It was a spectacular evening, showcasing as Cebuano boxing promoter Lorenzo “Chao” Sy successfully brought high-level pro boxing back to the iconic Cebu Coliseum last May 9, 2026, via “Fist of Fury 10: The Eliminator”. The event marked an interesting collaboration between Chao Sy International Promotions and China-based FISTCO Boxing Promotions. For boxing fans, it reignited Cebu’s proud legacy as a boxing powerhouse in the Asia-Pacific region.
Main Event
The highlight of the evening was a brutal 12-round IBF minimumweight world title eliminator between Chinese knockout artist Dianxing Zhu (16-1, 14 KOs) and unbeaten local contender Ian Paul “Assassin” Abne (12-0-2, 4 KOs). This writer has seen his share of vicious fights, but this one was among the most brutal in recent years. It was a war of attrition filled with blood, heart, and non-stop action. Zhu ultimately prevailed by unanimous decision, but Abne fought with the fire of a hometown hero. However, Zhu’s relentless pressure and power proved too much in the later rounds.
Abne seemed to fight the wrong fight from the opening bell, as the normally slick and resilient Bisaya opted to match up with the aggressive Chinese knockout specialist who marched forward with relentless pressure, looking to impose his power. As a fan, the punishing battle of attrition was exciting, but as a fight purist, Abne’s corner dropped the ball if their strategy was to fight toe-to-toe with Zhu. In the early rounds, Abne held his ground—fighters are usually fresh and sturdy early—but as the fight wore on, Zhu’s seemingly inexhaustible energy sapped Abne’s stamina. Zhu scored two knockdowns, in rounds six and eight, shifting the momentum and ultimately making the difference on the scorecards. Abne showed incredible resilience, rising each time and continuing to fight back with determination, but Zhu’s constant forward pressure and volume proved too much to overcome in the championship rounds.
After 12 grueling rounds, all judges had the visiting fighter as the victor: scores of 115-111, 114-112, and 116-110 from Katsuhiro Nakamura.
Aftermath
The victory improved Zhu’s record to 17-1 (14 KOs) and earned him the right to challenge reigning IBF Minimumweight World Champion Pedro Taduran as the mandatory contender. It was the first loss for Abne, whose record now stands at 12-1-2 (4 KOs). Seated ringside, we thought his corner should have thrown in the towel given the punishment he endured, but he showed incredible heart and reinforced his reputation as a tough, fan-friendly fighter.
Cebu Boxing
The atmosphere inside the newly revived Cebu Coliseum was electric as local fans came out in force, creating an unforgettable environment for big-time boxing’s return to the venue. Seen at the venue was Antonio “Bidoy” Aldeguer, the “Godfather of Cebu Boxing,” as well as IBF minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran, who was ringside cheering alongside boxing legends like Nonito Donaire Jr., Donnie Nietes, and Dodie Boy Peñalosa. Also enjoying the action was retired Court of Appeals Justice Gabriel “Gabby” Ingles, a true-blue boxing fan. It was a great night to bring back big-time boxing in Cebu, and plans are reportedly underway for bigger things, including a potential Taduran vs. Zhu world title bout.
Last Round
It’s on Hediah Gayle Sincero who turns 18 today. Cheers!
