Binukbukay sa Sugbo: Tonight Will Be a Night of Fire, Fury, and National Pride
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 08 Feb 2025
Cebu City, Philippines – The stage is set, the fighters are ready, and the tension is palpable. Tonight, February 8, 2025, the Binukbukay sa Sugbo boxing event will ignite the Nu-Star Resort and Casino with a triple-header of WBO regional championship bouts, each carrying the weight of national pride, personal ambition, and the unrelenting hunger for glory. Promoted by Dr. Winley Dela Fuente’s OX-KBDF Promotions, this Las Vegas-style spectacle will light up the halls of Nu-Star, expected to draw a massive Cebuano crowd eager to witness gripping fights and the struggle for supremacy.
But this is more than just a boxing event. It’s a battleground where rivalries transcend the ring, where the tension between nations spills over into the sport, and where every punch thrown carries the hopes and dreams of an entire country.
The Weigh-In: Sparks Fly, Tensions Boil Over
Yesterday’s official weigh-in at the Axxis Bar was anything but routine. The air was thick with animosity as fighters from the Philippines and China engaged in heated confrontations that nearly escalated into all-out brawls.
Genesis Servania (Philippines) vs. Aketeliete Yelejian (China): The two fighters locked horns in a fiery face-off, head-butting, shoving, and pushing each other before being separated. The tension between them was electric, probably a reflection of the broader geopolitical friction between their nations.
Rodex Piala (Philippines) vs. Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke (China): The bad blood continued as Piala and Laayibieke clashed during their face-off, with promoter Dr. Winley Dela Fuente himself stepping in to prevent a full-blown fracas.
These confrontations were not just about boxing; they were a microcosm of the larger struggles between nations, making tonight’s fights a matter of pride, honor, and bragging rights.
Main Event: WBO Global Featherweight Championship
The main event is a clash of rising regional stars, pitting South Korea’s WBO Global Featherweight Champion, Kang Jong Seon (21-1-2, 11 KOs), against Japan’s rising star, Ryuto Owan (13-2, 8 KOs). Kang has already established himself as one of the up and coming prospects in the division. Hailing from Gwangju, South Korea, he is a technical maestro with devastating knockout power. His sole defeat in 2022 was a mere hiccup in an otherwise stellar career, and he has since captured the WBO Global title with a 12th-round stoppage of Taiwan’s Yu Che Li. But Ryuto Owan, the 26-year-old from Tokyo, Japan, is a hungry challenger with a point to prove. Known for his technical prowess and knockout power, Owan has been on a tear, winning back-to-back fights in 2024 against Filipino Gary Tamayo and Thai Anaruk Madua.
This is a battle of youth versus experience, power versus precision. Kang’s ability to control the pace and land clean shots will be key, but Owan’s relentless pressure and hunger for his first major title could turn the tide. Expect a war of attrition, with Kang’s experience ultimately shining through. Prediction: Kang retains his title via a late-round stoppage or unanimous decision.
Co-Feature 1: Vacant WBO Oriental Lightweight Championship
Aketeliete Yelejian (China) vs. Genesis Servania (Philippines)
This fight is more than just a title bout; it’s a clash of cultures, a test of wills, and a chance for redemption. Aketeliete Yelejian, 26, is a rising prospect with a record of 9-4-1 (2 KOs). Despite his recent IBF Asia welterweight belt win, Yelejian has struggled against top-tier opponents, including a close majority decision loss to Servania’s former ALA Gym stablemate, Albert Pagara. Genesis Servania, is a 33-year-old Filipino veteran and is a beloved figure in Cebu and a former world title challenger. With a record of 35-4 (16 KOs), Servania is fighting not just for the title but for his legacy. After a 12-year absence from Cebu, he returns to the place where he had some of the most memorable fights in his career with an expected highly partisan crowd madly rooting for him. Additionally, Servania has added motivation after the promoter, Dr Winley dela Fuente, promised to give him a bonus of P100,000 if he beats Yelejian by knockout.
Yelejian, at 5'9" is taller and bigger having fought as a welterweight in his last two fights. His unorthodox style and power make him dangerous but Servania’s experience and homecoming motivation will be the difference although fighting in the glamour division for the first time. Look for Servania to outbox Yelejian, using his superior ring IQ and footwork to neutralize the Chinese fighter’s aggression. Prediction: Servania wins via unanimous decision, bringing the title back to the Philippines.
Co-Feature 2: WBO Oriental Super Featherweight Championship
Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke (China) vs. Rodex Piala (Philippines)
This fight is a classic power vs. skill matchup, with both fighters carrying the hopes of their nations. The Chinese champion Laayibieke (10-2, 7 KOs) is a knockout artist with seven of his ten wins coming by stoppage. His power is undeniable, but questions remain about his ability to handle a technically sound opponent. Piala, the Filipino challenger (10-1, 1 KO) who celebrated his birthday yesterday, may lack knockout power, but his technical skills and determination have carried him to the top. Fighting in front of his home crowd, Piala will look to outbox the champion and claim the title. Laayibieke’s power will be a constant threat, but Piala’s technical prowess and ability to adapt could lead to an upset. This fight will likely go the distance, with Piala’s precision and ring generalship earning him the nod. Prediction: Piala wins via split decision, shocking the champion and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Undercard: Rising Stars and Local Heroes
The undercard is stacked with talent, featuring rising stars and local heroes looking to make their mark.
Vic Saludar vs. Roldan Sasan (10-Round Junior Flyweight): An all-Filipino clash between two skilled fighters. Expect a technical battle with Saludar’s experience giving him the edge.
Jason Balajadja vs. Vergil Deguma (8-Round Super Welterweight): A battle of local talents, this fight promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Deguma’s power could be the difference.
Alexander Fredrikksson vs. Reymond Empic (6-Round Welterweight): The Fil-Swedish prospect faces a tough test in Empic which will be a gauge on how far he can go as a pro.
Junior Flyweight Bouts: Rafie Jamero, Yulie Hindoy, Tristan Jay Racho, and Aubrey Silot will all look to shine in front of their hometown fans.
Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember
Tonight, the Binukbukay sa Sugbo boxing event will be more than just a series of fights; it will be a celebration of courage, determination, and national pride. With rivalries simmering, titles on the line, and the eyes of the boxing world on Cebu, this is a night that promises to be unforgettable. As the fighters step into the ring, they carry not just their own dreams but the hopes of their nations. For the Philippines, it’s a chance to assert dominance on home soil. For China, it’s an opportunity to prove their rising prowess in the sport. And for the fans, it’s a night of fire, fury, and unforgettable moments.
The first bout starts at 4 o'clock pm.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
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