ARQ boxers rise in world rankings (Bryx Piala braces for tough challenge in WBC Grand Prix)

CEBU, Philippines — Fighters from Cebu’s ARQ Stable made a big leap in the world ratings recently.

Ian Paul “The Assassin” Abne is now ranked No.8 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No.21 in the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight division, in which his fellow countryman Melvin “El Gringo” Jerusalem is the reigning champion.

The 25-year-old Abne, currently the Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) 105-pound titleholder, holds an perfect 12-0 record with 4KOs.

Abne’s stablemate Rodex “The Tank” Piala (11-1, 1KO) moved on the doorstep of Top 15 in the World Boxing Organization after a superb performance that saw him dethroning China’s Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke to become the new WBO Oriental super featherweight king last February 8 at the Nustar Resort and Casino Convention Center.

Meanwhile, Rodex’s younger brother Bryx “The King” Piala (9-2, 3KOs) braces for a tough challenge in the inaugural WBC Boxing Grand Prix set to begin today (Thursday, April 17) at the BLVD City Global Theater in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Bryx is the only Filipino participant in the four-day tournament featuring a total of 128 boxers spread across four weight classes - featherweight, super lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight.

He will trade blows with Tanzanian featherweight prospect Juma Choki, who is undefeated in nine matches with three wins by knockout.

If victorious, Bryx will advance to the Last 16 stage this August.