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:
MILLER AND PERO CLASH IN HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN IN LAS VEGAS ON APRIL 25
Wed, 18 Mar 2026Middleweight Championship Battle Between (C) Khamzat Chimaev and (#3) Sean Strickland Headlines UFC® 328 at Prudential Center Live on Paramount+
Wed, 18 Mar 2026Sampson Lewkowicz & TM Boxing Sign Undefeated Mexican Prospect José Ángel Guerrero to Co-Promotional Deal
Wed, 18 Mar 202612-Time World Champion & Hall of Famer James Toney Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Wed, 18 Mar 2026Five stitches for Donaire’s cut
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 17 Mar 2026Roberto Gomez Training Camp Notes
Tue, 17 Mar 2026Esneth Domingo Trains at the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles Ahead of His US Debut
Tue, 17 Mar 2026Tatay Digong Birthday Run on March 28
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 17 Mar 202612-0 prospect Marco Romero to headline This Friday in Independence, Missouri
Tue, 17 Mar 2026700 athletes on March 21-22 at UM
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 17 Mar 2026United States Earns Four Gold Medals on Final Day of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
Mon, 16 Mar 2026Mexico wins 2 bronze medals at World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 16 Mar 2026Arnold 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 2026