EXPECT a fistic treat that will leave fans at the edge of their seats in the upcoming installment of Chao Sy Boxing Promotions’ of Fist of Fury series next month.
“In my events, I want it to be real fights, no running. This is boxing and not a marathon. I expect good fights, just like my last event. If they bleed, they bleed,” said Chao Sy Promotions head honcho Lorenzo “Chao” Sy in a press conference Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Cebu La Fortuna Bakery.
“Fist of Fury VIII: Philippines vs. Japan” is slated on Aug. 16, and will feature a title triple-header at the Sky Hall of the SM Seaside City.
Undefeated Junibert Bantay is featured in the main event against Japanese Haruki Miyamonto for the vacant World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Asia Youth super-featherweight crown.
“This will be a good fight. It will be a contest on whoever gets a knockout first. I assure everyone that this will be a war,” said Bantay.
Bantay is 8-0 with a knockout, while Miyamoto is 2-0 with two knockouts.
Aranas, on the other hand, locks horns with Cebu-based Japanese prospect Kiyoto Narukami for the Philippine Boxing Federation flyweight strap.
“This is a huge opportunity for me. I promise the fans that we will beat each other up,” said Aranas.
Aranas is 7-2 with four knockouts, while Narukami is 5-1 with two knockouts.
Coming off from a tough loss last month, Vicente Unidos looks to return to the winning column and trades leathers with Kenneth Albino for the Games and Amusments Board Philippine bantamweight crown.
“I want to bounce back. I urge the fans to watch this show because it will be a good one,” said Unidos.
Unidos is 4-1 with three knockouts, while 6-3 with three knockouts.
In the undercard, Joperson Trazo (8-4-1, 1 KO) looks to bounce back from a loss and slugs it out with Marlon Alejandro (6-8-2, 1 KO) in a rematch.
Two other pro fights are slated in the undercard but are currently under negotiation.
The show also features five amateur bouts between Filipino and Japanese boxers.
After the huge void left since the departure of ALA Promotions, Sy promises a resurgence of boxing in Cebu with a monthly boxing series and a possible world title fight in the future.
“I’m doing this because this is my passion. Every two months there will be an international fight. Next year, there will be a boxing event every month,” said Sy. “Now we have regional championship. I hope that we can promote a world title fight here in Cebu soon. We’re on our way to the top. Our promotions is on the rise. We want quality fights and give the fans their money’s worth.” / EKA