Iimura edges past Domingo in their encounter
Unfortunate Turn in Esneth Domingo's Boxing Journey
Esneth Domingo's career took a hit after a crushing unanimous decision loss to Jukiya Iimura in their rematch on May 3, 2025, held at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall. Iimura avenged his previous defeat, holding onto his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) flyweight title in the process.
The decision wasn't a landslide, with scores of 117-111 from Katsuhiko Nakamura and Koji Tanaka, and a slightly closer 115-113 from Jerrold Tomeldan (Filipino judge).
Domingo's record now stands at 21-3 with 13 KOs, while Iimura ascends to 9-1 with two knockouts. Prior to the bout, Domingo was on a promising trajectory, hovering at No. 4 in the IBF rankings. However, this loss could potentially impact his standing significantly.
Looking ahead, the flyweight division is stacked with formidable competitors. A setback like this might push Domingo down the list for major title fights, necessitating a string of impressive wins to reclaim his position.
The loss may have halted his momentum, affecting his confidence and potentially altering his career course. Adversity, though, often presents an opportunity for growth. It's essential for Domingo to regroup and rethink his strategy, whether that means facing less challenging opponents to regain form or focusing on technical improvements.
Promoters, eager to feature the most competitive and exciting fights, might be less likely to take a chance on Domingo in the near future, given his recent defeat. To regain traction, he'll need to keep climbing, one victory at a time.
In the grand scheme of things, a single loss doesn't define a career. With grit and determination, Esneth Domingo can turn this setback into a stepping stone towards a comeback that could unlock his long-awaited world title shot.
Esneth Domingo faces a potential rematch in the flyweight division of mixed-martial-arts, considering his skills in boxing. This hypothetical opponent could be Koji, a formidable competitor, in 2025.
Domingo's loss to Jukiya Iimura in their rematch has impacted his position in the IBF rankings, potentially pushing him down the list for major title fights.
To reclaim his place and secure a world title shot, Domingo might consider focusing on technical improvements or facing less challenging opponents to regain form.
As the flyweight division is stacked with competitors, a series of impressive victories will be vital for Domingo to showcase his potential and attract attention from promoters.
