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:
WIG-WHAM! MILLER PLANS ‘OLD SCHOOL’ BEATING OF PERO IN LAS VEGAS
Thu, 26 Mar 2026ProBoxTV Bringing a Storm of Flying Leather to Thunder Studios This Saturday, March 28, as Bryan Acosta Collides with Ronny Rios in Crossroads Bantamweight Slugfest
Thu, 26 Mar 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Training Camp Quotes
Thu, 26 Mar 2026Remembering Mr. Elorde: Still the Gold Standard
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Wed, 25 Mar 2026House of Representatives say yes to the Boxing Revitalization Act and it is now sent to the Senate
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 25 Mar 2026Ryan ‘The Polish Prince’ Kielczweski To return after 4-year layoff to fight at home on Granite Chin’s ‘Rumble at the Rink II’ card
Wed, 25 Mar 2026Ellaine Summer Abanco wins silver medal on tiebreak
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 25 Mar 2026Catubig, McDowell win in DC Athletic 4
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 25 Mar 2026Team Juna wins first competition in IRONMAN 70.3 Davao
By Kim delos Reyes-Teves, Wed, 25 Mar 2026Round 12: Without Promoters there is no Boxing
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 25 Mar 2026Mexican female IBF Champion Irma Garcia to defend on April 5 in England
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 25 Mar 202614-0 super middleweight prospect Tommy ‘The Governor’ Hyde to headline April 18th at home in Cork, Ireland
Wed, 25 Mar 2026MMA legend Jon Jones joins IBA Bare Knuckle as global ambassador
Wed, 25 Mar 2026GOLDEN BOY SIGNS NEW EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP EXTENSION WITH DAZN
Wed, 25 Mar 2026“The Takeover” Teofimo Lopez Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Wed, 25 Mar 2026