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:
Sanman 100 Official Weigh-In Results from General Santos
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Subkhankulov stops Usmonov, Agrba wins hard test, and Aminova claims WBA Asia title at IBA.PRO 17 in Ufa
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Pero vs Miller: Heavies Collide in Prove it fight on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 25 Apr 2026Subkhankulov Stops Usmonov in Russia, Claims IBF No. 2 Spot at Lightweight
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Yeow Ming to fight in Bangkok for ABF title
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 25 Apr 2026MILLER VS. PERO - WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER AHEAD OF TOMORROW NIGHT’S ACTION
Sat, 25 Apr 2026IBA Pro Champions Night to feature world champions in Saint Petersburg
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Noelle Haro and Marie Rosendo Advance to Quarterfinals with Wins on Day Four of 2026 World Boxing Cup – Stage 1
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Bautista to face Dulayba at Okada on April 30
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 25 Apr 2026LAS VEGAS FIGHT WEEK: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AS MILLER AND PERO COLLIDE IN WBA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR – LIVE ON DAZN
Fri, 24 Apr 2026Undefeated Knockout Artist Amari “The Reaper” Jones Headlines First-Ever DAZN Card Against Former World Champion Vincenzo “Il Capo” Gualtieri
Fri, 24 Apr 2026Mexican female stars Mayelli Flores and Irma ¨Torbellino¨ Garcia sign with MVP
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 24 Apr 2026Basil to fight Britanico on April 26 in Delpan
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 24 Apr 2026Race briefing of Mt. Apo Boulder Face on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 24 Apr 2026Into fights for IBA championship on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 24 Apr 2026