Waminal challenges Luangphon for WBC Asia belt

FORMER ALA Boy Jess Rhey Waminal is in for another tough fight as he challenges undefeated Thai Thattana Luangphon for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia super bantamweight belt on July 29, 2023 at the Suamlum Night Bazaar in Ratchadaphisek, Thailand.

After a five-fight losing slump, the 28-year-old Waminal is back in form with two straight victories this year. He opened up 2023 with a majority-decision win over promising prospect Jhunrille Castino in Bohol. Waminal followed up that win with a sixth-round technical knockout of experienced Crison Omayao in Surigao del Norte.

Waminal is in for a very tough test against Luangphon.

The 26-year-old Luangphon is notorious for beating Filipino fighters. He has fought and beaten a total of nine Pinoy pugs — Brian Lobetania, Jhon Gimeno, Jopher Marayan, Kevin Aseniero, Ken Jordan, Jelbirt Gomera, Jomar Fajardo, Alvin Medura and Matthew Arcillas. His last six fights were against Filipinos.

Luangphon is coming off a third-round stoppage of Waminal’s former teammate at the ALA Gym, Lobetania.

Luangphon is currently ranked No. 5 by the WBC in the super bantamweight division.

Waminal, a former amateur standout, is 16-8-1 with nine knockouts, while Luangphon is 21-0-1 with 15 knockouts. (EKA)