Big-time boxing in Cebu
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 08 Feb 2025
CEBU. Three WBO regional championships will be at stake with WBO No. 1 minimumweight Vic Saludar headlining the undercard in a blockbuster boxing event called “Binukbukay Sa Sugbu” at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino here tonight.
WBO Global featherweight ruler and WBO No. 4 contender Jeong Seon Kang makes the second defense of his crown against Japan’s Ryuto Owan in the main feature. Kang, 23, is the next Korean ring hope and boasts a record of 20-1-2, with 11 KOs. Owan, 26, has a 13-2 slate, with eight KOs and like Kang, turned pro in 2017.
In another 12-rounder, WBO Oriental superfeatherweight titlist Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke of Urumgi, China, takes on hometown challenger Rodex (The Tank) Piala. Laayibieke, 24, was sensational in capturing the vacant WBO Oriental crown via a fifth round stoppage of Virgel Vitor in Tagbilaran City last July. The Uyghur is a robot-like fighting machine with no reverse gear. He’s won 10 in a row since starting his career with back-to-back losses on points. Piala, 29, is coming off a setback by decision to Kenji Fujita in Tokyo for the WBO Asia Pacific belt and a big win over Laayibieke will erase the bitter memory of the loss. Piala’s record is 10-1, with one KO compared to Laayibieke’s 10-2, with seven KOs.
A third 12-rounder pits former world title challenger Genesis Servania against China’s Aketeliete Yelejian for the vacant WBO Oriental welterweight strap. Servania, 33, got off to a 29-0 start after turning pro in 2009 but has now lost three of his last six. Yelejian, 26, is the IBF Asia welterweight king and looks to annex the WBO Oriental diadem at Servania’s expense. His record is 9-4-1, with two KOs while Servania’s mark is 35-4, with 16 KOs.
Saludar, 34, isn’t only the WBO No. 1 minimumweight but also WBA No. 7, IBF No. 9 and WBC No. 14. The former WBO/WBA 105-pound champion is due for a mandatory challenge against WBO beltholder Oscar Collazo whom he decked but lost a decision to in LA in 2022. Last May, Saludar knocked out Thai Sanchai Yotboon in one round to win the WBO Oriental title. He faces Roldan Sasan in a tenner and it should be short work. Sasan, 25, has lost his last five outings. Promoter Dr. Winley de la Fuente of OX-KBDF Gaming is setting the stage to bring big-time boxing back to the Queen City of the South.
Photo: WBO Global defending featherweight champion Kang Jong Seon of South Korea (L) and Ryuto Owan (R) of Japan have a heated staredown during Friday's weighin at the Nustar Resort & Casino in Cebu.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 27 APRIL 2026: Jarrell Miller Outpoints Lenier Pero; Chaves, Sosa win in Vegas show
By Eric Armit, Tue, 28 Apr 2026Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Preparing to fight on Major Global Platform
Tue, 28 Apr 2026“The Boss” Mig is PBO president
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 28 Apr 2026Teófimo moving up to welterweight?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 28 Apr 2026Donatelo Pinlac reigns supreme
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 28 Apr 2026'THE COMEBACK' IS CONFIRMED: AJ RETURNS TO RIYADH ON JULY 25 AS HEAVYWEIGHT ICON FACES KRSITIAN PRENGA – LIVE ON DAZN
Tue, 28 Apr 2026SANDOVAL vs YAFAI UNIFICATION WORLD TITLE FIGHT TOPS THE BILL IN SHEFFIELD ON JUNE 6 – LIVE ON DAZN – AS DALTON SMITH IS SIDELINED
Tue, 28 Apr 2026IBA Global Boxing Series 2026 – India Edition delivers landmark night of professional boxing in Mumbai
Tue, 28 Apr 2026Xander Zayas Signs Multi-Year Extension with Top Rank
Tue, 28 Apr 2026Victor Wembanyama ties Shaquille O'Neal's Playoff Points-Rebounds-Blocks Record
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 28 Apr 2026Pinoy chesser bags gold in China tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 28 Apr 2026MELBOURNE FIGHT WEEK: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN FULL AS NICOLSON TAKES ON TURNER FOR THE WBC INTERIM WORLD TITLE
Mon, 27 Apr 2026‘I’m coming to put on a performance—something exciting, something real. Don’t blink – The Black Hulk Bilal Seidu is back May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
Mon, 27 Apr 2026Fil-Am Brandon Kier Sustento strikes again in US chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 27 Apr 2026Llover nears title shot
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 27 Apr 2026