif
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • REYES, STRICKLAND, BUSTAMANTE & SOUQUET SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AT WNT LEGENDS – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • Pumicpic fights Korean in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • No. 1 rated WBA Super Flyweight contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez remains patient and Looks forward to a 2026 World title shot
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • Ironman 70.3 Davao on March 22
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 12 JANUARY 2026: Dalton Smith Halts Subriel Matias in 5; Kabayel Stops Knyba in 3
    By Eric Armit, , Mon, 12 Jan 2026
  • Chess Players Association of Negros Occidental, Incorporated (CPANOI) – 2026 Opening Event
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 12 Jan 2026
  • STUNNING SMITH DESTROYS MATIAS TO BECOME WORLD CHAMPION
    , Sun, 11 Jan 2026
  • Former WBC champ Bazooka Limón hospitalized in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 11 Jan 2026
  • Zuffa Boxing set to unveil its maiden card on January 23 in Las Vegas
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • ‘I’ve got an army and army’s move in numbers’ Owen Corrigan returns for Light Heavyweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • Pasalamat Festival Chess Tour 2026 to Push Through
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS & TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO PRESENT CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 - VERONA, NY
    , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • ELIF TURHAN SIGNS NEW MULTI-FIGHT DEAL WITH MATCHROOM BOXING – FIRST IBF WORLD TITLE DEFENCE DATE SET FOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
    , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • Driving Philippine Tennis Forward: Jean Henri Lhuillier Champions the 2026 Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Tour
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Selection Camp Attendees Announced
    , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • ‘I’m ready to make some noise’ Billy Quinncroft returns for Cruiserweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Dableo and Laylo's Team to Compete in Bulacan
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Sanman Boxing present Yeerken vs. Carcedo WBA Asia South Title Clash in General Santos City on Feb 9
    , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Hardstone adds 2 more title fights on January 26
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Panamerican Boxing Confederation Partners with Xempower for Digital and AI-Driven Transformation
    , Fri, 09 Jan 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.