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Category: Boxing

  • Mark Ashley Fajardo leads Philippine charge into Asian U23 Boxing quarterfinals  

    Mark Ashley Fajardo leads Philippine charge into Asian U23 Boxing quarterfinals  

    The Philippines remains in contention at the Asian U19 and U23 Boxing Championships after Mark Ashley Fajardo delivered the country’s lone victory in the latest round of action, booking a place in the U23 men’s welterweight (65kg) quarterfinals in Jakarta, Indonesia.


    With 329 boxers from 20 National Federations composed of 189 men and 140 women competing in one of Asia’s biggest youth boxing events, every victory has become crucial as nations battle for continental honors and valuable international experience.

     

    Fajardo wasted little time asserting himself against hometown fighter Putra Laskar. 

    The Filipino overwhelmed the Indonesian, forcing a referee-stopped contest at the 2:27 mark of the opening round to secure his place in the last eight.

     

    The emphatic win sets up a sterner challenge for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist, who will face Uzbekistan’s Ilkhomjon Ergashev in the quarterfinals. 

     

    Ergashev advanced after Qatar’s Faisal Mohamed Al-Naimi was forced to abandon their bout at the 2:37 mark of the first round.

     

    While Fajardo moved forward, the rest of the Philippine contingent encountered stiff resistance against some of Asia’s top young talents.

     

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    Eljay Pamisa bowed out in the U23 men’s bantamweight (55kg) division after dropping a unanimous 5-0 decision to Uzbekistan’s Faryozbek Dustmatov. 

     

    John Steven Demaisip also saw his campaign end, falling to Thailand’s Thanaphansakon Kalaseeram in a split 4-0 decision in the men’s lightweight (60kg).

     

    In the U19 competition, Wyndel Caytuna absorbed a unanimous 5-0 loss to Tajikistan’s Sharifkhon Nuraliev in the men’s lightweight (60kg), leaving Fajardo’s breakthrough as the biggest highlight for Team Philippines in the latest session.

     

    The Philippine campaign, however, is far from over. Still scheduled to compete in the U23 division are Xian Baguhin in the women’s flyweight (51kg) and Clark Vicera in the men’s flyweight (50kg).

     

    In the U19 tournament, the country will also be represented by Ephraim John Baruis (men’s bantamweight, 55kg), Shairylle Pores (women’s light flyweight, 45-48kg), Jake Radley Fitch (men’s super heavyweight, over 90kg), and Ermalie Caballero (women’s flyweight, 51kg).

     

    The championships, which run until July 16 in Jakarta, continue to showcase the continent’s next generation of Olympic-style boxing talents, with the Philippines hoping Fajardo’s momentum can spark a deeper run for the national team.

     

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  • Philippine boxing boosts Asian Games preparations with overseas training 

    Philippine boxing boosts Asian Games preparations with overseas training 

    The Philippine boxing team is leaving little to chance in its bid to reclaim the top of the Asian Games podium.

     

    With the 2026 Asian Games set for September 21 to October 2 in Aichi, Japan, the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) has lined up an extensive two-phase overseas training program, believing thorough preparation will be key to ending the country’s 16-year wait for an Asian Games boxing gold medal.

     

    “That’s our goal, of course,” Manalo said.

     

    The Philippines has not produced an Asian Games boxing champion since Rey Saludar captured the flyweight gold medal in Foshan, China in 2010. Since then, the country has come close but has fallen just short of returning to the top step of the podium.

     

    The closest finishes came through Charly Suarez, who settled for silver in the lightweight division at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. 

     

    Rogen Ladon duplicated the feat in the flyweight class at the 2018 edition in Jakarta, Indonesia, before Eumir Marcial added another silver in the middleweight division during the 2022 Games in Hangzhou, China.

     

    Determined to rewrite that narrative, ABAP has arranged a pair of international training camps before the continental meet begins.

     

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    “We are participating in the pre-Asian Games training camp arranged by Asian Boxing, which has two phases,” said Manalo referring to the first one in Bangkok, Thailand, and the other in Nishio City, Japan from next month to September.

     

    The overseas camps are expected to give the national boxers valuable opportunities to spar against some of Asia’s top fighters while allowing them to acclimatize ahead of the Games in Japan.

     

    Leading the Philippine campaign will be a battle-tested core composed of Olympic medalists Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Aira Villegas, all of whom are expected to spearhead the country’s quest for podium finishes in Aichi.

     

    Marcial, in particular, will now devote his full attention to the national team after the planned undercard appearance in the postponed Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather event was put on hold.

     

    “Even prior to the postponement, he has committed for the Asian Games,” said Manalo.

     

    The presence of four Olympic medalists gives the Philippines one of its deepest boxing contingents in recent memory. 

     

    Petecio and Paalam have consistently delivered on the international stage, Marcial remains one of Asia’s premier middleweights, while Villegas continues to build on her breakthrough Olympic campaign as she prepares for another major test.

     

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  • Manny Pacquiao names Terence Crawford as dream fight that didn’t happen

    Manny Pacquiao names Terence Crawford as dream fight that didn’t happen

    Manny Pacquiao remains as passionate about boxing as ever, and despite already cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats, the Filipino legend still finds himself reflecting on the fights that shaped his remarkable career—and one blockbuster matchup that never came to fruition.

     

    Widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history and unquestionably the Philippines’ most accomplished sporting icon, Pacquiao has built a legacy few fighters can rival. The former eight-division world champion has captured titles across an unprecedented eight weight divisions, headlined some of the biggest events in boxing history, and defeated a who’s who of elite champions during a professional career spanning nearly three decades.

     

    After initially retiring, Pacquiao made his long-awaited return to professional boxing in 2025 when he challenged then-World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios. The comeback generated worldwide attention, with fans eager to see whether the Filipino superstar could once again compete at the highest level despite being well into his 40s.

     

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    Pacquiao produced a spirited performance against the younger Barrios, displaying flashes of the speed, footwork, and relentless aggression that made him one of boxing’s most exciting fighters. However, after 12 closely contested rounds, the judges scored the bout a majority draw—a verdict that sparked debate among boxing fans and analysts.

     

    Speaking in a recent interview with Vibe, Pacquiao admitted he was still surprised by the official result and maintained that he believed he had done enough to earn the victory.

     

    “That was a good fight with Mario Barrios, and I am surprised by the result. It was a draw, supposedly. It happened that way, so charge the experience and move on. People know who won the fight, even him. I know he knows. I have to move on and look forward to the future,” Pacquiao said.

     

    Despite expressing disappointment over the decision, Pacquiao made it clear that he has accepted the outcome and remains focused on what lies ahead rather than dwelling on the past.

     

    Another fight that had captured the imagination of the boxing world was a long-awaited rematch with longtime rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. Their first encounter in 2015, billed as the “Battle of the Century,” became one of the richest and most-watched events in boxing history. Although the contest fell short of fans’ lofty expectations inside the ring, speculation about a rematch continued for years.

    A second meeting appeared to be gaining momentum before plans were put on hold indefinitely due to Mayweather’s legal issues, leaving another chapter in one of boxing’s biggest rivalries unresolved.

     

    With the Mayweather rematch now unlikely to materialize anytime soon, Pacquiao was asked whether there was another dream fight that ultimately escaped him during his Hall of Fame-worthy career.

     

    Without hesitation, the Filipino legend pointed to undefeated American superstar Terence Crawford.

     

    “I think the Crawford fight. Yeah, the Crawford fight. Because Bob Arum preserved him. I’m under Top Rank promotions, and he was under Top Rank promotions before, so I would have loved to fight him. But it never happened. Bob didn’t give it to me,” he added.

     

    A showdown between Pacquiao and Crawford had long been discussed during Crawford’s rise through the welterweight ranks. At the time, many viewed it as a fascinating clash between one of boxing’s most accomplished veterans and one of its emerging pound-for-pound stars. However, despite both fighters spending time under Top Rank Promotions, negotiations never progressed into an official bout.

     

    For Pacquiao, it remains one of the biggest “what ifs” of an extraordinary career that included victories over Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley, Timothy Bradley, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Marquez.

     

    Even as retirement continues to be a frequent topic surrounding his career, Pacquiao insists he still has no desire to walk away from the sport that has defined his life. More than championships or accolades, he says boxing continues to provide him with purpose, discipline, and happiness.

     

    At 47 years old, the Filipino icon continues to train regularly, maintaining the same dedication that carried him from humble beginnings in General Santos City to global superstardom.

     

    “Boxing is my passion, and that’s getting me to stay in shape, to stay physically fit. So when I’m doing that, I’m happy. When you discover boxing, how it is, and how you stay active, of course, it’s a favor and blessing from God. Strength, good health, that’s the most important thing,” Pacquiao concluded.

     

    While many athletes choose to step away once they have nothing left to prove, Pacquiao continues to be driven by his love for the sport. Whether another world title opportunity awaits or another marquee fight eventually materializes, the Filipino boxing legend has made one thing clear: as long as his passion remains, he has no plans of stepping away from the ring for good.

     

     

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  • Olympic boxing medalists lead ABAP’s charge for Asian Games redemption in Nagoya 

    Olympic boxing medalists lead ABAP’s charge for Asian Games redemption in Nagoya 

    Experience will be at the heart of the Philippine boxing team’s campaign in the 20th Asian Games as the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) turns to its Olympic medalists to lead the country’s bid for podium finishes in Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4. 

     

    Leading the Philippine boxing team for the September 19 to October 4 continental meet in Nagoya, Japan are Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, and Aira Villegas, whom ABAP believes possess the experience needed to contend against Asia’s best.

     

    For ABAP president Marcus Manalo, the Asian Games is not a tournament for athletes who are still learning the ropes. Instead, it is a competition reserved for boxers who have already proven they can compete on the international stage.

     

    “You’re there to get to the podium, to win medals, kung developmental ka pa hindi Asian Games ‘yong exposure, dapat ‘yong competition exposure ide-depende mo rin sa (competition level) ng athlete,” he added.

     

    Manalo stressed that earning a place on the national team requires meeting a high competitive standard rather than simply gaining experience.

     

    “Sa amin kasi you have to be at a specific level before you get to compete in the Asian Game. Sinasabi ko sa mga coaches ‘yong Asian Games hindi ‘yan pwedeng pang-exposure,” said Manalo.

     

    That philosophy explains why the federation is leaning on proven performers with Olympic success.

     

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    Petecio headlines the squad after becoming the first Filipina boxer to win an Olympic medal when she captured silver at the Tokyo Olympics before adding a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Games.

     

    Although the 34-year-old is still recovering from eye surgery following an injury, ABAP remains confident she will be ready in time for Nagoya.

     

    “May mga restrictions pa, pero she’s been preparing for the Asian Games, so, I think we’re going to get clearance naman kasi may several months pa naman,” Manalo said.

     

    Joining Petecio are Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam, Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial, and Paris Olympic bronze medalist Aira Villegas, giving the Philippines one of its most experienced boxing lineups in recent years.

     

    ABAP is also exploring the possibility of adding professional boxer Weljon Mindoro as it seeks to field a deeper and more competitive delegation capable of challenging for multiple medals.

     

    While the federation continues to develop its younger talents, Manalo believes exposing them too early to one of Asia’s toughest sporting events could do more harm than good.

     

    “Mayroon naman tayo mga up-and-coming pero ‘yong Asian Games, it could be overwhelming rin din kasi for them, not all experience is good experience sa gantong level,” he added.

     

    Instead, ABAP plans to continue giving its emerging boxers international exposure through other competitions before entrusting them with the demands of the Asian Games.

     

    With a roster built around Olympic-tested veterans, the Philippine boxing federation is aiming to turn lessons from Hangzhou into a stronger medal campaign in Nagoya.

     

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  • Sean Gibbons blasts Oscar Collazo for avoiding minimumweight unification bout with Pedro Taduran

    Sean Gibbons blasts Oscar Collazo for avoiding minimumweight unification bout with Pedro Taduran

    Pedro Taduran, the reigning IBF minimumweight world champion from the Philippines, continues to cement his standing as one of the most proven and resilient fighters in the lower weight divisions of modern boxing. Built on a foundation of relentless pressure, toughness, and ring intelligence, Taduran has developed into one of the country’s most reliable world titleholders, consistently delivering performances that underline his elite status on both the domestic and international stage.

     

    Known for his aggressive fighting style and ability to absorb punishment while maintaining forward pressure, Taduran has carved out a reputation as a difficult assignment for any opponent in the 105-pound division. His championship pedigree, combined with his experience against top-tier opposition, has kept him firmly in the conversation among the division’s most dangerous contenders.

     

    Taduran is promoted by Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, and tensions within the minimumweight division have intensified in recent weeks as discussions around potential unification bouts continue to gain traction. MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons has openly criticized reigning WBO and WBA minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo, accusing the Puerto Rican titleholder of avoiding a high-profile unification clash with the Filipino champion.

     

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    Gibbons did not hold back in his assessment of Collazo’s résumé and standing in the division, insisting that Taduran has done enough to warrant a unification fight against one of the sport’s current titleholders.

     

    “Collazo, you can’t say you’re pound-for-pound and won’t even do a unification with Pedro. He’s an embarrassment to walk around and keep saying, ‘I’m The Ring’s pound-for-pound No. 9-ranked fighter, the best at 105 pounds’. You haven’t fought anybody. You fought one Thai that was past his best, you ran from Pedro for years and his last three fights have been completely embarrassing. Pedro is ready to fight. I think Collazo should go to 112 because he has embarrassed the division,” Gibbons said in a media interaction.

     

    Gibbons further emphasized that MP Promotions has made multiple attempts to initiate discussions with both Golden Boy Promotions and Cotto Promotions regarding a potential unification bout between Taduran and Collazo. However, despite repeated efforts, no formal agreement or concrete negotiations have materialized to date, leaving the matchup in limbo.

    The promotional standoff has only added to growing frustration among fans and stakeholders who have been pushing for a clear direction in the minimumweight division, where multiple champions currently hold belts but have yet to face each other to determine undisputed supremacy.

     

    While the unification picture remains uncertain, Taduran has continued to stay active and engaged within the division. The Filipino champion was recently spotted attending the “Fist of Fury 10: The Eliminator” event at the Cebu Coliseum, where he closely observed a crucial IBF world title eliminator between China’s DianXing Zhu and Filipino contender Ian Abne.

     

    The bout carried major implications for the IBF rankings, with both fighters vying for the right to become the mandatory challenger for Taduran’s world title. After a physically demanding and tactical 12-round contest, Zhu emerged victorious via decision, securing the position as the IBF’s next mandatory challenger and formally inserting himself into Taduran’s championship picture.

     

    The result adds another layer of complexity to Taduran’s immediate future, as the IBF obligation now places Zhu in line for a potential world title opportunity. However, despite the emergence of a mandatory challenger, Taduran has made it clear that his priority remains a high-stakes unification showdown rather than a routine title defense.

     

    At the center of his ambitions is a potential clash with Puerto Rico’s Oscar Collazo, who currently holds both the WBO and WBA minimumweight world titles. A unification bout between Taduran and Collazo would carry significant implications for the division, with the winner moving closer to undisputed status at 105 pounds.

     

    For Taduran, such a fight represents not only a chance to unify belts but also an opportunity to further elevate his legacy as one of the Philippines’ premier world champions. With momentum building, mandatory challengers emerging, and promotional tensions rising, the minimumweight division now finds itself at a critical juncture where clarity and resolution are increasingly being demanded.

     

    As negotiations continue behind the scenes, Taduran remains positioned at the center of one of boxing’s most intriguing and unresolved championship scenarios, with the possibility of a defining fight still firmly on the horizon.

     

     

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  • Filipino star Jerwin Ancajas suffers defeat in Zuffa Boxing debut against Omar Trinidad

    Filipino star Jerwin Ancajas suffers defeat in Zuffa Boxing debut against Omar Trinidad

    Former International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight world champion Jerwin Ancajas endured a difficult night in Las Vegas, suffering a defeat in his much-anticipated Zuffa Boxing debut against unbeaten American prospect Omar Trinidad in the co-main event of Zuffa Boxing 8 at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan.

     

    The 34-year-old Filipino southpaw entered the bout looking to begin a new chapter in his career and position himself for another world title run. However, he was ultimately unable to solve the relentless pressure and sharp combinations of Trinidad, who extended his undefeated record while continuing his rise as one of the division’s most promising contenders.

     

    From the opening rounds, Trinidad imposed a fast, aggressive pace, using his power and activity to control the distance and force Ancajas onto the back foot. Despite moments of technical brilliance from the former world champion, Ancajas struggled to consistently keep his opponent at bay as Trinidad dictated the tempo for much of the fight.

     

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    Ancajas, known for his ring IQ and southpaw movement, attempted to adjust by countering and creating angles, but Trinidad’s sustained pressure and volume punching made it difficult for the Filipino veteran to establish rhythm. As the rounds progressed, the American prospect continued to build momentum, landing clean combinations and controlling exchanges in close range.

     

    By the middle rounds, Trinidad’s confidence grew as he repeatedly closed the distance and worked effectively on the inside. Ancajas had limited opportunities to mount sustained offense, though he showed resilience and flashes of experience in attempting to slow the fight’s pace and reset exchanges.

    Despite his efforts and championship pedigree, Ancajas was unable to turn the tide in the championship rounds, with Trinidad maintaining control through to the final bell to secure a clear victory on the judges’ scorecards.

     

    The defeat marks a setback for Ancajas, who entered the bout with hopes of reviving his world title ambitions under the Zuffa Boxing platform. The loss also highlights the challenges of transitioning into a new competitive environment against younger, undefeated opposition.

     

    Following the bout, Ancajas reflected on the challenge of facing a high-pressure opponent but remained respectful of Trinidad’s performance, acknowledging the difficulty of dealing with his opponent’s pace and power throughout the contest.

     

    Trinidad, meanwhile, improved his professional record and further strengthened his reputation as a rising contender to watch in the division, delivering one of the most notable wins of his career against a former world champion.

     

    Ancajas, who now holds a professional record of 38-5-2, will be left to regroup and reassess his next steps as he continues his career at the elite level. Despite the setback, his experience and past championship success ensure he remains a respected figure in the sport.

     

    For Trinidad, the victory represents another significant step forward, as he continues to build momentum and push toward potential title opportunities in the near future.

     

     

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  • Hall of Fame inductee Onyok Velasco believes Olympic boxing gold is within Philippines’ reach

    Hall of Fame inductee Onyok Velasco believes Olympic boxing gold is within Philippines’ reach

    After the Philippines first stepped onto the Olympic stage, boxing remains the sport that has carried much of the country’s medal hopes — and Onyok Velasco believes the long-awaited gold breakthrough is within reach.

     

    Since the country’s Olympic debut in 1924, the Philippines has collected 18 medals in the competition, with 10 of those coming from Filipino boxers. Among the fighters who came closest to delivering the country’s first boxing gold was Velasco himself during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

     

    At just 22 years old, Velasco entered the light flyweight final with history within reach. Standing across from him was Bulgaria’s Daniel Petrov, but after the final bell, the judges awarded the bout to Petrov, 19-6, leaving Velasco with a silver medal.

     

    While many questioned the result, the scoreboard officially recorded Velasco as a silver medalist — a finish that still stands as one of the Philippines’ most memorable Olympic boxing performances.

     

    Decades later, Velasco’s impact on Philippine sports was recognized when he was inducted into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame as part of the “Magnificent Seven.” He was joined by his brother Roel Velasco, who captured bronze in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

     

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    The “Magnificent Seven” was also included Paralympic bronze medalist Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, basketball great Mon Fernandez, tennis standout Cecil Mamiit, multi-sport athlete Bea Lucero-Lhuillier, athletics legend Isidro Del Prado, and the late Eduardo Pacheco of basketball and football.

     

    For Velasco, the missed opportunity in 1996 is no longer a source of regret. Instead, he sees it as a sign that the country’s first Olympic boxing gold is a goal the current generation can finally achieve.

     

    The Philippines has continued to build its boxing legacy after Velasco’s run. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, three Filipino boxers reached the podium, with Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam winning silver medals and Eumir Marcial earning bronze.

     

    The momentum continued at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Petecio secured another bronze medal alongside fellow boxer Aira Villegas.

     

    With the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 approaching, Velasco remains convinced that the breakthrough moment for Philippine boxing is coming.

     

    “Sa totoo lang talaga, magkakaroon tayo ng Olympic (gold) sa boxing. Hindi ko lang alam kung itong Olympics, basta magkakaron din,” Velasco said.

     

    The former Olympian also reminded the country’s fighters to focus on the opponent rather than outside distractions when chasing victory on the biggest stage.

     

    “Wag niyo isipin yung mga officiating, isipin niyo talunin yung kalaban niyo. Kumbaga sa laban, parang wala nang bukas. Huwag niyo na isipin yung sunod na araw. Pati yung unang laban mo. Kasi pag natalo ka, wala na eh,” the silver medalist olympian said.

     

    Looking back at his own journey, Velasco expressed gratitude for being included among the country’s sporting legends.

     

    “Talagang napakasaya karena napasama po ako dito sa Hall of Fame. Di ko naman akalain na makasama po ako dito. Talagang nagulat ako na napasama ako,” Velasco said.

     

    After leaving his mark on Philippine boxing history, Velasco now shifts his focus to the athletes who continue the mission he started — bringing home the country’s first Olympic boxing gold.

     

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  • Eumir Marcial shifts focus to professional boxing, begins training camp in Japan

    Eumir Marcial shifts focus to professional boxing, begins training camp in Japan

    Eumir Marcial continues to strengthen his legacy as one of the most accomplished Filipino boxers of his generation, adding another milestone to an already decorated amateur and professional career that has spanned Olympic, world, and regional success.

     

    The 30-year-old middleweight standout recently captured his fifth Southeast Asian Games gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games in Bangkok, Thailand, further cementing his dominance in the regional circuit. Marcial delivered another composed and clinical performance en route to the title, extending his remarkable consistency in a competition where he has long been regarded as the Philippines’ most reliable gold-medal source in boxing.

     

    Beyond his SEA Games success, Marcial’s résumé includes a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a silver medal at the 2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships, achievements that have placed him among the elite names in Philippine boxing history. His transition from amateur standout to professional contender has only added to his growing reputation as a fighter capable of excelling on multiple stages.

     

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    Despite his continued success in the amateur ranks, Marcial is now placing greater emphasis on his professional boxing career. He has opted to shift focus away from potential participation in future multi-sport events such as the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, choosing instead to fully prepare for high-level professional bouts in the middleweight division.

     

    A key part of this transition involves relocating portions of his training camp to Tokyo, Japan, where he believes he can access stronger sparring opportunities and a more competitive training environment.

     

    “As a Filipino middleweight boxer, it is difficult to get the proper training and preparation in the Philippines because there are very few natural middleweight fighters available for quality sparring. That’s why, in order to have the best possible preparation, we need to look abroad and train in a country where we can find the right level of training environment,” Marcial said in a media interaction.

    Marcial emphasized that the move is not a reflection of local training standards but rather a strategic decision to enhance his readiness against international-level opposition, particularly in a division where physical matchups and sparring depth are crucial for development.

     

    He also acknowledged the strong support system behind his decision, expressing gratitude to his team, promoters, and national sporting institutions that continue to back his professional ambitions.

     

    “I would like to thank my support system and my promoter, Sean Gibbons, for arranging this training camp. I would also like to thank my Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) family for their continued support, as well as the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and B-Steel for their invaluable assistance,” he added.

     

    Marcial currently holds the World Boxing Council (WBC) International middleweight title, a regional championship he secured with a hard-fought victory over Venezuela’s Eddy Colmenares during the 50th anniversary commemoration of the “Thrilla in Manila” at the Araneta Coliseum in October 2025. The win preserved his perfect professional record, improving him to 7-0 with four knockouts and further signaling his readiness for bigger international opportunities.

     

    With his career entering a critical phase, Marcial views his current training camp in Japan as the foundation for what he hopes will be breakthrough opportunities in the global middleweight scene.

     

    “This is the beginning of my preparations for the big fights ahead, God willing. Our training camp starts here. Let’s go Tokyo, Japan,” Marcial concluded.

     

    As he balances a decorated amateur legacy with an increasingly ambitious professional path, Marcial remains one of the most closely watched Filipino athletes on the international boxing stage.

     

     

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  • “Part ng boxing yan”: Filipino boxer Kenneth Llover remains positive after his first pro loss to Michael Angeletti

    “Part ng boxing yan”: Filipino boxer Kenneth Llover remains positive after his first pro loss to Michael Angeletti

    Kenneth Llover’s rise in Philippine boxing has been steady and promising, with the Cavite native carving out a reputation as one of the country’s brightest young fighters. The 23-year-old entered Saturday’s bout as the reigning Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) bantamweight champion, carrying both momentum and expectation into his most significant test to date.

     

    However, Llover’s unbeaten professional record came to an end on Saturday, June 6, after he dropped a closely contested split-decision loss to undefeated American prospect Michael Angeletti in their International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight title eliminator held at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Japan.

     

    The fight proved to be a tactical and hard-fought encounter from the opening bell, with both fighters trading momentum across the rounds. In the end, two judges scored the bout in favor of Angeletti, 116-111 and 115-112, while the third judge saw it differently, scoring it 115-112 for Llover. The split decision underscored how tightly contested the matchup was, with little separating the two fighters over the course of the fight.

     

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    Despite the setback, Llover absorbed the result with maturity, framing it as part of the natural progression of a professional boxing career rather than a defining moment of defeat. The young champion emphasized that adversity is an essential part of building resilience and long-term success in the sport.

     

    “Sa’kin naman po, yung pagkatalo is part ng boxing yan. Kumbaga yung pagkatalo natural yan sa champion, natural na pagdadaanan yang mga bagay. Diyan ka magiging matibay,” Llover said after the loss.

    He further reflected on the importance of perseverance, noting that setbacks do not define a fighter’s journey and should not deter long-term ambition or commitment to the sport.

     

    “Hindi naman lahat pagdadaanan kailangan tagumpay. Darating sa point ng buhay mo na mararanasan mong matalo. Pero di naman dahil doon, na matatalo ka, doon mo na itiigil yung career mo. Tuloy lang,” he added.

     

    Llover also took time to acknowledge his supporters, expressing gratitude to his camp, fans, and sponsors who have backed him throughout his career, including his OPBF title run and his climb through the professional ranks.

     

    “Sa mga kababayan namin sa Pilipinas at sa ArenaPlus family, maraming, maraming salamat sa inyo, sa patuloy na suporta. Hindi lang hanggang dito boxing career natin. Mas pag-iigihan pa natin. Laban lang, Pilipinas,” Llover concluded.

     

    The defeat marked the first blemish on Llover’s professional record, which now stands at 17 wins, including 12 knockouts, against one loss. Despite the setback, he remains firmly positioned among the Philippines’ top bantamweight prospects, with his performance against Angeletti demonstrating his ability to compete at an elite international level.

     

    For Angeletti, meanwhile, the victory preserved his unbeaten record at 15-0 and strengthened his position as a rising contender in the IBF bantamweight division, inching him closer to a potential world title opportunity.

     

    While the result was not what Llover and his camp had hoped for, the experience in Japan is expected to serve as a crucial learning point as he regroups, recovers, and evaluates the next steps in his career trajectory. For a young fighter still in the early stages of his professional journey, the loss may ultimately become a catalyst for further growth rather than a setback.

     

     

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  • Danrex Tapadasan makes history as the first Filipino elected to the IBF Board of Directors

    Danrex Tapadasan makes history as the first Filipino elected to the IBF Board of Directors

    Atty. Danrex Tapadasan, one of the Philippines’ most respected international boxing referees and judges, has added another historic milestone to his already impressive career after being elected to the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Board of Directors.


    The seasoned official, widely regarded as one of the finest in-ring arbiters the country has produced, made history as the first Filipino ever to earn a seat on the IBF Board. The election took place during the 41st IBF Annual Convention held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where Tapadasan emerged with strong support from the global boxing community, securing 51 votes out of 59 cast.


    His election marks a significant breakthrough not only for his personal career but also for Philippine representation in international boxing governance, placing a Filipino official in a key decision-making body of one of the sport’s major organizations.


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    “I am deeply honored and humbled to have been elected as a member of the IBF Board of Directors. My sincere gratitude to all the delegates, officers, and members of the IBF family for your trust and confidence, reflected by the overwhelming support of 51 votes out of the total 59 votes cast,” Tapadasan said.


    Tapadasan’s rise in the sport has been shaped by years of dedication both inside and outside the ring. A former litigation lawyer and law professor, he transitioned into boxing officiating and steadily built a reputation for fairness, discipline, and strong command of high-level international bouts. His appointment to the IBF Board is seen as a continuation of his long-standing commitment to integrity and professionalism in the sport.


    In his new role, Tapadasan will be involved in shaping the IBF’s long-term direction, including oversight of its constitution, bylaws, and ethical framework. He will also take part in strengthening administrative systems, regulatory standards, and policies that guide the federation’s global boxing operations.


    Beyond governance, his presence on the board is expected to contribute to the development and education of boxing officials worldwide, an area he has consistently advocated for throughout his career.


    “As the first ever Filipino elected to the Board, I carry this responsibility with great pride, humility, and commitment. I remain dedicated to promoting integrity in officiating, education and development of boxing officials, and unity within the global boxing community. This victory is not mine alone – it is shared with the Philippines and everyone who continues to believe in fair, credible, and honorable boxing,” he concluded.


    With this landmark achievement, Tapadasan not only elevates his own standing in the international boxing community but also places the Philippines firmly on the map in global boxing administration, marking a proud moment for the country’s sporting officials.


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