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Philippines, 19 Feb 2026 |
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Jesse Espinas Victorious, New IBF Asia Champion By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Mon, 13 Oct 2025  Espinas with his coach Alegria. In an exciting battle, Jesse Espinas emerged victorious against April Jay "Astroboy" Abne, claiming the IBF Asia Flyweight title. He did that with a riveting knockout win in the eighth chapter of their bout held October 12, in Bangued, Abra. The intense rumble took place at the University of Abra's Bangued Campus Gov. Andres B. Bernos Gym, thrilling students and fans alike. It was a dominant performance by the Highland boxer. Espinas controlled the action from the opening bell, showcasing superior boxing skills, experience and power. And there were knockdowns to hype the night! The brave Abne was dropped three times before the referee stopped the fight in Round 8. Unfortunately, there was an injury. The tough Abne's left eye was swollen early due to Espinas' crisp combinations. Inevitably, the stoppage came. Espinas landed a solid right hook to the body in the 8th stanza, followed by a barrage of punches leading to the harsh TKO. Jesse Espinas (25-7, 15 KOs), a decorated veteran warrior from Cagayan de Oro, known as "Little Giant", did a fantastic job! No wonder why he has held multiple regional titles like the WBC Asia super flyweight and the WBO Oriental light flyweight. Notably, Espinas has won the WBC Asia super flyweight title — in a weight that was not his — against the much bigger Jiangtao Cao last June. He has also defeated Ruben Davidas via KO two years ago.  Jessie Espinas poses with his promoter Brico Santig. Meanwhile, the brave 26-year-old April Jay Abne (15-2-1, 6 KOs) of the popular ARQ Boxing Stable showed heart. Abne has held WBC Asian super flyweight title. He bounced back from a majority draw against Anthony Gilbuela last March. The win carries much significance for Espinas because he captures the vacant IBF Asia flyweight title, and important strap here in Asia. That has a ranking impact. In fact, this win for Espinas further improves his world ranking; he has been ranked #7 in WBO light flyweight division. For this rumble, both fighters, Espinas and Abne, successfully weighed-in at 112 pounds, the flyweight division limit. In conclusion, Espinas' victory underscores his experience, strength and skill, positioning him well in the IBF and the WBO, and fans wonder was is next for the exciting “Little Giant!” Congratulations to Jesse Espinas and his Highland Boxing Gym! 🇵🇭👍🥊 The author is veteran reporter Carlos Costa in Cebu 🇵🇭 Philippines, carlos@philboxing.com Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.  |
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