Filipino Boxers Villarosa and Dacles Set for Major Challenges on Casimero-Nery Undercard
Unbeaten Filipino boxers Claire Villarosa and Dan Dacles are poised for significant tests as they compete on the undercard of the highly anticipated World Boxing Association (WBA) Gold super-bantamweight showdown between Johnriel Casimero and Luis Nery. The event is scheduled for April 18, 2026, at the Gazprom Sports Complex in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, marking a pivotal moment in their careers.
Claire Villarosa vs. Hayate Hanada: A Crucial Super-Flyweight Bout
Villarosa will face Japan's Hayate Hanada in an eight-round super-flyweight bout, which represents his first professional fight outside the Philippines. As the current Philippine Youth super-flyweight champion, Villarosa secured the title last year with a second-round knockout victory over John Rey Labajo. With a record of 6-0-1, including four knockouts, he is expected to encounter his toughest opponent yet in Hanada.
Hanada, aged 23, boasts a record of 5-1-1 with two knockouts and has already defeated two Filipino fighters, Kenneth Rapista and Yeroge Gura. His sole loss came against former world title challenger Rene Calixto in 2023, adding to the intrigue of this matchup.
Dan Dacles vs. Ikboljon Kholdarov: A Test of Skill and Experience
Meanwhile, Dacles will take on undefeated Uzbek boxer Ikboljon Kholdarov in an eight-round super-welterweight match. Over his three-year professional career, Dacles has impressed with victories over experienced opponents such as Roberto Gonzales, Leonardo Doronio, and Nelson Tinampay. However, Kholdarov is anticipated to be his most formidable challenge to date.
Despite having only seven professional fights, Kholdarov brings extensive experience from the amateur ranks, where he competed in 89 bouts. His accolades include a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships, as well as gold medals at the 2017 Asian Championships and the 2018 Asian Games. Dacles holds an 8-0-2 record with five knockouts, while Kholdarov remains unbeaten at 7-0 with six knockouts, setting the stage for a compelling clash.
This event highlights the growing international presence of Filipino boxers and underscores the competitive nature of the sport on a global scale.
