MIKHAIL GRIGORYAN DEFEATS JEO SANTISIMA, CROWNED NEW IBF ASIA LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION IN SERPUKHOV
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 18 Apr 2026
Russian boxer Mikhail Grigoryan has been crowned the new IBF Asia Lightweight Champion after defeating Filipino contender Jeo Santisima by Unanimous Decision over 10 rounds in Serpukhov, Russia Friday, April 17.
The southpaw proved too slick and elusive for Santisima throughout the contest, using sharp footwork and smart movement to neutralize the Filipino's offense and control the bout from start to finish.
Promoter Peter Maniatis praised both fighters following the final bell.
"Jeo Santisima fought very hard for 10 rounds, but the difference came down to Mikhail Grigoryan being a slick-moving southpaw who boxed and moved and never gave Jeo a chance to land any major punches," said Maniatis.
Despite the loss, Santisima earned widespread admiration for his gutsy performance on the road.
"Jeo Santisima fought his heart out tonight. Filipino boxing fans should be proud of him — he traveled to Russia and put up a tough, hard fight over 10 rounds," Maniatis added.
While acknowledging Grigoryan's superior ring craft, Maniatis was quick to credit Santisima's effort and resilience.
"Grigoryan was too slick with his southpaw movement and game plan, but hats off to Santisima — he landed some good punches and body shots and tried very hard. Tonight he was simply outboxed by a slicker fighter."
Grigoryan's IBF Asia Lightweight title victory marks a significant milestone in the Russian's career and positions him as one to watch in the lightweight division.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Spotlight on Mexico City: boxers speak ahead of IBA Pro 18
Wed, 20 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Wembanyama Outshines MVP Gilgeous-Alexander as Spurs Beat Thunder 122-115 in Double Overtime Thriller
By Reylan Loberternos, Wed, 20 May 20260 MUST GO: SELDON JR. vs. POPPER — JUNE 13 AT THE TROP
Wed, 20 May 2026CARL “THE COBRA” FROCH REUNITES WITH ANDRE WARD ON ART OF WARD FOR FIRST IN-DEPTH SIT-DOWN SINCE THEIR LEGENDARY SUPER SIX FINAL
Wed, 20 May 2026BOXING LEGEND DARREN BARKER ANNOUNCES 'THE LONGEST ROUND' – A WORLD-FIRST ENDURANCE CHALLENGE FOR MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH
Wed, 20 May 2026IBA stands ready to organise Jon Jones professional boxing fight in Russia
Wed, 20 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Earns Eight More Wins on Day Two at 2026 Copa America
Wed, 20 May 2026QC ends PCAP Season 6 All-Filipino conference campaign
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 20 May 2026It’s in the blood
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 19 May 2026“The fans will be the true winners” – Angel Ayala ready for IBA PRO 18 in Mexico City
Tue, 19 May 2026Rematch option for Melvin
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 19 May 2026World-class stablemates John ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez & Darius ‘DFG’ Fulghum fighting on same card Friday night in San Jose
Tue, 19 May 2026Ignacio Defeats Malayan to Claim Title and USD 10,000 Prize
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 19 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Dominates Day One of 2026 Copa America with 11-0 Record
Tue, 19 May 2026Reina Tellez Returns to the Ring Following World Title Challenge Against Amanda Serrano
Mon, 18 May 2026