Sumabong dominates Taiwanese foe in 'Kumong Bol-Anon 25' main event

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Joseph “The Hunter” Sumabong introduced himself as a legitimate contender in the minimumweight division after unifying two regional titles in the main event of the “Kumong Bol-Anon 25” of the PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions on Saturday night, July 11, at the HNU Barder Gym in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

Sumabong captured the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Silver minimumweight title while successfully defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific minimumweight crown after outboxing the equally determined and previously undefeated Taiwanese fighter Jheng Ciou in front of his hometown fans.

When the dust settled, Sumabong earned a unanimous decision with scores of 99-90, 98-91, and 97-92.

The victory improved Sumabong’s record to 11-1 with five knockouts, while Ciou suffered the first defeat of his career and dropped to 9-1-1 with eight knockouts.

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Closer to a world title

With another impressive victory, Sumabong moved a step closer to a world title shot. He is currently ranked No. 6 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), No. 8 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), No. 10 by the WBO, and No. 13 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

The 24-year-old Sumabong showcased his speed, accuracy, and power against Ciou, who arrived in Bohol brimming with confidence. He scored the bout’s lone knockdown in the third round after catching the Taiwanese with a sharp body shot.

Ciou, however, refused to back down and continued pressing the action aggressively. Sumabong answered with crisp counters throughout the fight before turning the tables in the middle rounds by becoming the aggressor. Ciou repeatedly hit the canvas after falling while excessively holding in an effort to survive the relentless assault.

Ciou spent much of the final three rounds retreating, with Sumabong relentlessly hunting him around the ring. Despite absorbing several punishing shots, the Taiwanese challenger survived until the final bell and showed great sportsmanship during the announcement of the decision, acknowledging that he had been outclassed by the hometown favorite.

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Gentallan makes statement

In the co-main event, Shane “Sugar Shane” Gentallan also made a statement, proving he had redeemed himself against Chinese opposition by scoring a unanimous decision victory over the gutsy XiaoKang Song after 10 rounds of action.

All three judges favored Gentallan with scores of 96-94, 96-94, and 97-93.

Despite the loss, Song gave Gentallan a stern test with his relentless pressure and high-volume punching. Gentallan, however, stayed composed throughout the contest and landed the cleaner, more telling blows that earned him the judges’ nod.

The win improved Gentallan’s record to 15-1 with seven knockouts, answering questions about his ability to defeat a Chinese opponent following his 2023 loss to world title contender DianXing Zhu. Song, meanwhile, slipped to 6-4 with one knockout.

In the undercard, Leonard Pores III outpointed Renoel Pael via unanimous decision, while former world title challenger Christian Balunan knocked out Arvin John Sampaga in the fourth round. Reymart Tagacanao also scored a third-round knockout over Jessie Bell Goltiano.

Jericho Acaylar defeated Michael Adolfo by unanimous decision, while Sugarey Leonard Pores Jr. likewise earned a unanimous decision win over Venjie Patac. Dryzx Russel Sardalla stopped Jethro Illusorio in the second round of the curtain-raiser.

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