Chinese boxer Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke celebrates after referee Danrex Tapdasan stopped his fight against Bohol’s Virgel Vitor in the fifth round, which made him win via a TKO and bag the WBO Oriental super featherweight title. | CDN Digital photo / Glendale Rosal
CEBU CITY, Philippines – In a turn of events that left the local crowd in shock, Chinese boxer Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke delivered a stunning upset in Tagbilaran City, decisively dethroning hometown favorite Virgel “Valiente” Vitor for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental super featherweight title in the main event of “Kumong Bol-Anon 17” fight card on Saturday evening, July 28.
Arriving only on the eve of the weigh-in, skepticism surrounded the 24-year-old Laayibieke’s preparedness against the hard-hitting Boholano prospect from the PMI Bohol Boxing Stable.
Yet, Laayibieke silenced the entire Bohol Wisdom School gymnasium with a fifth-round technical knockout, marking a dramatic conclusion to the fight card put up by the PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions.
READ: Vitor braces for tough test against Chinese foe at “Kumong Bol-anon 17”
The upset was so profound that many Boholano fans left the venue immediately, while Vitor’s relatives watched in tears as their champion was dismantled in a one-sided affair.
From the opening bell, Laayibieke dominated.
Chinese boxer Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke landed a body shot to Boholano Virgel Vitor. | CDN Digital photo / Glendale Rosal
Precision and control
Judge Edward Ligas revealed afterward that he didn’t award Vitor a single round, citing the Chinese boxer’s precision and control.
READ: Vitor to defend WBO title against Chinese foe
Vitor, though courageous, was knocked down in the third round. Despite his efforts, most of his punches either missed or were blocked, a stark contrast to his previous victory in March against Korean Tae Sun Kim, which earned him the WBO Oriental title.
Laayibieke had confidently predicted an eight-round victory but was surprised when seasoned referee Danrex Tapdasan stopped the fight at 1:06 in the fifth round due to the punishment Vitor had endured.
READ: Vitor to fight in “Kumong Bol-Anon 17” in July
A powerful left straight from Laayibieke wobbled Vitor, and sensing victory, the Beijing-based southpaw from M23 Boxing Gym, unleashed a relentless barrage that forced the stoppage.
“Vitor is a strong fighter, but I came in ready,” Laayibieke said through a translator.
Virgel Vitor (left) and Chinese boxer Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke pose for the camera as a gesture of sportsmanship after their intense, but short-lived WBO Oriental super featherweight title showdown. | CDN Digital photo / Glendale Rosal
“I want to thank PMI Promotions for bringing me here. I love Bohol, I love fighting here in the Philippines, and I want to fight here again,” he added.
With this victory, Laayibieke improved his record to 10 wins, 7 by knockout, with 2 defeats, while Vitor’s record dropped to 22-4, with 15 knockouts.
Not in peak condition
In a post-fight interview, Vitor admitted he was not in peak condition.
“My mind and body just didn’t work together. My mind wanted my feet to move, but my body wouldn’t respond. I felt heavy and couldn’t counterpunch fast enough,” he said.
But despite the setback, Vitor vowed to come back stronger.
“I promise my supporters that I will return as a champion. This is not the end for me.”
Vitor’s promoter, Floriezyl Echavez-Podot, acknowledged the loss but highlighted the success of the event.
“This is our promise that we will surpass our previous Kumong Bol-Anon edition. As you’ve witnessed production-wise, it’s better than the previous promotions. Overall, we are glad with the results. Of course, our boxer here from China is a very good boxer. He was able to showcase his skills, and of course Vitor, there’s his Boholano character to not give up, kinulang lang talaga. It was a very good fight, it’s a reminder what PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions is capable of,” said Podot.
The “Kumong Bol-Anon 17” fight card achieved a significant milestone by broadcasting live on both television and a mobile app, thanks to a long-term partnership with the late Chino Trinidad and his production team. Adding to the event’s prestige, Filipino sports icon “The Dean” Quinito Henson provided commentary for the main card.