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🇹🇼 Ming Hung Lee Wins WBF Title, Stops Tough Carlo Demecillo in Fourth Round in Asturias, Cebu 🇵🇭
By Carlos Costa/FightnewsAsia 🥊 ASTURIAS, Cebu, Philippines — Aug. 9, 2026 — Taiwan’s Ming Hung Lee survived a frightening first-round knockdown before roaring back to score a dramatic fourth-round stoppage of Filipino veteran Carlo Demecillo in the headline bout of Sunday’s action-packed boxing card at the Asturias Gym Auditorium.

Lee, who improved to 12-1 with nine knockouts, was badly hurt when Demecillo dropped him with a huge body shot inside the opening minute of the fight.

The Taiwanese fighter, however, regained his composure and turned the fight around, eventually dropping Demecillo down and forcing the referee to halt the contest in the fourth round.

The victory earned Lee the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Australasian Super Featherweight Championship, adding a regional title to his growing résumé and extending his winning streak to four fights.

The 37-year-old Lee, who previously trained at Don Antonio Aldeguer’s famed ALA Gym in Talamban, Cebu, appeared particularly comfortable fighting in front of the knowledgeable Cebuano crowd despite the early scare.

Lee was coming off a spectacular first-round knockout of Jason Tinampay and once again demonstrated his punching power and resilience in a fight that quickly developed into an exciting battle.

Demecillo Steps Up on Short Notice
Demecillo, a seasoned, brave and battle-tested Filipino campaigner, accepted the challenge on short notice after originally scheduled opponent Reycar Auxilio was forced to withdraw because of injury.

The 30-year-old Demecillo entered the bout with a 19-13-2 record and 11 knockouts. Throughout his career, Demecillo has faced a long list of respected opposition, including Carl Jammes WONDERBOY Martin, Mama, Satoshi Shimizu, Arthur Cordero Villanueva and Sho Ishida.

Despite the defeat, Demecillo showed once again why he remains one of the Philippines' durable and experienced boxers, giving Lee a serious and super rough test before the champ found his way in the fourth.

Lee Wants More Filipino Competition
Following the victory, Lee expressed his appreciation to the warm and enthusiastic Cebu fans who supported the fight in beautiful coastal City of Asturias with the Mayor Hon. Dana Andrew Matela "Dongkoy" Dumdum in attendance.

Before returning to Taiwan, the new WBF Australia Asian champion said he hopes to return to the Philippines soon for another fight at 130, clearly enjoying the atmosphere and competition in Cebu.

That raises an interesting question for Filipino boxing fans:
Which Filipino super featherweight should Ming Hung Lee fight next?

With the WBF Austral Asian belt now around his waist, Lee could become an interesting target for some of the Philippines' leading 130-pound fighters.

Officials and Promotion
The bout was supervised by WBF Vice President Alvin S. Go of Cavite City, while PBO-CV Secretary Nic Banal of Cebu served as referee.

The event was promoted by Big Yellow Boxing Promotion, headed by promoters Seth TioBoxing and May Flor Tio, with Head Coach Jellyt Jingjing Tepora working as matchmaker.

This night of boxing in Asturias, Cebu, was sanctioned by the Philippine Games and Amusements Board (GAB). Chairman Francisco Rivera. GAB Cebu Chief Jimmy Donton in attendance.
Photos by JD Sanchez for PhilBoxing

The author is veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa in Cebu, [email protected]

WBF Title at Stake: Ming Hung Lee vs Carlo Demecillo Clash in Beautiful Asturias, Cebu! 🇵🇭By Carlos Costa / 🤞ASTURIAS, Cebu, Philippines – The final hurdles have been cleared for a major professional boxing event, as all fighters officially made weight at today's weigh-in held ahead of Sunday's action at the Asturias Covered Court.

The card, promoted by Seth TioBoxing's Big Yellow Promotions, is headlined by a championship clash for the vacant WBF Austral-Asian Super Featherweight Title.
In the main event, Taiwan's Ming Hung Lee (representing Taiwan) stepped onto the scales weighing 130.3 lbs. His opponent, Carlo Demecillo from Negros Occidental, successfully made the championship limit, weighing in at 129 lbs.

Both men are now locked in for their 8-round battle for regional supremacy tomorrow night.
The co-main features an 8-round showdown where Arlando Senoc of the Big Yellow Boxing Gym and Jhonrey Labajo from Talisay City both tipped the scales at an identical 113.5 lbs, fitting right in the bantamweight range.
Here are the complete official weigh-in results from Asturias:
Vacant WBF Austral-Asian Super Featherweight Championship - 8 Rounds
Ming Hung Lee (Taiwan): 130. lbs
Carlo Demecillo (Negros Occ.): 129 lbs
8 Rounds
Arlando Senoc (Big Yellow Boxing Gym): 113.5 lbs
Jhonrey Labajo (Talisay City): 113.5 lbs

Fifgt for the VISPROBA belt.
6 Rounds
Deams Lloyd Valdez (Big Yellow Boxing Gym): 112.3 lbs
Zairus Esito (Bohol): 112.3 lbs

Decision: Both made weight inside the super flyweight division.
6 Rounds
Aldren Aton (Asturias): 113 lbs
Jaybe Cais (Prime Stable/Talion): 109.6 lbs

Both made weight.
4 Rounds
Venance Dances (Big Yellow Boxing Gym): 119.2 lbs
Niño Jay Malbago (Danao): 119.2 lbs

Both made weight.
8 Rounds
Bryan James Wild (Toledo City)
Ruel Compuesto.
Sunday's event at the Asturias Covered Court promises an evening of high-quality local and international boxing action.

Boxing Officials for the show are all veteran men of boxing:
Cebu Chief Jimmy Donton, WBF Supervisor Alvin S. Go, Referee Nic Banal, Judges Antonio Pino Pesons, Edgar A. Olalo and Carlos Costa.

The PhilBoxing photographer for the fight photos for this thrilling event will shot by JD Sanchez.

The first bell is scheduled for 6pm. If you are in Asturias, come over to enjoy the exciting show!!

May the best man win, Laban Pinoy!

The author Carlos Costa is a veteran boxing reporter in Cebu 🇵🇭 Philippines, carlos@philboxing, com

🇹🇼 Ming Hung Lee 130, 🇵🇭 Carlo Demecillo 129 for Sunday's clash for the WBF Austral Asian Super Featherweight Title in Asturias, Cebu! 👍 5 More fights complete the exciting Big Yellow Promotions Show. May the Best Men Win, Laban Pinoy!! 🇵🇭 🇹🇼 👍🥊

Commissions from Asia and the Middle East Hold Historic Summit in Thailand 🇹🇭 ​🥊 ​BANGKOK, Thailand (Aug. 7) — Boxing regulators, commission officials, promoters, and industry leaders from across Asia and the Middle East gathered in Bangkok on Wednesday, August 6, for a historic summit focused on strengthening cooperation, improving governance, and protecting the integrity of professional boxing.

​The meeting also marked another important step in the growing partnership between the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand (PAT) and the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), with representatives from both organizations reaffirming their commitment to closer cooperation in regulating and developing the sport.

​One of the summit's central topics was the importance of accurate online boxing records. Delegates agreed that complete and reliable fight records are essential for boxer safety, transparency, and the overall credibility of professional boxing.

Several commissions expressed serious concern that a large number of officially sanctioned pro boxing bouts—supervised by recognized government boxing commissions—have not been included in the online database BoxRec.

​"BoxRec has shown itself to be biased, harsh, and unfair toward us, affecting our livelihoods and badly hurting the sport of boxing across Asia and the Middle East," said Chinese matchmaker Ansel Mang Tien. "That is a major reason why we have united and come here. BoxRec is supposed to record results from pro boxing bouts approved by recognized commissions, not decide which fights deserve recognition. BoxRec is not a boxing commission, and it must respect the authority of those that are."

​Most delegates shared these identical concerns, emphasizing that the authority to recognize professional boxing contests belongs strictly to officially recognized boxing commissions—not private record-keeping websites.

As a result, participants discussed creating a commission-supported international boxing records platform to ensure that all officially sanctioned bouts are properly documented.

They also explored closer cooperation with established boxing information services, including FightFax, Tapology, and other respected industry partners.

​The summit featured presentations on boxer registration systems, official records management, and the use of data analysis to identify irregularities in boxer registrations and fight histories.

Officials stated that stronger verification procedures and better oversight will help protect athletes, promote fair competition, and improve transparency throughout the sport.

​Among the prominent attendees were the highly respected Professional Boxing Association of Thailand (PAT) President, Sir Naris Singwanngcha; Royal Thai Army Maj. Gen. Damrong Simakajornboon; Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) top executive, Mr. Tsuyoshi Yasukochi; Japanese matchmaker, Ulysses Sato; Indian promoter, Mujaba Kamal; Thai matchmaker, Panya Prachakorn; China's top promoter, Mr. Wang Fei 王飞; Highland Boxing promoter, Supanat Chanram; and Thailand's top referee, Mr. Worawuth Duankao.

​Also participating were legendary Galaxy Boxing promoter, Mr. Niwat Laosueanwat, alongside representatives from the Dr. Jimmy Boxing Team, Singmanasak Gym Team, Saithong Sriphajan Boxing Team, Payak Team, Aekkawee Team, and Terry's The Fighter Team. China's Mr. Eric Yao and prominent Indian promoter Mujtaba Kamal were also in attendance.

​Showing solidarity, Thailand's reigning IBF Light Flyweight World Champion, Thanongsak Simsri (40-1, 35 KOs), and his team attended the landmark meeting, speaking with cameras and media representatives. (see photo)

​In addition, officials and representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Hong Kong, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and other boxing jurisdictions took part in the discussions.

Taiwan professional boxing was represented by Mr. Peter Hung

Shanghai Chin Woo Boxing Commission and CPBA executive Mr. Eric Yao of China and PAT President Sir Naris Singwancha—who also serves as an executive of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT)—held bilateral talks during the event. (see photo)

The Thailand Boxing Commission (TBC) was also represented through the participation of the highly respected Mr. Chalerm Prayadsab. Also, the Dubai Boxing representative Mr. Jose Mohan flew-in to Bangkok and was in attendance as well.

​The summit concluded with a united commitment to strengthen cooperation among boxing commissions throughout Asia and the Middle East.

Delegates pledged to work together to improve regulation, streamline online boxer data recording, enhance athlete safety, maintain consistent standards, and reinforce public confidence in professional boxing across both regions.

​Reflecting on the event, participants described the gathering as one of the region's most significant boxing summits in recent years, signaling a shared commitment to advancing the governance, integrity, and long-term future of the sport they all love.

🇵🇭 Vic Saludar Scores Quick KO in Vietnam 🇻🇳; Soledad Suffers First Career Defeat (PHOTOS) 🥊 By Carlos Costa / 💥 Former two-time Minimumweight World Champion Vic Saludar (28-6, 18 KOs) demonstrated superior skill Saturday night, needing less than a minute to drop and stop Thailand’s Watchanachai Thasai (6-3, 3 KOs) at The Grand Ho Tram in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 🇻🇳

Saludar’s non-title bout served as the co-feature on tonight's six-fight card promoted by Vietnam’s leading promotional outfit, Cocky Buffalo Promotions.

In the night’s main event, undefeated Chinese prospect 🇨🇳 Balihenbieke (9-0, 6 KOs) delivered a major upset, halting previously unbeaten Filipino contender 🇵🇭 Reymart Soledad (8-1, 6 KOs) in the opening round.

With his win, Balihenbieke captures the vacant WBO Oriental Super Lightweight Championship.

The Cocky Buffalo event was live on VTVcab and Vietnam Television VTV.

The author Carlos Costa is a boxing reporter in CEBU 🇵🇭 [email protected]

🇵🇭 TEAM PINOY PRODIGY SHOWDOWN: DE BARBO ACCEPTS MAJOR STEP-UP AGAINST JAPAN’S 🇯🇵NAKAGAWA IN LA TRINIDAD TITLE CLASH (PHOTOS) 🔥By Carlos Costa / 🥊 Cold mountain air met intense heat at the official scales as Team Pinoy Boxing Prodigy, alongside promoter Darwin Miller Angelo Dep-ay and matchmaker Sharma Devaiah Buteng, presented the official weigh-ins for Saturday night’s, August 1, card at the CCDC Gym in Barangay Poblacion.
Sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), the stage is officially set for a high-octane 10-round international clash as emerging 9-0, 9 KOs General Santos knockout artist Lemuel De Barbo and battle-tested Japanese veteran Mugicha Nakagawa both successfully made weight.

The heavily tattooed De Barbo, looking laser-focused, stepped onto the scale condition-ready for the biggest test of his career against the tough Nakagawa (32-11-4, 20 KOs).

The visiting samurai is a seasoned campaigner who cleared the limit effortlessly to set up a classic prospect-versus-veteran main event.

Main Event: De Barbo vs Nakagawa | The Philippines 🆚 Japan

The main event presents a clash of styles: De Barbo's heavy hands against Nakagawa's experience across 47 professional outings.

With local fight fans expected to pack out the venue, De Barbo aims to make a statement on home soil.

"El Maestro" Silvestre Abainza and ABPRO President Gil Robiego Co are officials for the show. 👍

👉 CO-MAIN EVENT: BASIL VS BULACAN

In the co-main Event: Basil vs Bulacan Greenlit for Thrilling War!

Yes indeed, in the chief supporting bout of the night, Carl Jeffrey Basil (7-4-2) and rival Ronald Bulacan (2-3-0) both weighed in smoothly, making their 6-round duel official.

Basil, looking to improve his Filipino ranking, shared a tense faceoff with Bulacan

Both men promised a fast-paced battle before the main event takes center stage.

👉 FIVE MORE THRILLING FIGHTS:

Five more exciting battles will complete the evening of pro boxing in La Trinidad.

° Serr Delos Santos vs. CJ Quinajon (4 Rounds): Unbeaten prospect Serr Delos Santos (1-0-0) meets Super Bantamweight campaigner CJ Quinajon (1-1-2) in an intriguing 4-round bout.

° Frenzle Golocan vs. Orlandino Sinaloba (Lightweight Division): Local prospect Frenzle Golocan (1-0-0) takes on battle-tested veteran Orlandino Sinaloba (2-6-0) in a Lightweight collision.

° Arthur Soriano vs. Chris Gabriel Daguio (Featherweight Division): An action-packed match between hungry domestic contenders Arthur Soriano and Chris Gabriel Daguio, both making weight without issue.

° Jezrel Balantan vs. Jio Garduque (Bantamweight Division): Regional prospect Jezrel Balantan meets Jio Garduque (0-1-0) in a scheduled Bantamweight undercard showdown.

° Vincent Jorda vs. Eranio Pisador (Light Flyweight Division): Rounding out the night of action, Vincent Jorda takes on Light Flyweight campaigner Eranio Pisador (0-2-0) in a competitive local battle.

The first pro fight starts at 5pm!! 🔥

May the best men win, Laban Pinoy!!!

The author is Carlos Costa, a veteran boxing reporter in 🇵🇭 [email protected]

🇵🇭Vic Saludar Returns to Action in Minimumweight Contest in Vietnam 🇻🇳 By Carlos Costa / 🥊 Former world champion Vic Saludar (27-6-0, 16 KOs) comfortably made weight for the chief support bout of the night.

Rated #28 globally in the minimumweight division, the Filipino veteran engages in a 10-round duel against Thailand’s Watchanachai Thasai (6-2-0).

The Thai also officially cleared the scales to round out an action-packed card tomorrow in Vietnam.

May the best men win, Laban Pinoy!

Photos by Philboxing.

The author is Carlos Costa in Cebu 🇵🇭 Philippines, [email protected]

🇵🇭REYMART SOLEDAD AND CHINESE OPPONENT MAKE WEIGHT FOR WBO ORIENTAL 140-LBS BATTLE SATURDAY IN VIETNAM 🇻🇳 By Carlos Costa / 🥊High-stakes pro boxing returns to The Grand Ho Tram on Saturday, August 1, as Sang Bum Kim’s Cocky Buffalo Promotion presents a blockbuster night of championship action!

Overseen by official inspector Do Toan Nguyen and WBO Vice President Leon Panoncillo, all eyes were fixed on the scales as undefeated Pinoy prospect Reymart Soledad (8-0, 6 KOs) and China’s Balihenbieke Balihenbieke (8-0, 0 KOs) both successfully made weight.

It officially greenlights their 10-round showdown for the vacant WBO Oriental Super Lightweight Title. 👍

Representing the Highland Gym under the tutelage of coach Brico Santig, the 25-year-old Reymart Soledad looked strong and focused as he prepares for a classic power-versus-boxer matchup against Balihenbieke who hails from China's beautiful northwestern Xingjiang Region.

👉 SOLEDAD VS BALIHENBIEKE: THE WBO ORIENTAL FIGHT

Soledad stepped onto the scales eager to secure his biggest regional hardware to date.

Meanwhile, Balihenbieke cleared the scales without issue, wanting to keep his own unblemished record intact.

This Xingjiang fighter has never scored a stoppage win as a pro boxer. But he is fast and he can box!

Both are undefeated boxers, who will stay that way?

May the best men win, Laban Pinoy!

Photos by Philboxing.

The author is Carlos Costa in Cebu 🇵🇭 Philippines, [email protected]

🇵🇭 Johnmichael Zulueta Retains ABF Flyweight Title in Dominant Bangkok Victory; 🇦🇲🇷🇺 Микаел Арутюнян and 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Callum Dan Score KO Wins 🔥 By Carlos Costa/ 🥊 Filipino unbeaten champion John Michael "The Striker" Zulueta successfully defended his ABF (Asian Boxing Federation) Flyweight Championship with a ten rounds unanimous decision victory over Xolieng Souvannaphakdy of Laos.

The fight was the main event of Highland Boxing Promotions on July 25 at World Siam Stadium in , live worldwide on .

Zulueta controlled the fight from start to finish with his sharp jab, accurate combinations, and solid defense.

After the ten frames were done, all three That judges scored the bout 98-92, giving the Pinoy rising-star the clear victory.

The win improved Zulueta's record to 21-0-3, while Souvannaphakdy dropped to 8-16-1.

Promoted by award-winning promoter Brico Santig, director of Highland Boxing Promotions, Zulueta continues to build his reputation as one of the Philippines' top prospects in the 108 or 112 lbs weight-class.

Absolutely, the skilled Negros Occidental boxer remaining on course for bigger bights!

MORE RESULTS:

Highland's international card also featured hard-hitting Armenian-Russian 🇦🇲🇷🇺 Mikael Arutyunyan.

Wearing a black with white trunks and red gloves, Mikael, who has reigned as Universal Boxing Organization (UBO), champion stopped Thailand's Watcharaphon Ohnuch via second-round TKO.

In another exciting, fan-friendly clash, England's 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Callum Steven Dan 8-0, 7 KOs), scored a third-round stoppage win over Poramin Saengpak to claim the shinning red OPBF Super Middleweight belt.

The young and strong Callum also won Highland's "Fight of the Night Award."

The successful Bangkok event once again showcased 🇵🇭🇹🇭 Brico Langbay Santig's growing role in international boxing, however, the big cheers belonged to Zulueta, Mikael and Callum, , boys!!! 🇵🇭 🇦🇲 🇷🇺 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

The author Carlos Costa is veteran boxing reporter in Cebu 🇵🇭 [email protected]

🇵🇭 The Philippines and 🇹🇭 Thailand Sign Landmark Pro Boxing Cooperation Agreement👍 By Carlos Costa / 🥊In a significant move to strengthen professional boxing ties between the Philippines and Thailand, the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand (PAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 25, 2026, at World Siam Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The agreement establishes a framework for closer cooperation in regulating professional boxing, promoting boxer safety, facilitating international competition, and enhancing the integrity of the sport in both nations.

👉 Summary of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

The MOU was signed by:

Angel P. Bautista, Commissioner for Administrative and Finance of the Philippine Games and Amusements Board (GAB)

Naris Singhawungcha, Chairman of the Boxing Section of the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand (PAT)

👉 Key Provisions

Exchange of official boxing records and the development of accurate rankings for each country's professional boxers.

Mutual recognition of fight documentation, including fight permits, fighter record certificates, and official fight result certificates for overseas contests.

Assistance with visas and government documentation for boxers, officials, and other participants involved in international boxing events.

Educational cooperation, including workshops and training opportunities for boxing commissions and ring officials across Asia.

Promotion of boxer health and safety, including medical screenings, pre- and post-fight evaluations, commission doctors at events, and thorough review of fighter records to help prevent mismatches.

Fair and standardized bout management, with both commissions working toward uniform rules and equitable conditions for professional boxing.

Licensing enforcement, ensuring only properly licensed and authorized boxers compete internationally while maintaining communication regarding newly licensed fighters.

Immediate implementation, with the agreement remaining in effect until mutually terminated by both parties.

👉 Significance

The agreement represents a major milestone in regional boxing cooperation.

By fostering greater collaboration between GAB and PAT, the MOU is expected to improve regulatory standards, enhance boxer safety, streamline cross-border competition, and strengthen the growth and credibility of professional boxing in both the Philippines and Thailand.

Present during the MOU signing were GAB Boxing Chief Rodil E. Manaog as well as Royal Thai Army Major General Damrong Simakajornboon, Executive Secretary of the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand (PAT).

The author of this news is veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa, email: [email protected]