Cebuano professional boxer Rodex Piala is set for a major international test as he travels to Australia to face world-ranked contender Liam Wilson. The bout is scheduled for January 16, 2026, at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Queensland, marking a significant step up in competition for the rising fighter from the Philippines.
Piala's Momentum and Championship Pedigree
Rodex Piala enters this high-stakes match riding a wave of success from the previous year. His campaign was highlighted by a career-defining victory on February 8, 2025, at the Nustar Resort and Casino in Cebu City. On that night, Piala captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental super-featherweight title by scoring a unanimous decision win over Chinese champion Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke.
He successfully defended his momentum five months later, adding another unanimous decision victory to his record against fellow Filipino fighter Renan Portes. This fight in Australia represents his first major bout since those triumphs and his first professional fight outside the Philippines.
The Challenge: Facing a World-Ranked Opponent
Standing across the ring will be a formidable challenge in hometown favorite Liam Wilson. The Australian fighter is currently riding a four-fight winning streak, a strong rebound after falling short in a world title opportunity back in 2024. Wilson is not just a local attraction; he brings serious world-class credentials into the bout.
He is currently rated No. 3 by the WBO and holds the No. 12 spot in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-featherweight rankings. This makes him the most highly-ranked opponent Piala has ever faced.
By The Numbers: Tale of the Tape
The fighters' records tell the story of an intriguing clash of styles and experience.
- Rodex Piala: The Cebuano contender holds a record of 12 wins and 1 loss, with 1 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His path has been built on skill and decision-winning ability.
- Liam Wilson: The Australian veteran boasts a more seasoned record of 17 wins and 3 losses. Significantly, 9 of his wins have come by knockout, indicating considerable power in his hands.
What's at Stake in Brisbane
For Rodex Piala, this fight is a golden opportunity to crash into the world rankings and announce himself on the global stage. A victory over a top-three ranked opponent would dramatically accelerate his career trajectory and put him in immediate contention for a world title shot.
For Liam Wilson, it is a chance to defend his home turf, maintain his ranking, and stay on course for another potential world title opportunity. A loss would be a significant setback in his quest to become a world champion.
The January 16, 2026 showdown promises to be a pivotal moment for both athletes' careers, with the eyes of the boxing world, and particularly fans in the Philippines and Australia, fixed on the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
