Big-Time Boxing Returns to Cebu
Unbeaten Filipino prospect April Jay Abne will face Chinese knockout artist Dianxing Zhu in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight world title eliminator on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The bout headlines "Fist of Fury X - The Eliminator," promoted by Chao Sy International Promotions at the historic Cebu Coliseum.
Lorenzo "Chao" Sy, head of the promotions company, expressed his commitment to reviving major boxing events in Cebu, once known as the mecca of Philippine boxing. "We will bring back big-time boxing promotions here in Cebu. This is the start. Next time, maybe it will be for a world championship," Sy said.
The event marks the first world title eliminator in Cebu since the closure of ALA Promotions during the pandemic. Sy hopes to eventually host a world title fight featuring IBF minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran and the winner of the Abne-Zhu bout.
Champion Taduran to Attend
Pedro Taduran is expected to be at ringside, signaling his openness to facing the winner. Taduran is scheduled for a mandatory title defense on July 26, 2026, unless he secures a unification bout with WBA and WBO champion Oscar Collazo.
"I'm excited that the world champion will be watching us. I thank him for his support," said Abne, who sees this as a rare opportunity to fulfill his dream. "We'll see inside the ring. I assure you it will be an exciting fight. I'll give my all because this is my dream."
Fighters Make Weight
Abne weighed in at 104 pounds, while Zhu hit the minimumweight limit at 105 pounds. Abne boasts a record of 12-0-2 with four knockouts, while Zhu stands at 16-1 with 14 knockouts. Zhu is confident he will prevail. "Yes, I'm confident that I will knock out my opponent," he said.
Undercard Features Title Fights
The card also includes two championship bouts. Jimuel Aranas (8-3-1, 4 KOs) faces Jeric Noynay (5-2, 1 KO) for the WBF Silver flyweight title, while John Paul Gabunilas (10-4, 7 KOs) takes on Ramil Roda (7-3-2, 4 KOs) for the PBF super-flyweight championship.
Other undercard matchups include Jubert Cahimat vs. Mark Sabang, Jony Mar Loreno vs. Kei Mark Akut, Carl Penedo vs. Marlon Alejandro, Justin Trazo vs. Conrad Jason Agujar, Aqoian Li vs. Jerson Baclohan, and Venance Dances making his pro debut against Norman Rusiana.
