Chinese knockout artist Dianxing Zhu showcased his aggressive style to defeat Filipino boxer Ian Abne in the main event of the Fist of Fury X - The Eliminator boxing card held on May 9, 2026, at the Cebu Coliseum. The bout served as an International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight world title eliminator.
From the opening bell, Zhu applied relentless pressure, engaging Abne in heavy exchanges. Despite Abne's willingness to trade punches, Zhu's power proved decisive. The Chinese fighter scored two knockdowns in the sixth and eighth rounds, but Abne showed tremendous heart and determination, refusing to surrender even when clearly hurt.
The judges scored the fight unanimously in favor of Zhu. Japanese judge Katsuhiko Nakamura scored it 116-110, while Thai judges Sanong Aumim and Kriengsak Thonghong submitted scores of 115-111 and 114-112, respectively.
Controversy and Aftermath
After the fight, Zhu's manager Robin Wong criticized Abne for what he described as dirty tactics. Wong claimed Abne used his head as a weapon to disrupt Zhu's rhythm.
"The Philippine opponent is not a real fighter. He used dirty techniques. You should use your punch not your head," Wong told local media. "Dianxing Zhu is always a gentleman inside the ring. This was the first time that he was angry."
With the victory, Zhu improved his record to 17-1 with 14 knockouts, while Abne dropped to 12-1-2 with 4 knockouts. Zhu now becomes the mandatory challenger for IBF minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran, who watched the fight from ringside.
After the bout, Taduran said his team would study Zhu's style in preparation for their eventual showdown.
Supporting Bouts
In the top supporting bouts, boxers from the Chao Sy stable emerged victorious. Aranas (9-3-1, 5 KOs) scored a third-round TKO against Jeric Noynay (5-3, 1 KO) to claim the vacant World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Silver flyweight belt.
John Paul Gabunilas (11-4, 8 KOs) delivered an exciting fourth-round TKO win over Ramil Roda (7-4-2, 4 KOs) to capture the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) super-flyweight title.
In the undercard, the following results were recorded: Aqoian Li defeated Jerson Baclohan by unanimous decision; Mark Sabang beat Jubert Cahimat by split decision; Jony Mar Loreno defeated Kei Mark Akut by majority decision; Marlon Alejandro won over Carl Penedo by split decision; Justine Trazo stopped Conrad Jason Agujar in the first round via TKO; and Venance Dances defeated Norman Rusiana by split decision.
