Wao to make a comeback
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 28 Jun 2021
Rex Wao.
DAVAO CITY – Former World Boxing Council International bantamweight champion Rex “Igorot Warrior” Wao of Baguio City is making a comeback on June 3 at the Urdaneta Cultural Sports Complex in Urdaneta City.
Wao (11W-4L-0D, 9KOs) will fight against Jon Jon “Wolvarine” Estrada (11W-8L-1D, 10KOs) of Pasay City.
Wao has been in a long rest since he suffered a TKO in the 5th round against Jeo Santisima on Nov. 26, 2016 in Cebu City.
“Wao had been in China working as a trainer,” said promoter Robert Hill of VSP Boxing.
Hill, an Aussie, is a co-promoter with Cucuy Elorde of UKC Pro Boxing Edition.
“Wao tells me he is in great shape,” said Hill.
Wao said that he has been training long since the lockdown hit the country.
“Matagal na po mula umpisa ng lockdown (It's been a long time since the lockdown started),” said Wao.
Wao had been in China working as a trainer since 2016. Now, Wao is back and willing to try again on the ring.
He’s been sparring with his mates from the Highland Boxing Gym.
“I just know he used to be very good and he's not old,” said Hill.
Wao is just 32 years old while Estrada is 31.
Estrada recently lost to undefeated Charly Suarez only by a unanimous decision last Feb. 13, 2021 in Paniqui. It lasted for a full 10 rounds.
All of his opponents were knocked down by Suarez except for Estrada.
Estrada last won by a technical knockout over Tasuku Nakagawa of Japan by a 7th round last April 4, 2018 at Korakuen Hall.
But he lost all of his next four fights, three of them outside the country. Estrada bowed to Akzhol Sulaimanbek Uulu by a UD for the WBA Asia super featherweight title last Dec. 8, 2018 in Ekaterinburg.
Estrada then went back to Ekaterinburg to face Vladislav Krasnoshein but lost again by a UD last March 23, 2019.
Estrada again lost by a UD to Koshin Takeshima in Japan last July 20, 2019.
Estrada was originally scheduled to fight KJ Natuplag of Ifugao, who was then set for Dubai earlier.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
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 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 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 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026