ROBLES AND ABNE GO FOR WBA REGIONAL BELTS VS. CHINESE FOES

By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.

CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES – Unbeaten Berland Robles (10-0-1,4KO’s) will be gunning for the WBA South flyweight title when he goes up against Chenghao Luo (7-1-1,4 KO’s) from china.

Robles, who turned pro in 2021, will also be facing his first foreign opponent. Luo fought overseas twice last year, losing a unanimous verdict in Thailand to Tasana Salapat and winning a split decision in Japan against Josuke Nogata.

Robles easily made the flyweight limit at 110.8 lbs while Luo , who is a substitute opponent , was six pounds over and obviously cannot make weight. If Robles wins, he will get the belt. If Luo wins, the title will be vacant.

Ian Paul Abne (11-0-1,4 KO’s)  will also be trying to keep his unblemished record when he squares off against Jin Ping Yang (5-4-1,1KO). The Chinese boxer has lost twice to Filipinos - Arvin Magramo and Arvin Jhon Paciones. They will vie for the WBA South minimumweight title. Abne easily made weight at 104.4 while Yang was asked to shed 1.4 lbs during the official weigh in. The fights will be held in Bulacao, Cebu City.

There are three undercard matches – Rodel Wenceslao vs Ryan Sermona – six rounds, April Jat Abne vs Anferne Palarca – 8 rounds and Angelus Pilapil vs Mohaleden Kalibo – 6 rounds.

Photo – Ian Paul Abne (left) and Jin Ping Yang stare each other during the weigh-in.