Filipino Prospect Angelus Pilapil Claims WBO Oriental Youth Flyweight Crown in Dominant Fashion
Rising Filipino boxing star Angelus Pilapil has captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental Youth flyweight championship with an impressive unanimous decision victory over South Korea's Dae San Yoon. The 22-year-old undefeated prospect showcased his skills in the main event of "Engkwentro 17 - Binombahay sa Dalaguete" held at the Dalaguete Gym in Cebu on Wednesday night, February 4, 2026.
Strategic Mastery in the Ring
Pilapil started the bout with explosive energy, immediately establishing dominance with powerful punches that visibly affected his 20-year-old Korean opponent. Maintaining aggressive pressure through the early rounds, the Filipino fighter demonstrated both power and precision against a resilient challenger.
As the fight progressed into the middle rounds, Pilapil displayed remarkable ring intelligence by adapting his strategy. Rather than maintaining constant aggression, he shifted to a more calculated approach, focusing on well-timed counterpunches that consistently found their mark against Yoon's head.
Commanding Performance and Decisive Finish
The young champion's confidence was evident throughout the eight-round contest, with Pilapil controlling the pace and positioning. In the final round, he delivered a spectacular finish with a devastating uppercut followed by a powerful right straight that stunned his opponent.
When the final bell rang, all three judges scored decisively in Pilapil's favor with cards reading 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73. The unanimous decision solidified his status as the new WBO Oriental Youth flyweight champion.
Post-Fight Reflections and Future Aspirations
"I thank God for the strength and courage He has given me," Pilapil stated after his victory. "My plan is to fight in Japan. I want to showcase my talent there."
With this championship win, Pilapil maintains his perfect professional record, now standing at 7 wins and 0 losses, including three knockout victories. His opponent Yoon's record fell to 4 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws following the bout.
Undercard Highlights from Engkwentro 17
The championship event featured several exciting matchups on the undercard:
- In the co-main event, Speedy Boy Acope earned a hard-fought split decision victory over Allan Alberca, despite Alberca's resilience after being knocked down in the fifth round
- Rhonvex Capuloy scored an impressive fourth-round knockout against veteran fighter Jason Tinampay
- Berland Robles delivered a quick first-round knockout victory over Clyde Azarcon
- Carl Penedo also secured a first-round knockout win against Jovel Siervo
The event showcased the depth of Filipino boxing talent while providing Pilapil with a platform to announce his arrival as a serious contender in the flyweight division. His championship performance in Dalaguete marks a significant milestone in what promises to be an exciting career for the young Filipino boxer.
