| |
|
Santisima Faces Undefeated Grigoryan for IBF Asia Title in Russia
PhilBoxing.com Tue, 14 Apr 2026

Former world title challenger Jeo Santisima is set to return to the international stage this Friday, April 17, when he faces rising Russian prospect Mikhail Grigoryan for the vacant IBF Asia Lightweight Title.
Santisima (26-7, 19 KOs) is best known for his spirited 2020 challenge against Emanuel Navarrete for the WBO World Title. Though he fell in the 11th round, Santisima proved he could compete at the elite level, pushing the champion in several competitive rounds. Currently holding a high ranking on BoxRec, the Filipino veteran represents a massive "step up" in class for his opponent.
The 22-year-old Grigoryan enters the ring with a pristine 8-0 record (2 KOs). While he boasts a decorated amateur pedigree, he has yet to face a fighter with the seasoning or power of Santisima.
"Jeo Santisima is a world-class challenger who lasted 11 rounds with Navarrete," said Australian Hall of Fame Promoter Peter Maniatis. "He fought exceptionally well in that bout, and I expect him to bring that same intensity to this fight. Mikhail Grigoryan is a talented, undefeated young boxer, but this is a high-level test for him."
The bout, to be held in Serpukhov—approximately 100km from Moscow—has significant implications for the winner’s career trajectory. Matchmaker Oleg Bogdanov expressed satisfaction with the pairing, noting that it will serve as a firm litmus test for Grigoryan’s potential.
"The winner of this matchup will be seeking a formal IBF ranking," Maniatis added. "The prize is the vacant IBF Asia 61.23kg (Lightweight) title, and a victory here puts either man on the path toward a world ranking."
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Wardley vs Dubois: Heavyweight Tussle in Manchester By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 09 May 2026Fireworks Expected as Cebu's Arañas and Noynay Rumble for WBF Silver Belt By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 09 May 2026Keyshawn Davis: "Nahir Albright’s Going To Be the Fourth Guy I Stop in a Row!" , Sat, 09 May 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Cinco De Mayo, A Historic Celebration Of Boxing By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Fri, 08 May 2026Abne, Zhu Make Weight for IBF Eliminator in Cebu; Winner Fights Taduran By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 08 May 2026IBA presents stacked fight card for May 21 event in Mexico City , Fri, 08 May 2026Laurente to promote amateur boxing By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 08 May 2026Heavyweight Gustavo Trujillo Has a New Date Returns May 30 at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale , Fri, 08 May 2026Toro Promotions & Whitfield Haydon Officially Announce ‘Sizzling Summer Boxing Series’ , Fri, 08 May 2026Jean Henri Lhuillier Drives ASAPHIL’s Winning System Through Long-Term Vision and Coaching Continuity By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 08 May 2026Dy ready to face Malignaggi in BKB on May 16 By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 07 May 2026‘A younger lion always comes for that old lions spot. Your time is up, GET OUT OF MY WAY! – Manny Ritti challenges former ONE FC World Champion Nobutsu Suzuki May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54 , Thu, 07 May 2026Kenia Enriquez Signs Multi-Year Contract with Latin KO Promotions , Thu, 07 May 2026FM Habla, Madriaga win Armageddon for IIEE-PSME Quezon City in PCAP By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 07 May 2026Undefeated heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor Graduates to 10-rounder this Saturday in Atlanta , Thu, 07 May 2026Jonas Magpantay bags P300,000 with Congressman Jeffrey Ferrer 10-Ball title win By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 06 May 2026Abdullah Mason Returns Home for Lightweight World Title Defense against Joe Cordina July 4 at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center , Wed, 06 May 2026Christopher Guerrero to face Delante Johnson on July 4 at the CSU Wolstein Center in Cleveland! , Wed, 06 May 2026Yanong and Horiike make weight in Japan for OPBF 140 lb. title By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 05 May 2026Kulog at Kidlat: Boxing, Art, Thunder and Lightning at the 3rd Pacquiao–Elorde Awards By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Tue, 05 May 2026Camique forced to fight after food poisoning; hospitalized after losing by UD By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 05 May 2026Tony Tolj Previews Thunderdome 54 , Tue, 05 May 2026Mexican boxing historian Eduardo Lamazón passes away at 70 By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 05 May 2026NM Rolly Parondo rules Thailand FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 05 May 2026Wardley vs Dubois: 95% KO Power Collides in Manchester — Winner Gets Usyk Next By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 05 May 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|