Filipino contender Jeo Santisima is set for a crucial international bout as he challenges World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental super-featherweight champion Angelo Pena. The fight takes place on December 27, 2025, at the Kursaal Arena in Berne, Switzerland.
Stakes Are High for Santisima's Comeback Bid
The 29-year-old Santisima, a former world title challenger, is determined to climb back into the global rankings. A victory over the reigning champion Pena is seen as his direct ticket to re-enter the world stage. Both fighters made the super-featherweight limit of 129 pounds without issue during the official weigh-in, setting the stage for a fair contest.
Santisima, who trains at the Zip-Sanman Wellness Center in Cebu City, last held a regional belt in 2024. He captured the WBC Asian Continental super-featherweight title with a fourth-round knockout of Arnon Yupang in Masbate. His recent fights have all been overseas, showcasing a mixed record with knockout wins over Japanese fighters Narumi Yukawa and Hiro Ichimichi, and a decision loss to Ei Go.
Dominican Champion Defends Home Turf
Standing in his way is the undefeated Angelo Pena (12-0, 7 KOs), a Dominican fighter based in Switzerland who has built a strong local reputation. The 31-year-old champion has proven his quality by defeating former world title challengers Karim Guerfi and Sofiane Takoucht.
Pena won his WBO Inter-Continental title in Switzerland last year with a unanimous decision over Hiroki Hanabusa. He has since defended it successfully twice, against Gisu Lee and again against Karim Guerfi, establishing himself as a formidable force in the division.
A Path Back to World Title Contention
This fight represents a significant crossroads for Santisima's career. His sole world title opportunity came in 2020, when he was stopped in the 11th round by the then-WBO super-bantamweight champion Emanuel Navarrete in Las Vegas. With a professional record of 26 wins and 8 losses, with 22 knockouts, the heavy-handed Filipino knows that a statement win in Europe is essential.
The bout pits Santisima's experience and power against Pena's pristine record and home advantage. For Filipino fight fans, the event marks another chapter in the journey of a Cebuano warrior seeking to reclaim his status among the world's elite super-featherweights.
