FORMER Women’s International Boxing Association (Wiba) super bantamweight champion Kim Actub gets another chance of bringing a title back to the Philippines as she challenges undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia Female super flyweight titleholder Sheau Ru Yang today, Aug. 31, 2023 at the Spaceplus Bangkok RCA in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 30-year-old Actub is eager to bounce back after losing to Japanese Aka Ringo via a second round technical knockout in Japan last April 15. She came off a three-year layoff to face Ringo in a six-rounder.
Actub believes that this fight is her key to reaching her dream of becoming a world champion. That’s why she’s been training really hard.
“I hope I will reach my dream,” Actub told SunStar Cebu. “My opponent is a very good fighter and is undefeated. She shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
Actub has been training for this fight at Adapt Fitness and has been sparring with former world title challenger Carleans Rivas.
Because Filipina boxers are rarely given any opportunities, Actub has a regular job as a trainer at the Adapt Fitness and fits her training with her hectic schedule.
“I have trained hard for this fight every day. I’ve been jogging for my stamina even though I’m tired from work just to survive from my daily expenses. I’ve been juggling my training and teaching in the gym. I’ve been thankful to my boss for being very supportive and letting me train in the gym if I have a fight. I’m also thankful to my manager Gary Connolly and my promoter Brico Santig for giving me the opportunity to fight,” said Actub.
Conolly, a huge supporter of Filipina fighters, also feels that this is an important fight for her female ward, which could open up big opportunities that could change her life.
“Kim is a single mother of two young boys. This is a big fight for her, a win against a very tough opponent means a WBC title and leads to great opportunities,” he said. “The Philippines is out of touch when it comes to female boxing. All the big promoters are doing female shows and the big broadcast platforms are telecasting them.”
Actub is just one of a handful of Filipina boxers that the Aussie Connolly handles under his VSG Promotions, along with the likes of Rivas and former world champion Marnelle Verano.
The 28-year-old Yang isn’t as experienced as Actub and just made her pro debut last year. But she has shown a lot of promise after winning the WBC belt in just her fourth fight. Yang defeated Thai veteran Saowaluk Nareepangsri by majority decision in Thailand last April 27 to win the belt.
Actub is 8-11-1 with five knockouts, while Yang is 4-0 with three knockouts. / EKA