After a prolonged absence from the sport, hard-hitting boxer John Paul Gabunilas is poised to make a dramatic comeback. He will step into the ring against Ramil Roda in a 10-round main supporting bout, featured on Chao Sy Promotions' "Fists of Fury" card scheduled for May 9, 2026, at the historic Cebu Coliseum.
Gabunilas Seeks Career Revival After String of Losses
Gabunilas enters this fight with a clear mission: to resurrect a once-promising career that has recently faced significant setbacks. He has suffered three consecutive defeats, all ending by stoppage, against opponents Miel Fajardo, Kanamu Sakama, and Thanongsak Simsri. His most recent match was particularly challenging, resulting in a fifth-round technical knockout loss to Simsri during an Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation light-flyweight title bout held in Japan.
Past Triumphs and Current Challenges
Despite recent struggles, Gabunilas has notable achievements to his name. The biggest victory of his career occurred in 2022, when he secured a majority decision win over Jesse Espinas, who was then ranked No. 5 in the World Boxing Organization's light flyweight division. This triumph highlights his potential and sets the stage for his return to form.
On the other side of the ring, Ramil Roda is equally determined to return to winning ways. He has faced two consecutive losses, including a ninth-round stoppage by Ryang Ho Han in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) International super-flyweight bout in South Korea last year, followed by a unanimous decision defeat to journeyman Renoel Pael later that same year.
Fighters' Records and Event Highlights
Gabunilas currently holds a professional record of 10 wins and 4 losses, with 7 of those victories coming by knockout. Roda's record stands at 7 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, including 4 knockouts. This matchup promises to be a competitive clash as both athletes aim to improve their standings and regain momentum in their careers.
Main Event Showcase
The "Fists of Fury" card is headlined by a highly anticipated IBF minimumweight title eliminator between world-rated Ian Abne, who boasts an undefeated record of 12 wins, 0 losses, and 2 draws with 4 knockouts, and Dianxing Zhu, with a record of 16 wins and 1 loss, including an impressive 14 knockouts. This main event adds significant prestige to the overall boxing spectacle in Cebu.
