Robles, Abne secure WBA regional crowns

CEBU, Philippines — Berland “The Triggerman” Robles and Ian Paul “The Assassin” Abne ended the 2024 campaign of ARQ fighters on a high note after beating their respective Chinese rivals to emerge as World Boxing Association (WBA) regional champions in the “Engkwentro 14” fight card of ARQ Sports last Saturday evening, December 14, at the Bulacao Sports and Activity Center in Talisay City.

The 24-year-old Robles prevailed over Chenghao Luo by majority decision to grab the WBA Asia South flyweight crown.

After 10 rounds of action, two judges scored the bout 96-94 and 97-93 while the other one saw it a 95-95 draw, hence the majority verdict for Robles, who stretched his perfect mark to 11-0 spiked with 4KOs. Luo dropped to 7-2-1 with 4KOs.

In the supporting main event, Ian Abne punched his way to a lopsided unanimous decision victory over Jin Ping Yang to snatch the WBA Asia South minimumweight belt.

One judge penned a 100-90 shutout while the others tallied 99-91 and 98-92 all for Ian Abne, who stayed undefeated at 12-0-1 with 4KOs. Yang fell to 5-5-1 with 1KO.

The remarkable performance of Robles and Ian Abne capped a clean 5-0 sweep by the spirited ARQ ring gladiators to the delight of their big boss Jason Arquisola.

Reigning World Boxing Federation (WBF) Australasian welterweight titleholder Rodel “The Hulk” Wenceslao

pulled off a fourth round TKO win over Ryan Sermona of Negros Occidental.

The match was stopped upon the advice of ringside physician Dr. Jose Unabia as Sermona was unable to continue before the start of round five with a nasty cut on his left face.

Wenceslao improved to 22-19-2 record, now spiked with 10KOs.

On the other hand, April Jay “Astroboy” Abne and Angelus “Pitbull” Pilapil both won by unanimous decision  over Anferne Palarca of Bohol and Mohaleden Kalibo of North Cotabato, respectively.

April Abne now holds a 15-1 slate with 6KOs, while Angelus extended his unbeaten streak to 4-0 with 2KOs.