Jesse Espinas Victorious, New IBF Asia Champion
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 13 Oct 2025
Espinas with his coach Alegria.
In an exciting battle, Jesse Espinas emerged victorious against April Jay "Astroboy" Abne, claiming the IBF Asia Flyweight title.
He did that with a riveting knockout win in the eighth chapter of their bout held October 12, in Bangued, Abra.
The intense rumble took place at the University of Abra's Bangued Campus Gov. Andres B. Bernos Gym, thrilling students and fans alike.
It was a dominant performance by the Highland boxer. Espinas controlled the action from the opening bell, showcasing superior boxing skills, experience and power.
And there were knockdowns to hype the night! The brave Abne was dropped three times before the referee stopped the fight in Round 8.
Unfortunately, there was an injury. The tough Abne's left eye was swollen early due to Espinas' crisp combinations.
Inevitably, the stoppage came. Espinas landed a solid right hook to the body in the 8th stanza, followed by a barrage of punches leading to the harsh TKO.
Jesse Espinas (25-7, 15 KOs), a decorated veteran warrior from Cagayan de Oro, known as "Little Giant", did a fantastic job!
No wonder why he has held multiple regional titles like the WBC Asia super flyweight and the WBO Oriental light flyweight.
Notably, Espinas has won the WBC Asia super flyweight title — in a weight that was not his — against the much bigger Jiangtao Cao last June. He has also defeated Ruben Davidas via KO two years ago.
Jessie Espinas poses with his promoter Brico Santig.
Meanwhile, the brave 26-year-old April Jay Abne (15-2-1, 6 KOs) of the popular ARQ Boxing Stable showed heart. Abne has held WBC Asian super flyweight title.
He bounced back from a majority draw against Anthony Gilbuela last March.
The win carries much significance for Espinas because he captures the vacant IBF Asia flyweight title, and important strap here in Asia.
That has a ranking impact. In fact, this win for Espinas further improves his world ranking; he has been ranked #7 in WBO light flyweight division.
For this rumble, both fighters, Espinas and Abne, successfully weighed-in at 112 pounds, the flyweight division limit.
In conclusion, Espinas' victory underscores his experience, strength and skill, positioning him well in the IBF and the WBO, and fans wonder was is next for the exciting “Little Giant!”
Congratulations to Jesse Espinas and his Highland Boxing Gym! 🇵🇭👍🥊
The author is veteran reporter Carlos Costa in Cebu 🇵🇭 Philippines, carlos@philboxing.com
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Eight Boxers Remain in WBC Grand Prix Finals On December 20
Wed, 26 Nov 2025WBA/WBO Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez Confirms World Title Fight with David Benavidez on Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas
Wed, 26 Nov 2025Petecio in, Paalam out
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Takuma Inoue World Champion Again; Beats Nasukawa for Vacant WBC Belt
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 26 Nov 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 3: 1920 OLYMPIC GAMES AT ANTWERP, BELGIUM
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Badenas TKO’s Saknosiwi in 10th round
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Las Vegas & California Amateurs Shine in a Powerful Fall Rumble Weekend Followed by a Heartfelt Turkey Drive for Local Families
Wed, 26 Nov 2025Santa Run Davao on December 14 at NCCC Mall Victoria Plaza
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Alec “The Rock” Del Rio Fights for WBC Asia Title Friday in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 25 Nov 2025Eumir, Weljohn put pros on hold
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 25 Nov 2025Toronto Topples Cleveland, 110-99 for 8th Straight Win; Holds on to 2nd in the East
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 25 Nov 2025PPP Seniors & PWD Fun Run 2025 on Dec. 13 in Talomo
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 25 Nov 2025MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES A FULL SELLOUT AND BROADCAST DETAILS AHEAD OF U.S. DEBUT EVENT THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, AT PECHANGA RESORT CASINO IN TEMECULA, CALIF.
Tue, 25 Nov 2025Tomorrow Night's CB Promotions Card at The Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton is Postponed
Tue, 25 Nov 2025PHL bids to host WB Congress
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 25 Nov 2025