Boholano boxer Joseph "The Hunter" Sumabong is set to face Taiwanese Jheng Ciou in a unification regional title bout at the "Kumong Bol-Anon 25" boxing card on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Holy Name University (HNU) Barders' Gymnasium in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. The event is promoted by PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions.
Stakes and Titles on the Line
Sumabong will put his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific minimumweight title on the line against Ciou's Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Silver minimumweight belt. Ciou is known by the nickname "Baby Face Killer."
During the press conference held after the official weigh-in at the Philippine Maritime Institute (PMI) Colleges Main Campus, Sumabong expressed confidence without guaranteeing a knockout. "I trained hard for this fight. I focused really well. I can't say I'll knock him out right away, but I will try. Just focus and it will come," Sumabong said.
Sumabong's World Ranking and Ambition
This fight is crucial for Sumabong to climb the world rankings and achieve his dream of becoming a world champion. Sumabong, a native of Tagbilaran City, is currently ranked No. 6 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), No. 8 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), No. 10 by the WBO, and No. 14 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
PMI Bohol Boxing Stable head and Sumabong's manager, Atty. Floriezyl Echavez-Podot, expressed strong belief that Sumabong could become a world champion in the near future. "He has the potential. That's why we gave him fights that truly test his ability so we can see what he can really do," Podot said.
Podot emphasized that when it comes to ability, he has no doubts about Sumabong, and the team focuses more on the mental aspect, not only for Sumabong but for all their boxers.
Ciou's Camp Acknowledges Pressure
Ciou's camp admitted feeling pressure as this is Ciou's first fight in the Philippines, but they are confident of securing a victory. Sumabong holds a record of 10 wins, 1 loss, with 5 knockouts, while Ciou boasts an undefeated record of 9 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw, with 8 knockouts.
Supporting Bouts and Undercard
In the top supporting bout, IBF Asia light flyweight champion Shane Gentallan of PMI Boxing Stable will face Chinese Xiaokang Song in a non-title fight. Gentallan has a record of 14 wins, 1 loss, 7 knockouts, while Song has 6 wins, 3 losses, 1 knockout.
The undercard features several matchups: Leonard Pores III vs. Renoel Pael, Christian Balunan vs. Arvin John Sampaga, Reymart Tagacanao vs. Jessie Bell Goltiano, Jericho Acaylar vs. Michael Adolfo, Sugarey Leonard Pores vs. Venjie Patac, and Dryxz Russel Sardalla vs. Jethro Illusorio.
The event will start at 3:00 PM.
