Filipino professional boxer Esneth Domingo is poised to fulfill a lifelong ambition as he gears up for his inaugural bout in the United States, marking a significant milestone in his career. The 27-year-old athlete expressed his excitement about this pivotal opportunity, highlighting how competing on American soil has been a cherished dream since he began his boxing journey.
A Dream Realized: Domingo's US Debut
In an exclusive interview, Domingo shared his enthusiasm, stating, "This is a great opportunity for me because it has always been my dream to fight in the US." He emphasized the importance of this event, not just as a personal achievement but as a chance to showcase his skills on an international stage. The bout is scheduled for April 4, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Domingo will face undefeated American boxer Abraham Perez for the prestigious North American Boxing Federation (NABF) flyweight title.
Bouncing Back from a Setback
Domingo enters this fight with determination to rebound from a recent loss that temporarily halted his ascent in the world flyweight rankings. On October 26, 2025, he suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Miel Fajardo in an IBF Pan Pacific flyweight title bout held in Manila. Prior to that setback, Domingo had been climbing the ranks, holding positions as No. 11 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 15 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO). Currently unranked, he views the upcoming match as a critical opportunity to regain his standing and prove his mettle against a formidable opponent.
Analyzing the Challenge: Abraham Perez
Abraham Perez, a 26-year-old American boxer, has rapidly emerged as a rising star in the sport, boasting an undefeated record and multiple title victories. His career highlights include:
- Winning the IBA Inter-Continental flyweight belt in 2023 by knocking out Filipino boxer Jeronil Borres in the third round.
- Securing the IBA flyweight championship later that year after stopping Luis Villa in the ninth round.
- Capturing the WBC Youth Silver flyweight title in 2024 by defeating Fernando Diaz.
- Most recently, claiming the NABF flyweight crown with a fifth-round stoppage of Adrian Ibarra, earning him a No. 11 ranking by the IBF.
Domingo acknowledges the toughness of this challenge but remains confident, citing his experience and power as key advantages. He noted, "I have more experience and power. He has more of an amateur boxing style," suggesting that his professional background could be a decisive factor in the ring.
Fight Statistics and Expectations
As the fight approaches, both boxers bring impressive records to the table. Domingo holds a professional record of 22 wins and four losses, with 14 of those victories coming by knockout. In contrast, Perez maintains an unbeaten streak of 13 wins, seven of which were achieved via knockout. This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, blending Domingo's seasoned prowess with Perez's youthful momentum.
Domingo concluded with a bold assertion, "It's going to be my US debut, and I believe I can beat my opponent," underscoring his readiness to seize this moment and potentially reclaim his position among the world's elite flyweights. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as this highly anticipated bout unfolds in New Mexico.
