Cebuano fighter Rodex Piala showcased his skill but ultimately fell short in his bid for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) International super featherweight title. The 30-year-old from Guadalupe, Cebu City, was knocked out in the fourth round by Australian contender Liam Wilson at the Brisbane Entertainment Center on January 17, 2026.
A Promising Start Cut Short
The fight began with Piala demonstrating his capability against a world-class opponent. He effectively managed the height and reach disadvantage against the 5'9 1/2" Wilson, a known global-caliber boxer. Piala was leading on all three judges' scorecards, 29-28, at the time of the stoppage. He dominated the early rounds with aggressive combinations and even hurt Wilson in the second round with a powerful overhand right.
"This was my first time fighting at world level in the ring, and I handled it. It was just that one time with the body shots," Piala reflected after the fight. The former flower vendor from Fuente Osmeña Circle acknowledged the challenge posed by his taller opponent but expressed confidence in his performance until the decisive moment.
The Decisive Blow
The contest ended dramatically at 2:56 of the fourth round. As Wilson pressed forward, Piala adjusted his defense to protect his head. However, he left an opening, and Wilson capitalized with a wild left hand that landed squarely on Piala's right side. The body shot sent Piala to the canvas in clear pain, and he was unable to answer the referee's mandatory eight-count.
Wilson, who is now eyeing a rematch with WBO junior-lightweight champion Emanuel Navarrete, praised Piala's toughness. "He was a tricky customer. I got the job done and on to the next," Wilson stated. He credited his powerful left hand for delivering the victory, noting, "I'm blessed with the left hand but we had to box the right fight."
Lessons Learned and Future Path
With this defeat, Piala's professional record shifts to 12 wins and 2 losses. Wilson's improves to 18-3. The loss highlights a common narrative for Filipino boxers fighting abroad: strong starts can fade if bouts extend, often pointing to differences in training and conditioning.
However, Piala's case had a slight distinction. His preparation was correct, and he displayed proper combat skills, aggressively trading punches and controlling the first three rounds. The loss was not due to a lack of effort or poor strategy but rather a single, perfectly placed punch. Wilson himself is a formidable force, having previously given champion Navarrete a difficult fight.
Despite the disappointment, this high-profile international fight serves as a critical learning experience for the Cebuano fighter. The exposure and lessons from battling a world-level opponent in his home country can be invaluable. If Piala maintains his dedication and builds on this experience with his new management team, this fight could very well open doors to more significant international opportunities in the future.
