Esneth Domingo Hungry for World Title Shot in High-Stakes US Debut
Filipino boxer Esneth Domingo is determined to achieve his long-term goal of competing for a world championship, setting his sights on a victory in his highly anticipated US debut. Domingo will face undefeated American prospect Abraham Perez on Sunday, April 5, 2026, in a pivotal bout for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Inter-Continental flyweight title. The fight is scheduled to take place at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque, New Mexico, marking a crucial moment in Domingo's career as he aims to climb back into world title contention.
Domingo's Path to Redemption
At 27 years old, Domingo was once on the verge of a world title opportunity, having been ranked No. 4 by the IBF last year. However, his momentum stalled after a unanimous decision loss to Jukiya Iimura in an Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation flyweight title contest in Japan. His world rankings further declined following another unanimous decision defeat to Miel Fajardo later that same year. Now, Domingo views this upcoming fight as a critical step toward reclaiming his position in the boxing world. "This is a very important fight for me. Because this is my key for a world title shot," Domingo emphasized in an interview with SunStar Cebu. He confidently added, "This will be a good fight. I promise to bring the belt back to the Philippines."
Perez's Rising Star
On the other side of the ring, 26-year-old Abraham Perez represents a formidable challenge as an undefeated fighter on the rise. In the past year, Perez has maintained a perfect record, winning all three of his fights and capturing the North American Boxing Federation flyweight strap with a fifth-round stoppage of Adrian Yair Ibarra. Currently, Perez holds rankings of No. 11 by the IBF and No. 14 by the World Boxing Organization, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the flyweight division. His aggressive style and knockout power make him a dangerous opponent for Domingo.
Weigh-In and Fighter Records
During yesterday's weigh-in, Domingo made weight at 110.2 pounds, demonstrating his readiness for the bout. Perez tipped the scales slightly heavier at 111 pounds, indicating a slight physical advantage. In terms of career statistics, Domingo boasts a record of 22 wins and 4 losses, with 14 of those victories coming by knockout. In contrast, Perez maintains a flawless slate of 13 wins and 0 losses, with 7 knockouts to his name. This matchup promises to be a thrilling clash of experience versus undefeated momentum, with both fighters eager to prove their worth on the international stage.
As Domingo steps into the ring for his US debut, the stakes could not be higher. A win would not only secure the IBF Inter-Continental title but also reignite his journey toward a world championship, while a loss could further delay his aspirations. Boxing fans worldwide will be watching closely to see if Domingo can deliver on his promise and bring glory back to the Philippines.
