Raquel set for combat in Bacolod City
Get Ready for Raquinel vs Matendo: A Bantamweight Showdown!
Mark your calendars, boxing enthusiasts! On May 31, 2025, the SMX Convention in Bacolod City will host an exciting Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) bantamweight contest between the formidable Jay-r Raquinel and the promising Tanzanian prospect, Imane Matendo.
Jay-r Raquinel: The Filipino Sensation
At 28 years old, Raquinel is patiently waiting for his shot at a world title. Ranked No. 5 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) in the super-flyweight division, he stands among heavyweights like Kosei Tanaka, Andrew Moloney, Carlos Cuadras, and Roman Gonzalez. Despite the stiff competition, Raquinel's determination is unwavering.
Raquinel has garnered recognition for his impressive performance in Mexico last year, where he outclassed Yahir Frank to win the WBC Continental Americas super-flyweight belt by unanimous decision. This time, he steps up in weight to face Matendo.
Imane Matendo: The Rising African Star
The 21-year-old Matendo, hailing from Tanzania, is a prospect with a promising future in boxing. Although he's enjoyed a relatively brief professional career, Matendo boasts a record of 7-1-1 with 3 knockouts. His toughest match to date was against Brit Alfie Clegg in London, where he suffered his first career defeat via unanimous decision.
However, Matendo has bounced back with victories over Ajubu Salum and Njiti Maige. As he prepares to face Raquinel, he looks to leverage his growing reputation in Tanzanian boxing and prove himself on the international stage.
Supporting Act: Zulueta vs Nantapech
Joining this enthralling main event is an unbeaten John Michael Zulueta, who returns to the Philippines to take on former world title challenger Komgrich Nantapech for the ABF flyweight strap in the co-main feature. This fight promises to be thrilling, with both combatants showcasing impressive records. Zulueta stands at 17-0-3 with 10 knockouts, while Nantapech boasts a record of 38-14-1 with 28 knockouts.
Get ready for a exhilarating night of boxing action! This event is not one to miss for any boxing fan. Let the games commence! 🥊🥊
On May 31, 2025, Jay-r Raquinel, the Filipino sensation, will compete against Imane Matendo, the rising African star, in a bantamweight contest at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City. This event includes a supporting act, where John Michael Zulueta, a Philippine native, will face off against Komgrich Nantapech for the ABF flyweight strap, promising an exciting night of sports in the Philippines.