RYUTO OWAN AND JONG SEON KANG ENGAGE IN FIGHT OF THE YEAR CLASSIC, WITH OWAN EMERGING VICTORIOUS AS THE NEW WBO GLOBAL FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 09 Feb 2025
CEBU, Philippines — On Saturday, February 8, the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu played host to one of the most electrifying battles in recent memory, as Ryuto Owan of Okinawa, Japan, and Jong Seon Kang of Korea clashed in a thrilling contest for the WBO Global Featherweight Crown.
From the opening bell, it was clear that fans were in for a treat, as both fighters came out swinging, each determined to claim victory.
I enjoyed the action live at Nustar with my good old hermano award-winning boxing writer Dong Secuya, and what a fantastic evening of boxing it was!
The action was non-stop, with both men giving their all in a battle that will be remembered for years to come.
The fight was a true war, with both fighters dropping each other to the canvas a total of four times.
Each time, they rose to their feet, refusing to back down, and continued to push the pace.
The intensity was palpable, with the two young men leaving everything they had in the ring.
Kang suffered a cut due to an accidental clash of heads, and was allowed to take a brief pause after receiving a non-intentional low blow thrown at him by Owan.
However, despite these minor setbacks, the fight remained remarkably clean, both Kang and Owan showcasing their exceptional skills, bravery and sportsmanship.
As the battle raged on, it became clear that Owan's superior skills, sharp jab, and speed would ultimately prove to be the deciding factors.
Kang, however, refused to back down, and the two engaged in a thrilling toe-to-toe combat that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
In the ninth round, Owan caught Kang in his own corner, unleashing a devastating barrage of blows that forced referee Surat Soikrachang to intervene, sparing Kang from further punishment.
Despite the brutal nature of the fight, Kang showed incredible heart and resilience, never surrendering… or wanting to hitting the canvas again.
It was a testament to Kang’s warrior spirit and a reminder of the incredible bravery and dedication required to compete at the highest level in boxing, as these men did.
In the end, it was Owan's relentless pressure and precision punching proved too much for the world-ranked Kang.
The fight has already drawn comparisons to some of the greatest battles in boxing history, with Dong Secuya, managing editor of Philboxing, commenting:
"Ryuto Owan vs Jong Seon Kang reminds me of the historic war between Jose Luis Castillo and Diego Corrales."
If you're a boxing fan who loves action-packed fights, do yourself a favor and search for Ryuto Owan vs Jong Seon Kang on YouTube. Trust us, you won't regret it!
Photos by Carlos Costa for Philboxing.com.
The author, veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and WhatsApp +649284538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
GEORGE FOREMAN (1949–2025): THE GENTLE GIANT WHO TAUGHT US TO FIGHT WITH KINDNESS
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 22 Mar 2025Top Rank's Statement on the Passing of George Foreman
Sat, 22 Mar 2025IOC Executive Board Announces Olympic-Style Boxing Will be Included on LA28 Olympic Schedule
Sat, 22 Mar 2025CAPITO EXTENDS HIS LEAD AS BATTLE HEATS UP | 2025 IFX PREMIER LEAGUE POOL
Sat, 22 Mar 2025ABAP severs ties with IBA
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 22 Mar 2025April 5: Abdullah Mason Steps Up Against Carlos Ornelas on Richard Torrez Jr.-Guido Vianello Card at Palms Casino Resort LIVE on ESPN+
Sat, 22 Mar 2025Weights From Atlantic City
Sat, 22 Mar 2025KAMBOSOS JR VS. WYLLIE WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
Fri, 21 Mar 2025Quezon City IIEE-PSME Simba’s Tribe courtesy visit to GAB Chair Rivera
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 21 Mar 2025Oklahoma Takes NBA Overall Lead; Race for West Top 6, Play-in Still On
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 21 Mar 2025IBA congratulates newly elected IOC President Kirsty Coventry, expresses hope for bold reforms
Fri, 21 Mar 2025Magramo clips Cuarto, bags WBC Intl plum
Fri, 21 Mar 2025Magramo is new WBC International light fly champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 21 Mar 2025Brian Norman Jr.: “It Won’t Be a Long Fight!”
Fri, 21 Mar 2025Jabagat to fight Diaz on March 30 at Elorde Gym
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 21 Mar 2025