Three Regional WBO Title Fights Set to Ignite Cebu at NUSTAR Resort & Casino
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 10 Dec 2024
CEBU CITY – The glittering halls of NUSTAR Resort & Casino will transform into a battlefield of grit and glory as three WBO regional title fights thunder through Cebu on February 8, 2025. Fighters from the Philippines, Korea, China, and Japan are primed to deliver a spectacle of skill and determination in this highly anticipated event, unveiled in dramatic fashion on Tuesday, December 10, at NUSTAR's Axis Bar.
Promoted by Dr. Winley dela Fuente's OX KBDF Gaming, in collaboration with NUSTAR, the event, dubbed as 'Binukbukay sa Sugbu' promises to reignite boxing in the region. Present at the press conference were WBO Vice-President for Asia-Pacific Leon Panoncillo Jr., NUSTAR's Senior Vice President for Gaming and Integrated Resort Operations Trevor Hammond, and the dynamic Dr. Dela Fuente himself. The event, hosted by former beauty queen Shanyl Kayle Hofer, set the tone for a thrilling night of championship bouts.
Promoter Dr. Winley dela Fuente speaks at the podium as WBO's Leon Panoncillo Jr., NUSTAR's Trevor Hammond and host Shanyl Kayle Hofer listen.
Main Event: Featherweight Fireworks
Headlining the event is the battle for the WBO Featherweight Global Title. Reigning champion Jeong Seon Kang (20-1-2, 11 KOs) of South Korea will defend his crown against Japan’s fierce contender Ryuto Owan (13-2-0, 8 KOs). Kang, 23, hails from Gwangju City and has forged his reputation with decisive victories over tough Filipino opponents like Milan Melindo and Tomjune Mangubat. His sole defeat in 2022 at the hands of Filipino fighter Lienard Sarcon spurred him to a ferocious comeback, stringing together five wins, three by knockout.
Standing in his way is Owan, 26, a former JBC Super Bantamweight champion from Tokyo. Known for his relentless style, Owan boasts a significant victory over former Filipino world title contender Mark Anthony Geraldo. The clash between Kang’s calculated power and Owan’s ferocity promises a bout for the ages.
Featured Bouts: Rising Stars and Redemption
In a high-stakes showdown, Cebu’s own Rodex Piala (10-1-0, 1 KO) is determined to reclaim his upward trajectory. Piala will face China’s heavy-handed Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke (10-2-0, 7 KOs) for the WBO Oriental Featherweight title. Piala, eager to rebound from his loss to Japan’s Kenji Fujita, faces a formidable adversary in Laayibieke, who is intent on proving his knockout victory over Filipino Vergil Vitor was no fluke. This clash of youth and ambition promises fireworks.
Adding to the drama, Filipino veteran Genesis Servania (35-4-0, 16 KOs), now fighting out of Vietnam, takes on China’s Aketelieti Yelejian (9-4-1, 2 KOs) for the WBO Oriental Lightweight title. At 33, Servania is no stranger to high-pressure bouts, having challenged Mexican star Oscar Valdez in 2022 in a heart-stopping encounter that saw both fighters hit the canvas. With dreams of another world title shot, Servania is ready to reignite his career against the determined Yelejian, who seeks redemption after a tough loss to Albert Pagara earlier this year.
A Vision for Boxing’s Future
Dr. Dela Fuente, celebrated for his success in derby gaming, is now channeling his passion into the world of boxing. "Boxing is my passion," he shared. "Promoting boxing involves risks, but I’m willing to take them. Our country is renowned for its boxers, and I’m committed to giving them a platform. If I can break even—or even lose a little—but see the joy and excitement of the fans, that’s a win for me."
Asked if he plans to sign up boxers to promotional contracts, Dela Fuente said he wants to remain neutral and is willing to talk to other boxing stables to collaborate to put up boxing events featuring their own up and coming boxers.
NUSTAR’s Trevor Hammond echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the casino’s ambition to become the region’s epicenter for sports and entertainment. The venue’s 2,500-square-meter Grand Ballroom, capable of hosting 2,000 fans, is poised to become a world-class stage for boxing and other major events.
WBO's Leon Panoncillo Jr. stresses a point as he talks to the media.
The Cebu sports media come in full force during the press launching at NUSTAR's Axis Bar.
What Lies Ahead
WBO Vice-President Leon Panoncillo assured fans that every bout sanctioned by the organization meets its rigorous standards, ensuring an evening of high-octane, edge-of-your-seat action. With four more undercard bouts set to add depth and excitement to the night, the NUSTAR Resort & Casino is the place to be for boxing fans this February.
As the countdown begins, the stage is set for a night where dreams are made and legends are born. Don’t miss the action as the sweet science takes center stage in Cebu.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
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