JIMENEZ AND SUMABONG BATTLE FOR WBO YOUTH TITLE

​By Rene V. Bonsubre, Jr

NAGA CITY, CEBU, PHILIPPINES – John Kevin Jimenez (8-1,3 KO’s) from Cebu will be gunning for another title when he is pitted against Joseph  Sumabong (6-1,3KO’s) of Bohol for the WBO Youth minimumweight title on December 17.

The 20 year old Jimenez , who won the Philippine Youth title early this year, lost in his bid last September for the OPBF belt in Japan against Takeshi Ishii by unanimous decision.  This was his first loss as a pro.

Sumabong won the WBF Australasian minimumweight title last year against another Filipino, Erson Trinidad. He also lost in Japan, by unanimous verdict, against Goki Kobayashi, in a fight for the WBO Asia Pacific belt.

During the official weigh-in Monday, both had to spend extra time to make weight. On their second try both did – Jimenez 104.9 lbs., Sumabong – 104.6 lbs.

There are four bouts on the undercard – Jemuel Aranas (5-1,3 KO’s) vs Clyde Azarcon (17-13-1, 6 KO’s) – 8 rounds, Junibert Bantay (5-0,1KO) vs Joyjoy Formentera (11-4,7 KO’s) – 6 rounds, Jeffre Jimenez ( 2-0,1KO) vs Jar-R Tulinan (4-9,2KO’s) – 6 rounds and Joperson Trazo (3-0-1,1KO) vs Zandy Padiran (3-7-2,1KO) – 6 rounds.

This fight card is presented by Chao Sy Promotions and the local government of Naga City.

Photo - John Kevin Jimenez (8-1,3 KO’s) , left and Joseph  Sumabong (6-1,3KO’s) pose during the weigh-in.