Pete Apolinar is set to return to Japan for an eight-round bout against Ryusei Ishii on June 19, 2026, at the Edion Hisaya Plaza in Nagoya. The 31-year-old Filipino boxer is determined to secure his first victory on Japanese soil after five unsuccessful attempts between 2022 and 2025.
Apolinar's Japanese Campaign
Apolinar, who once served as a sparring partner for Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue, has faced a string of tough opponents in Japan. He lost to former world champion Yoshiki Takei, as well as Hayato Tsutsumi, Matcha Nakagawa, Kaishu Harada, and Kenji Fujita. Despite these setbacks, Apolinar remains confident and is coming off a first-round knockout of Renan Portes on February 26, 2026, in General Santos City, Philippines.
Ishii Looks to Break Losing Streak
Ryusei Ishii, 29, is equally motivated to bounce back after suffering two consecutive losses. He was stopped by compatriots Rentaro Kimura and Kai Watanabe. Ishii holds a record of 12 wins, 9 losses, and 1 draw, with nine knockouts, while Apolinar boasts 19 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw, and 12 knockouts.
Fight Card Highlights
The event will also feature two other fighters from Apolinar's ZIP-Sanman Wellness Center team. Alex Santisima Jr., with a record of 12 wins and 2 losses (6 KOs), will face fellow Filipino Richard Pumicpic (23-15-3, 7 KOs) in an eight-round contest. Additionally, Cebu-based Japanese fighter Kiyoto Narukami (5-2-1, 2 KOs) will take on Ryuto Maekawa (12-4-1, 8 KOs).
