Sumabong to defend WBO title against undefeated Taiwanese on July 11 in Bohol
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 17 Jun 2026
REIGNING WBO Asia Pacific champion minimumweight champion Joseph “The Hunter” Sumabong will make his first title-defense against Jheng Ciou of Taiwan on July 11 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
The 24-year-old Sumabong [10-1-0,5KOs] beat Takero Kitano of Japan by a unanimous decision to win the vacant WBO Asia Pacific minimumweight title last October 21, 2025 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
He recently stopped Rolando Toyogon of Paranaque City in the 6th round last February 28 in Tagbilaran City.
“My weight is OK. I will also reduce my weight but it is still far away,” said Sumabong.
He is training under coach Romnic Hoybia.
“I’m excited about my first defense. My opponent is also undefeated,” he said.
Sumabong is highly ranked by all boxing organizations in their latest rankings: IBO No. 5, WBC No. 6, RING No. 8, WBA No. 8, WBO No. 9 and IBF No. 14.
The 21-year-old Ciou [9-0-1, 8KOs], on other hand, recently won the vacant OPBF Silver minimumweight title by outpunching Ryoga Hattori last March 1 in Taichung.
Lawyer Floriezyl Podot of PMI Bohol Boxing Promotion is the promoter.
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