Gabriel Santisima to fight in China for WBO Regional strap

Gabriel Santisima (left) and Zhong Liu (right). | Facebook photos

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Unbeaten super bantamweight prospect Gabriel Santisima of ZIP Sanman Boxing will test his mettle on foreign soil as he headlines a fight card in China on May 30.

he Cebu-based Santisima, one of four Santisima siblings who are professional boxers, will square off against seasoned Chinese veteran Zhong Liu in a bout for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental super bantamweight title.

Adding intrigue to the event is the appearance of Chinese fighter Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke, a familiar face to Filipino fans who has fought twice in the Visayas. Laayibieke will co-headline the card with a fight against Korean boxer Min Hyuk Jang.

Liu brings a wealth of experience into the ring, boasting a solid record of 20 wins (8 by knockout) and only 2 losses.

The 33-year-old is a former WBO Oriental and WBC Asian Continental super bantamweight champion, and a proven road warrior who has competed in Australia, Russia, and Thailand.

Most recently, Liu scored a technical knockout (TKO) victory over Thai fighter Suriya Kaeokhao last April in Bangkok, bouncing back from consecutive losses in his previous international outings.

In contrast, the younger Santisima — brother of former world title challenger Jeo Santisima — enters the fight with an unbeaten record of 7 wins (6 by knockout) and 1 draw. This will mark his second professional bout abroad, the first having taken place in Russia last January.

Santisima is coming off an impressive fifth-round TKO victory over Ponciano Remandiman last February in General Santos City, further establishing himself as one of the Philippines’ rising boxing prospects.

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