Cebu's Gabriel Santisima Makes Waves in World Boxing Rankings After Stunning Japan Victory
In a remarkable achievement for Philippine boxing, Gabriel Santisima from Cebu has officially entered the world boxing rankings following his impressive regional title win in Japan. The 21-year-old fighter has quickly risen to prominence, earning spots in two major sanctioning bodies.
Rising Through the Ranks
Santisima is now ranked No. 10 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 14 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in the super-bantamweight division. This division is currently dominated by Japanese boxing superstar Naoya Inoue, who holds all four major world championship belts, making Santisima's entry even more noteworthy.
Upset Victory in Tokyo
The young boxer secured his place in the rankings after a stunning unanimous decision victory over highly rated Japanese fighter Subaru Murata on February 7, 2026, at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Entering the fight as a significant underdog, Santisima defied expectations and captured the WBO Asia-Pacific super-bantamweight title in the process.
During the match, Santisima displayed exceptional skills, even knocking Murata down once on his way to a decisive win. Before their encounter, Murata was ranked No. 7 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), highlighting the magnitude of Santisima's upset.
Road to Success
This victory marked a strong comeback for Santisima, who had previously bounced back from a loss to Chinese boxer Zhong Liu last year. He built momentum with two consecutive wins against Ramel Antaran and Jason Mopon, which ultimately earned him the opportunity to face Murata.
Training and Family Legacy
Santisima trains under the guidance of coach Michael Domingo at the Zip-Sanman Wellness Center in Cebu City. Adding to his story, he is the younger brother of former ALA Boy and world title challenger Jeo Santisima, continuing a family legacy in the sport.
This achievement not only boosts Santisima's career but also shines a spotlight on Cebu's growing influence in the global boxing scene.
