Kumong Bol-Anon 25: Sumabong, Ciou set for bloody main event

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — Hometown bet Joseph “The Hunter” Sumabong is determined to deliver an impressive victory against unbeaten Taiwanese Jheng Ciou in the main event of “Kumong Bol-Anon 25” card of PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions on Saturday, July 11, at the Holy Name University (HNU) Barders’ Gymnasium.

A pride of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Sumabong is being groomed by PMI Bohol Boxing Stable as a future world title contender after capturing several regional championships, including the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific minimumweight title. Sumabong is also ranked No. 6 in WBC, No. 8 in the WBA, No. 10 in the WBO, and 14th in the IBF.

READ: Foreign challengers arrive in Bohol ahead of Kumong Bol-Anon 25 weigh-in

Standing in his way, however, is the undefeated Ciou, who is equally motivated to continue his rise in the professional ranks. Ciou is currently ranked 17th in the world.

Official weigh-in

The two fighters successfully made weight during Friday’s official weigh-in. Sumabong tipped the scales at 104.7 pounds, while Ciou came in at 104.8 pounds, setting the stage for their minimumweight unification bout. Sumabong will put his WBO Asia Pacific belt on the line, while Ciou stakes his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Silver minimumweight title.

During the pre-fight press conference, Sumabong said he trained diligently for the biggest fight of his career but refused to put unnecessary pressure on himself.

“Nag-training ko ug maayo para ani nga away. Nag-focus gyud ko. Dili ta makaingon nga ma-knockout dayon nato siya, pero paningkamotan nato. Focus lang ug maabot ra na,” said Sumabong.

(I trained hard for this fight. I stayed focus. I won’t say that I’ll knock him out but I will try. I’ll just focus and it will happen)

Ciou, speaking through a translator, acknowledged the challenge awaiting him but welcomed the opportunity to face a quality opponent.

“We have pressure because we know Sumabong is a very strong boxer. My opponent is very strong, but I love challenges and fighting quality opponents. This fight will make me stronger, and I hope to win and climb higher in the world rankings,” said Ciou.

A world title is the end goal of PMI boxers

PMI Bohol Boxing Stable chief Atty. Floriezyl Echavez-Podot said their boxers are taught from the start that the goal is to become world champions. Beyond physical preparation, he emphasized the importance of developing mental toughness to handle the pressure of high-level competition.

“Pressure is always there. What we’re trying to develop now is our boxers’ psychosocial aspect to build the mental toughness needed to handle intense pressure in big fights like this,” said Podot.

READ: NBA: Steph Curry says LeBron-to-Warriors decision is ‘up to him’

READ: Noskova books all-Czech Wimbledon final clash vs Muchova

“Boxers are already used to physical stress because of their daily training. But what is often overlooked is the mental aspect, where they have to deal with family concerns and personal issues that can affect their mindset heading into a fight. We believe the mental aspect carries just as much weight as physical preparation.”

Sumabong enters the bout with a 10-1 record with five knockouts, while Ciou boasts an unbeaten 9-0-1 slate with eight knockouts.

Gentallan eyes redemption

Meanwhile, Shane “Sugar Shane” Gentallan is looking to erase the painful memory of his 2023 defeat to a Chinese opponent when he faces Xiaokang Song in the 10-round co-main event.

Gentallan (14-1, 7 KOs) said the bout presents an opportunity to prove he can defeat a Chinese fighter and redeem himself.

READ: Kumong Bol-Anon 25: Gentallan eyes statement win vs Chinese foe

“Andam na ko ani nga away. Gusto nako ipakita nga kaya nako mapildi ang Chinese nga kontra. Ganahan ko makaredeem sa akong kaugalingon,” said Gentallan.

( I am prepared for this fight and show to everyone that I can beat a Chinese fighter. I want to redeem myself)

For his part, Song (6-3, 1 KO) vowed to give Boholano fans an exciting fight and do everything he can to defeat the hometown favorite.

Undercard fights

Also featured on the Kumong Bol-anon 25 card is former world title challenger Christian Balunan against Arvin John Sampaga, while fellow Cebuano Reymart Tagacanao takes on Jessie Bell Goltiano.

Jericho Acaylar will face Michael Adolfo, Sugarey Leonard Pores meets Venjie Patac, and Dryxz Russel Sardalla squares off against Jethro Illusorio in the curtain-raiser. The first bout starts at 3 p.m.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.