Dr. Winley Dela Fuente, a prominent figure in the cockfighting industry, is making a bold move into the world of professional boxing. The renowned derby patron has announced his debut as a boxing promoter with a major fight card scheduled for February 8, 2025, at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu City.
Dubbed “Binukbukay sa Sugbo,” the event will feature three WBO-sanctioned title fights and promises to showcase top-tier boxing talent from China, South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. Dela Fuente’s venture into boxing promotion is in partnership with the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and his company, OX KBDF Gaming Promotions. This marks an exciting chapter in Cebu’s boxing scene, once considered the “Mecca of Boxing in Asia.”
The headline bout of the evening will see South Korea’s Jong Seon Kang (20-1-2, 11 KOs) defending his WBO Global featherweight title against former Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC) super bantamweight champion Ryuto Owan (13-2, 8 KOs).
The event will also feature a highly anticipated fight for the WBO Oriental super featherweight title, with Chinese boxer Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke (10-2, 7 KOs) defending his belt against Cebu’s own Rodex Piala (10-1, 1 KO), a fighter from the ARQ Boxing Stable.
In another exciting matchup, former world title challenger Genesis “Azukal” Servania (35-4, 16 KOs) returns to the ring to face China’s Aketelieti Yelejian (9-4-1, 2 KOs) for the WBO Oriental lightweight crown.
Dela Fuente shared his enthusiasm for combining his passion for boxing with his knack for organizing high-stakes events.
“People know me for derbies, but my love for boxing runs much deeper,” Dela Fuente said during the event’s official launch. “Derbies are entertainment, but boxing is pure passion. This sport has put our country on the map, and I want to contribute to its growth by showcasing local talent and bringing international attention to Cebu and the Philippines.”
The event aims to highlight the country’s emerging boxing stars and revive Cebu’s reputation as a hub for world-class boxing. Dela Fuente, alongside Trevor Hammond, Senior Vice President for Gaming and Integrated Resort Operations at NUSTAR, and WBO Asia Pacific Vice President Leon Panoncillo, hopes the event will serve as a springboard for future, even larger boxing events.
“With the support of my partners, including boxing judge Edward Ligas, the WBO, NUSTAR, and the Filipino boxing community, we hope to pave the way for world title fights in Cebu,” he explained.
Dela Fuente emphasized that his focus would be on organizing high-quality fight cards rather than managing individual boxers. This strategy, he believes, will help attract the best talent and ensure the success of his events.
“Our first fight card will serve as a gauge for our ability to host bigger and more ambitious boxing events in the future,” Dela Fuente added.
With anticipation building for the February 8 event, Dela Fuente’s venture into boxing promotion is poised to make a significant impact on both the local and international boxing scenes.
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