RODEX "THE TANK" PIALA DELIVERS AWESOME PERFORMANCE, DETHRONES YEERJIALAHSI LAAYIBIEKE, CLAIMS WBO ORIENTAL BELT
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 09 Feb 2025
CEBU, Philippines — In a thrilling showdown, Rodex "The Tank" Piala (11-1, 1 KO) from Cebu's esteemed ARQ Boxing Stable put on a thrilling performance, edging the bigger and tough Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke (10-3, 7 KOs) to capture the coveted WBO Oriental Super Featherweight Title February 8 at Nustar Resort and Casino in Cebu, Philippines.
The highly anticipated 12-round battle got off to a blistering start, with the 24-year-old Laayibieke coming out swinging, determined to make a statement.
However, Piala's strength, heart and stamina eventually paid off, as he adjusted his strategy mid-fight, catching Laayibieke off guard with precise combinations and powerful hooks.
The momentum shifted decisively in Piala's favor in the second half of the contest, with Laayibieke visibly tiring.
Still, the battle was a 12-rounder and points could go either way.
Sensing victory within his grasp, Piala poured on the pressure, dropping Laayibieke in the final round with a perfectly placed hook that put the Chinese on his pants and the crowd on its feet, what a 12th round, what a way to finish a title fight!!!
When the judges' scorecards were tallied, Piala emerged victorious by unanimous decision, sending the packed Nustar Convention Hall into applauses.
Not only did Piala claimed the WBO Oriental Super Featherweight Title, but he also relieved Laayibieke of his world ranking. He was WBO #15.
This triumph marked a career-defining moment for the 30-year-old Piala, who demonstrated skills, resilience, and determination.
The victory also underscored the warrior’s heart of the ARQ Boxing Stable, a gym that produces exciting fighters.
As "The Tank" Piala celebrated his hard-fought victory, boxing fans took notice of the good noisy he is making in the 130-pound weight-class.
With this impressive win Saturday evening, Piala has given reasons to Cebu fans to celebrate.
Those same fans now can't wait to see what the future holds for this big heart, strong chin ARQ fighter.
The author veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa of Cebu can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and WhatsApp: +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Arnold Barboza Jr. Shines in Welterweight Debut, Defeats Kenneth Sims Jr. to Claim Wbo Global Welterweight Title
Sun, 15 Mar 2026WBC top contender Canoy returns to Davao with Unanimous Decision Victory
Sun, 15 Mar 2026John Randall Peralta: The Future of the Philippine Chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 15 Mar 2026Alvin “Felemon” Dologuin Claims Win in Brico Santig’s Show in Thailand (PHOTOS)
Sun, 15 Mar 2026Donaire's Yokohama Showdown: Can our Filipino Flash Outshine the Rising Sun? (WEIGH-IN PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Mar 2026USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team Wins Five of Eight Bouts on Day Six
Sun, 15 Mar 2026Shai Gilgeous-Alexander surpasses Chamberlain's record of 127 consecutive NBA games with 20 points or more
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 15 Mar 2026World-Ranked Light Heavyweight Najee Lopez Stops Mexican Terminator Manuel Gallego in Eight Classic Rounds in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
Sat, 14 Mar 2026Weigh-in from Highland Boxing in Bangkok, Thailand; Dologuin in Action (WEIGH-IN PHOTOS)
Sat, 14 Mar 2026Oval rules 35th CityHeights slugfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 14 Mar 2026Sims vs. Barboza and Dickens vs. Cacace Headline Doubleheader on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 14 Mar 2026Rubilen Amit sustains amazing run of victories at WPBA Pool in New York
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 14 Mar 2026Weights Set in Anaheim: Barboza Jr. and Sims Jr. Ready for Welterweight War; Collazo Defends Titles
Sat, 14 Mar 2026Rising Young Star Yoenis Tellez Takes on Top Contender Brian Mendoza in New Co-Main Event of PBC Pay-per-View Event Available on Prime Video Saturday, March 28
Sat, 14 Mar 2026Five USA Boxers Qualify for Medal Rounds on Day Six of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
Sat, 14 Mar 2026