Philippines, 15 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


FROM MANDAUE TO MEXICO: RODEL MAYOL?S TITLE QUEST FINALLY ENDS IN TRIUMPH


PhilBoxing.com


News of Rodel Mayol?s fifth title challenge became an afterthought here in the Philippines. Manny Pacquiao?s seventh world title win, Z Gorres undergoing emergency neurosurgery and Marvin Sonsona?s first title defense in Canada were the topics that dominated the local sports headlines.
?But the news of his stunning title win in Mexico jolted boxing crazy Cebu out of their Pacquiao-induced high. One of our own gave us a lesson in the value of perseverance.
?The 28 year old Mandaue City native was disappointed four times already and twice this year. In 2006 he engaged Eagle (Kyowa) Den Junlaphan in a brutal fight of the year nominee for the WBC strawweight world title but lost a 12 round unanimous decision. In 2008 he lost to Ulises Solis by 8th round TKO for the IBF lt.flyweight crown.
?This year, he had two technical decisions against WBO jr.flyweight champ Ivan Calderon due to headbutts and wound up with a one draw and one loss record against the undefeated Puerto Rican.
Boxing fans can be very fickle. Few people remembered and fewer people believed in him. But Mayol never stopped believing.
?Two months ago Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes and Z ?The Dream? Gorres celebrated a rare twin victory in Nayarit, Mexico. Surely, Mayol was tempting fate and another disappointment when he arrived at the the Palengue de la Feria in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. Would they ?allow? another Filipino to celebrate in Mexico?
?But Mayol defied the odds and produced a second round TKO over longtime WBC light flyweight champion Edgar Sosa (37-5, 21 KOs), who was making his 11th title defense.
Team Sosa wants Mayol disqualified for the head butt that got the Mexican dazed. Mayol subsequently pounced on the opportunity and scored two knockdowns. Sosa was pinned helpless on the ropes prompting the referee to stop the fight.
A rematch is reported to be in order. Mayol will be happy to oblige. All he cares about now is that he is finally a world champion.
?Mayol ( 26 W- 4L-1D, 20 KO's) was a former amateur standout and four time national champion. He turned pro in 2000 and won Philippine and OPBF titles. After four failed attempts at a world title he seemed doomed to be just another unfulfilled promise.
But he endured. We hope he will have a long title reign. He deserves it.
If the Los Angeles based Mayol decides to return to his old stomping grounds in Mandaue, I'm sure there will be more than a few people who will applaud and shake his hand.
?


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • 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
  • Paradero gets a rematch against Francisco
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Carcedo wins WBA Asia South super welterweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , 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.