FightnewsAsia

11/09/2026

🇵🇭🥊PBO-CV Boxing Ring Officials in Bohol for 2026 GAB Convention 🥊🇵🇭 By 👍 Members of the Professional Boxing Officials of Central Visayas (PBO-CV) are taking part in the 2026 Philippine Convention for Boxing Ring Officials, a three-day national gathering running from September 10 to 12 in the beautiful and blessed sunbathed Province of Bohol.

​Leading the delegation are our very own PBO-CV President-Elect Edgar Olalo and Secretary General Nic Banal, alongside prominent Boholano ring officials Angelo Piquero and Angelito Boaquin.

The awesome event brings together key officiating bodies from across the country, including the Association of Philippine Professional Boxing Ring Officials (APPBRO) Luzon, APPBRO-Visayas, MINPROBA, and PBO-CV.

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Organized under the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), the convention kicked off on Thursday, September 10, featuring a Boxing Judges Seminar led by renowned international boxing judge Steve Weisfeld.

Day 1’s agenda highlighted opening messages and addresses from GAB leadership, including Honorable Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera, Commissioner Angel P. Bautista, and Commissioner Atty. Manuel S. Plaza III.

​Organization Introduction 'n Meetings, including Formal intros and collaborative sessions among ring officials' organizations.

​Then, training Sessions Morning and afternoon with intensive Boxing Judges Training Classes and testing.

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The action continues today, Friday, September 11, with the Boxing Referees Seminar featuring famous Las Vegas veteran referee Tony Weeks as resource speaker.

Today’s schedule includes a

​Special Briefing: A Gender and Development (GAD) seminar on the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) presented by Mr. Pent Elyria Dawn V. Liongson.

​Weigh-in & Hands-on Training: An official weigh-in alongside morning and afternoon referee training and testing sessions.

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The three-day convention will wrap up tomorrow, Saturday, September 12, giving delegates a chance to join the exciting Bohol Island Tour in the morning before heading into an afternoon rules meeting and the official thrilling boxing event from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The author is veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa in Cebu 🇵🇭 Philippines, [email protected]

11/09/2026

Sasaki to face Ssemujiu for triple title belts

By Lito delos Reyes

WELTERWEIGHT Jin Sasaki of Japan will face David “De Anima” Ssemujiu of Uganda in triple title belts on September 21 at Tokyo Tama Mirae Messe in Hachioji, Tokyo.
The 25-year-old Sasaki [21-2-1, 18KOs] will defend his Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation [OPBF] while Ssemujiu [9-1-1, 5KOs] will put his two crowns - WBO Asia Pacific and Japan Boxing Commission Japanese welterweight on the line.
Sasaki made his 3rd title-defense by a split decision over compatriot Sora Tanaka last July 2 at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo.
Ssemujiu retained his two crowns after a majority draw with Masayuki Urashima of Japan last March 24 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
Three title fights will also be held in the undercard.
Ryuta Suekuni will defend his JBC Japanese Youth light flyweight crown against Genta Hosokaswa.
Kaku Sasaki will face Ryuya Moriaji for the vacant JBC Japanese Youth middle title while Ryuko Ishii will trade against Takumi Fukunaga for the JBC Japanese Youth welterweight title.
Issei Nakaya of Hachioji Nakaya Promotions is the promoter.

WELTERWEIGHT CHAMP.
Jin Sasaki of Japan

11/09/2026

Cabrillos to fight in Tokyo

By Lito delos Reyes

SUPER featherweight Kim Bryan Cabrillos of Cagayan de Oro will face Jing Lee of Japan on September 14 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
The 24-year-old Cabrillos [8-2-1, 5KOs] scored a knockout against Marion Ibones of Koronadal in the 4th round last June 13 at General Santos City.
Cabrillos, who is based in MP Boxing Gym Davao had three bouts last year.
He first out punched Sarangani’sJovanie Tagusi by a unanimous decision [February 9].
Cabrillo then lost to both UD – Vegas Larfield [June 25,Queenland] and Kanat Sanggil [December 20, Kazakhstan].
Lee, 30 [13-1-1, 8KOs] recently stopped Oatcharawut Poglo of Thailand in the 6th round last July 19 at Korakuen Hall in Thailand.
Hajime Kobayashi of Ichiriki Promotions is the promoter.

10/09/2026

Cañega to fight Sailike in China

By Lito delos Reyes

ALLIE “The Carnage” Cañega of Tacloban City will fight Yesibolati Sailike of China on Saturday, September 12 at Winter Sports Management Center in Altay, China.
The 28-year-old Cañega [13-3-1, 8KOs] recently beat via a unanimous decision Leonardo Doronuio of Mandaluyong last April 12 at Elorde Tandang Sora in Quezon City.
Cañega had three bouts last year. He first lost to Rusian Madivev [UD, February 1] but he knocked out John Lawrence Ordonio [KO 1st, June 8].
Cañega again suffered a setback by losing to Zhankosh Turarov [UD, September 5].
Sailike [6-2-0, 3K0s], on the other hand, outpunched Xian Hai Zhang last June 13 at MGM Hotel in Shanghai.
Halahati Mulati is the promoter under the Asian Boxing Commission.
Telaike Mulatibieke of Xuequan Tang is the matchmaker.

09/09/2026

🇵🇭 Philippines GAB set to start it's Bohol Convention. 🌴 Panglao, Sep 10-12 ☀️

🥊 𝐁𝐄𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐎𝐗𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 🥊

𝑮𝑬𝑻 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫𝒀 𝑭𝑶𝑹 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑺 𝒀𝑬𝑨𝑹’𝑺 𝑴𝑨𝑰𝑵 𝑩𝑶𝑿𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑬𝑽𝑬𝑵𝑻—the 2026 Philippine Convention for Boxing Ring Officials is here! 🛎️

The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) is bringing together professional boxing ring officials from across the country for the 2026 Philippine Convention for Boxing Ring Officials (PC-BRO), happening in the Province of Bohol from 10 to 12 September 2026.

As part of GAB’s Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Program, the convention aims to strengthen the knowledge, skills, professionalism, and technical capabilities of Filipino professional and GAB-licensed boxing ring officials.

Participants can look forward to technical lectures, practical training, and updates on internationally accepted boxing rules and best practices, led by distinguished speakers and renowned international boxing ring officials:

🥊 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝘆𝗹 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 – International Boxing Federation (IBF) President
🥊 𝗧𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 – International Professional Boxing Referee
🥊 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗱 – International Professional Boxing Judge

But it’s more than just lectures.

The convention is an opportunity for boxing ring officials to learn, connect, exchange experiences, and sharpen their skills—all toward one goal: helping ensure safe, fair, and professional boxing events in the Philippines.

GMA Regional TV is the official media partner for the 2026 Philippine Convention for Boxing Ring Officials.

The ring demands excellence. Are you ready to raise the standard? 🇵🇭🥊

📍 Bohol 📅 10–12 September 2026

09/09/2026

🥊 Hall of Famer Ismael Laguna Passes Away — 2-Time Lightweight World Champion (1965 & 1970), Former Opponent of "Flash" Elorde, and Legend of Panama Boxing. He was 83. 🇵🇦🙏🥊 Rest in Peace, Legend.

08/09/2026

Pabular stops Aratake in 8th round


By Lito delos Reyes

KURT John “Baby Boy” Pabular stopped Kazuma Aratake of Japan in the 8th round this evening, September 8 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

The 21-year-old Pabular scored a technical knockout in the 34 seconds of the last and final 8-rounds.

Pabular now has nine wins with six knockouts and two loses while Aratake, 23, suffered his second setback with two wins.
Pabular was accompanied by Coach B**g Escalicas.

08/09/2026

Gomera wants to still fight

By Lito delos Reyes

FORMER Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation Silver featherweight champion Jelbirt “Panther” Gomera of Polomolok still wants to fight after making a comeback last year.
The 34-year-old Gomera [15-9-2, 8KOs], who is based in La Trinidad, Benguet returned after a two-year hiatus.
Gomera made a comeback with 1st round knockout over Thailand’s Faruk Suenae last November 15, 2025 at Highland Boxing in Bangkok.
In his second fight, Gomera, however, suffered a 6th round technical knockout against Yafei Ding of China for the WBC Asian Continental featherweight title last February 6 at Suamlum Night Bazaar in Bangkok.
“I will keep fighting for the dream for myfamily,” said Gomera.
Gomera lost to Lerato “Lights Out” Dlamini of South Africa by a 4th round knockout last September 30, 2022 at FreeState in SA.
Gomera earlier won the vacant OPBF Silver featherweight crown by stopping Omrri Bolivar of Venezuela in the 5th round last November 10, 2017 in Palawan.
FORMER OPBF SILVER CHAMP.
Jelbirt “Panther” Gomera of Polomolok

07/09/2026

🇲🇽 🇺🇸 RYAN READY FOR 🇬🇧 BENN 🥊 THIS SATURDAY SEP 12 IN VEGAS 🇺🇸 Speed, Trash Talk, and a World Title on the Line (Prediction) 💥 By 🥊 Ryan “KingRy” Garcia, the WBC Weltwdaeight World Title champion, is set to defend his crown against Briton challenger Conor Benn in a high-stakes welterweight clash.

It will all happen this Saturday, September 12, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. 🇺🇸

The thrilling bout has already generated massive attention due to Benn’s aggressive pre-fight rhetoric, his family legacy in British boxing, and Garcia’s reputation for devastating hand speed and highlight-reel knockouts.



Ryan Garcia: Champion’s Strengths

- Hand Speed: One of the fastest welterweights in the world; can land combinations before opponents react.

- Left Hook to the Body: A dangerous weapon that has ended fights early.

- Ring IQ: Improved significantly in recent years; he can box from range, counterattack, and finish when openings appear.

- Championship Experience: Has competed at the highest level, under bright lights, with title implications.



Conor Benn: Challenger’s Strengths

- Pressure Fighting: Benn tends to come forward, throwing in volume and forcing opponents into uncomfortable exchanges.

- Physical Strength: Carries power in both hands and can change the fight with one shot.

- Mental Edge: Confident, outspoken, and unafraid to take risks, which can unsettle champions.

- Underdog Motivation: Trash talk suggests he believes he can shock the world.



Key Strategic Questions:



1. Can Benn cut off the ring against Garcia’s movement?

Garcia is most effective when he controls distance, circles, and lands quick combinations. If Benn can pressure him into the ropes or corners, the fight becomes much more competitive.

2. Will Garcia’s defense hold up under sustained volume?

While Garcia is explosive, he has at times been caught in exchanges. Benn will look to test his chin and defensive consistency.

3. Who wins the early rounds?

If Garcia establishes his jab and footwork early, he can dictate the pace. If Benn lands heavy shots in rounds 1–3, he could force the champion into a firefight.



FightnewsAsia Prediction:

- 🇺🇸 Ryan Garcia wins via unanimous decision or late-round TKO.

- Reason: Garcia’s speed, athleticism, and championship-level experience should allow him to outbox Benn for most of the fight. However, Benn’s power means he is never out of danger.

- Super unlikely Upset Scenario: Conor Benn wins via mid-round knockout if he catches Garcia cold early and forces a brawl. Almost impossible

- Fight Score Range:

- Garcia decision or TKO in round 10–12



Final Verdict

This fight is not just about trash talk — it is a genuine test of speed vs. power, championship composure vs. aggression.

Garcia has the tools to win clearly, but Benn carries the kind of finishing ability that can make predictions irrelevant. Plus, in boxing anything can give you the surprise of your life, or we can ask Andy Ruiz.

FightnewsAsia Pronostic: Ryan Garcia wins.

07/09/2026

🇪🇸 Spaniard Erik Rodríguez Unifies WKL-IKL Spain Titles, Sets Sights on WKL European Gold 🏆 💥MADRID, SPAIN — Spanish kickboxing standout Erik Rodríguez has officially cemented his dominance on the national stage, unifying the WKL (World Kickboxing League) and IKL (International Kickboxing League) Spanish titles!

Following his standard-setting victory, Rodriguez is now designated as the Official Mandatory Challenger for the WKL European Championship (Aspirante Oficial Europeo WKL).

A Unified Dynasty!

Flanked by his cornerstone coaching staff and corner team, Rodriguez posed with both gold hardware straps—the prestigious IKL National Title Belt and the WKL Crown Belt—commemorating one of the most complete title runs in recent Spanish kickboxing history.

With the national division officially cleared, all eyes turn toward the European circuit as Erik Rodriguez prepares to take his talents—and his team—to the international title stage. 🙏💥👍 🇪🇸