Philippines, 12 Apr 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Sabaupan battles tough Korean


PhilBoxing.com



Al Sabaupan.

UNBEATEN lightweight Al Sabaupan will take a huge step in his bid to gain international stardom as he battles former world champion Ji-Hoon Kim of South Korea November 19.

The bout will be held in the Philippines with the 23-year-old Sabaupan staking his unblemished record of 16-0-0, including 11 knockouts against the battle-scarred Korean, who boasts of 22-7-2 mark. Nicknamed the Volcano, the native of Goyang City knocked out 18 opponents.

??Huge test for Al,?? said Saved by the Bell Promotion chief and youthful Batangue?o sportsman-businessman Elmer Anuran in an exclusive interview in Makati City. Sabaupan is known in the boxing circles as power puncher and has earned the monicker Captain A. Anuran believes that Sabaupan, who hails from Sipocot, Camarines Sur, will have his hands full against the 24-year-old Kim, who previously owned the International Boxing Organization super-featherweight and PABA titles.

Anuran masterminded the highly-applauded Pinoy Warriors card recently at the Makati Coliseum where former WBA interim super flyweight titleholder Drian ??Golden Fists?? Francisco boxed himself back on track for the world crown after scoring a unanimous decision victory over world class and fellow Filipino fighter Michael ??Bruce Lee?? Domingo. Anuran said Saved by the Bell is putting another world-class card by pitting Sabaupan against Kim, who lost to eventual and reigning titlist Miguel Vazquez of Guadalajara, Mexico for the IBF lightweight plum last year.
??Fans will witness non-stop action. SBB is also preparing an explosive card featuring Nino Magboo, Jun Doliges and other upcoming boxers,?? said Anuran. Sabaupan sparred with Francisco at the Touch Gloves Boxing Gym in Agoncillo, Batangas. He is now training under the watchful eyes of Benny dela Pe?a, who also trained Francisco.

Ray Wheatley, IBF vice-president for Asia-Pacific, said he is delighted with the Sabaupan-Kim clash. ??It?s gonna be a night to remember,?? Wheatley told Anuran.The IBF official is expected to personally witness the bout. Vazquez (29-3, 13 KOs) is being managed by Antonio Margarito, who was nearly sent by pound-for-pound King into retirement last year. ??Of course, the eventual target of Sabaupan is to have a date with Vazquez next year,?? noted Anuran. Vasquez had defended his title against Ricardo Dominguez in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico and Australian Leonardo Zappavigna in Las Vegas, Nevada.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dennis U. Eroa.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Tyson Fury gets a unanimous decision victory after 12 rounds against Arslanbek Makhmudov in England
    , Sun, 12 Apr 2026
  • 'The Take Over' Renden Oppas Scores Win in Australia
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 12 Apr 2026
  • CK Ingles: A Chess Player, Chess Team Manager - CHESS KINGS, Chess Tournament and Event Organizer
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 12 Apr 2026
  • Hebert Conceicao Sousa Wins Perilous Unanimous Decision over Johan Gonzalez in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Prudential Center  in Brick City
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • ARGENTINE KO KING CHAVES FACES MADUENO IN LAS VEGAS
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Team USA Clinches Eight Medals At 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Weights From ‘Mielnicki vs. Huerta’ Event from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and Broadcast live on ProBoxTV
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Boquiren to face Olmillo in RFL on April 18
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • USA Opens Strong at 2026 Gee Bee Tournament In Helsinki
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Filipino chess prodigy Nika Juris Nicolas eyes Woman International Master title
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Blazen Rocili "The Filipino Giant" Dominates in Statement Victory at "Rumble in the UNE," Improves to 10-0
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Oppas to face Lu on April 11 in Australia
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Ilar, Infiesto to play in Guevarra Chess Cup
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Pabular to face Kitano on April 13 at Korakuen Hall
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Five reasons why IBA NOMAD 14 in Almaty is worth watching
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Antonio bounces back in Sydney International Open Chess Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Los Angeles Prospect Jahvad McDermott
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Staying active is Magsayo’s priority
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Abu Bakar ready to rumble against Singh on April 11
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Atty. Aldwin Alegre is set to compete in the 23rd Bangkok Chess Club Open 2026 to be held at the Luxurious Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, Thailand from April 11-19, 2026.
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • WEIGH IN RESULTS IGLESIAS VS SILYAGIN - TOMORROW NIGHT IN MONTREAL!
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Kristian Prenga Headlines “Crossroads in Brick City” on June 6 in Newark
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Macala, Silva, Lopez to play in 14th Atty. Jong Guevarra Cup
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Former World Champion Miguel Berchelt Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in  Las Vegas
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Sem Japet Enano Stuns Hometown Favorite Tyrell Adams to Claim IBO Oceania Featherweight Title
    , Thu, 09 Apr 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.