Joseph Sumabong unified the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific and Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) minimumweight belts with a unanimous decision victory over Taiwanese Jheng Ciou on July 11, 2026. The bout headlined PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions' 'Kumong Bol-anon XXV' at the Holy Name University Barder Gym in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
Immediate Action from the Opening Bell
Both fighters wasted no time, exchanging heavy blows in the first round instead of feeling each other out. Sumabong dropped Ciou in the third round with a well-timed punch that caught the off-balance Taiwanese. Sumabong continued to dominate in the fourth and fifth rounds, landing punishing body shots.
Sumabong's Body Work Takes a Toll
By the sixth round, Ciou appeared fatigued and slowed down significantly due to Sumabong's relentless body attack. Sumabong nearly finished the fight in the seventh round with a barrage of punches. In the final 10 seconds of the 10th round, Sumabong aggressively attacked, attempting a knockout.
Unanimous Decision and World Rankings
After 10 rounds, all three judges scored in favor of Sumabong: 99-90, 98-91, and 97-92. Sumabong improved his record to 11-1 with five knockouts, while Ciou suffered his first career loss, dropping to 9-1-1 with eight knockouts. Sumabong is now 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), positioning him for a world title shot.
