Althea Pores Falls Short in IBO Title Challenge Against French Champion
Filipina boxer Althea Shine Pores experienced her first professional defeat in an international setting, losing to French champion Romane Moulai for the IBO women's light-flyweight title on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Marseille, France. The bout, which marked Pores' debut on the global stage, ended in a unanimous decision favoring the hometown fighter after going the full distance.
Judges' Scores Reflect Dominant Performance by Moulai
The match extended through all 10 rounds, but the judges delivered a clear verdict in favor of Moulai. French judge Jerome Lades and Belgian judge Jean Marie Natus both scored the fight 100-90, while another Belgian judge, Olena Pobyvailo, recorded a score of 99-91. All scores unanimously supported the French boxer, highlighting her control and effectiveness throughout the contest.
Impact on Pores' Professional Record and Career Trajectory
This loss represents a significant milestone for Pores, as it is her first defeat in her professional boxing career. Her updated record now stands at six wins, one loss, and one draw, with two of those victories coming by knockout. In contrast, Romane Moulai maintained her undefeated status, improving her record to eight wins, three of which were achieved via knockout, solidifying her position as a rising force in the division.
Pores' Recent Hiatus and Previous Successes in 2024
Pores entered this fight after a 14-month break from competitive boxing, making her return to the ring a challenging endeavor. Prior to this hiatus, she had a standout year in 2024, capturing the Philippine Games title and the Amusements Board light-flyweight belt. She secured the latter with a unanimous decision victory over Maria Theresa Pinili in Bohol, showcasing her skills and resilience on the domestic scene.
Analysis of the Fight and Future Prospects for Pores
The bout against Moulai tested Pores' adaptability and stamina after her extended layoff. While the loss is a setback, it provides valuable experience for future international competitions. Pores' previous achievements indicate her potential, and this match could serve as a learning opportunity to refine her strategy and conditioning. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how she rebounds from this defeat and whether she can leverage this experience to climb the ranks in women's boxing.
