Filipino Boxer Gabriel Santisima Scores Major Upset Victory in Tokyo
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Filipino boxer Gabriel Santisima achieved a significant upset by defeating Japanese fighter Subaru Murata on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The bout took place at the historic Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan, where Santisima captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific super bantamweight title.
Dominant Performance Secures Unanimous Decision Win
Santisima, aged 21, delivered a powerful performance that included knocking Murata down once during the fight. The judges unanimously favored the Filipino boxer, with Cebuano judge Edward Ligas and Thai judge Mekin Sumon both scoring the match 96-93, while the Japanese judge recorded a score of 97-92. This decisive victory marks a pivotal moment in Santisima's young career.
Coach Praises Fighter's Toughness and Determination
Michael Domingo, Santisima's coach, expressed immense pride in his fighter's resilience. "Gabriel showed great determination to win the fight. He endured the pain from the body shots he took," Domingo told SunStar Cebu. He further highlighted Santisima's potential, stating, "He has the potential to become a world champion, as long as he continues to train hard and listen to the people who believe in him."
Key Moments and Personal Redemption
The fight saw Santisima battling toe-to-toe against Murata, who is renowned as a strong puncher and was returning after a lengthy break from competition. A critical moment occurred in the sixth round when Santisima landed a counter left punch that sent Murata to the canvas. Although Murata, aged 29, attempted a late rally, it was insufficient to sway the judges.
This victory held personal significance for Santisima, as it avenged the loss of his older brother, Alex Santisima Jr., whom Murata knocked out in 2024. The win not only brings personal redemption but also positions Santisima for entry into the world rankings.
Implications for Boxing Rankings and Future Prospects
Murata currently holds notable rankings in multiple boxing organizations: No. 7 by both the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA), No. 10 by the WBO, and No. 14 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF). Santisima's upset victory over such a highly ranked opponent is expected to propel him into the global spotlight and potentially boost his own standing in the sport.
With this win, Santisima improves his professional record to 10 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, including 7 knockouts. In contrast, Murata's record now stands at 10 wins and 1 loss, with 10 knockouts. This outcome underscores Santisima's rising status in the competitive world of boxing and sets the stage for future championship opportunities.
