By Robert Hill
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON FOR NICO PEREZ!
The Elorde team are putting together another exciting card next month for the latest UKC instalment, RUMBLE IN NOVEMBER!
What makes these events so special is the willingness to match emerging talents against each other early in their careers. It's where prospects are tested, reputations are built, and future stars begin to emerge.
Twenty-three-year-old Nico Perez looked fantastic in a stoppage victory last December, leaving fight fans wondering what would come next.
And now we have the answer!
Perez will face Papua New Guinea's 🇵🇬 Fidelis “The Bougainville Bomber” Laia, another talented prospect with plenty of firepower of his own. This shapes as a fascinating clash between two offensive fighters eager to make their mark.
With November 28 fast approaching, the race is on to hit peak condition.
The powerfully built Perez (pictured right) banked six torrid rounds in training today and has 4 weeks to taper.
Representing MOVE Fitness Gym, Nico is determined to repay the faith of those supporting his journey.
He recently thanked Sir Bill John Toledo and Ma’am Pao Adivino Agulay for sponsoring his fighting shoes, pledging to represent his gym with pride, dedication and heart every time he steps into the ring.
It's a commitment that goes beyond the fight itself.
Now, with a dangerous opponent waiting across the ring, Perez has the perfect opportunity to put those words into action.
The boy means business!
📅 NOVEMBER 28, 2026
📍 FLASH GRAND BALLROOM, ELORDE SPORTS CENTRE, PARAÑAQUE
Bacolod's Genesis Servania will fight China's rising star Aketelieti Yelejian for the WBO Asia Lightweight title this November.
The highly-anticipated match up will take place on the undercard of the IBF world title fight between Pedro Taduran and Zhu DianXing at Jeju Island, South Korea.
Aketelieti Yelejian, who suffered a narrow loss to the Prince Albert Pagara in June, rebounded with an impressive IBF Asia victory against Korean Jin Su Kim in Vietnam recently. He is a very rangy and deceptive boxer known for his relaxed combinations, and he's supremely confident in his ability to take down Servania and claim the title.
"I've studied Servania's style, and I know I have the skills to outmaneuver him," Yelejian said yesterday.
"I'm excited to represent China on the international stage once more, and bring home an impressive win against a top and proven boxer like Genesis."
Servania, a seasoned veteran with a 35-4 record, boasts a reputation for toughness that has come from battles at the top level. And has still possesses some of the best body shots in the sport of boxing.
This important title shot gives the filipino the opportunity to re-establish himself on the world scene once more, and it's best remembered that his only defeats have came against world-ranked champions like Oscar Valdez and Andres Cortes.
But the China team have already confidently stated that Yelejian's youth, speed, height, and reach may all prove too much for the Filipino boxer.
Their optimism also exudes for the world title bout, where surprisingly, they are quite dismissive of Pedro Taduran's hopes of beating star Zhu DianXing. They actually rate their boxer so highly, they have predicted that the champion has no chance of retaining the belt.
These claims set up an intriguing backdrop for two massive Philippines v China feature bouts.
Fight Details :
- Date: Saturday, November 23rd
- Location: Jeju Island, South Korea
- Title: WBO Asia Lightweight
- Contenders: Aketelieti Yelejian (China) vs. Genesis Servania (Philippines)
