Jesse Espinas

Last updated

Jesse Espinas
Born
Jesse Oliberos Espinas

(1992-11-29) November 29, 1992 (age 32)
Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental, Philippines
NationalityFilipino
Other namesLittle Giant
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height1.57 m (5 ft 2 in)
Stance Southpaw
Boxing record
Total fights31
Wins24
Wins by KO14
Losses7

Jesse Oliberos Espinas (born 29 November 1992), also known by his nickname Little Giant is a Filipino professional boxer.

Contents

Professional career

Early years

Jesse Espinas made his professional debut on 28 April 2012 against 1–0–1 Abel Gayhun at Iligan, Espinas won via 6-rounds unanimous decision. [1] Espinas would win his next two bouts via first-round knockouts to compose a record of 3–0 before facing 10–5–1 Ronelle Ferreras in an 8-rounder bout at the famed Cuneta Astrodome where he would lose for the first time via majority decision. [2]

Espinas vs. Araneta

After enduring his first loss, Espinas went on a seven-winning streak before facing Christian Araneta on 12 September 2015 in Davao City, Araneta would end Espinas' win streak as he stopped Espinas in the eight round of their scheduled 10 rounds, making this to this day Espinas' sole knockout loss. [3] [4] [5]

Rise up the ranks

Espinas vs. Canoy

After losing to Araneta, Espinas challenged the reigning Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) mini-flyweight champion Joey Canoy for the title on 12 January 2016, Espinas defeated the rising prospect via fifth-round TKO. [5] [6]

Espinas vs. Paipharob

On 26 February 2016, just a month and few weeks after his last bout, Espinas fought former WBA interim mini-flyweight champion, and reigning PABA and WBO Oriental light-flyweight undefeated champion Paipharob Kokietgym for the WBO Oriental title in Wat Kokkuod, Surin, Thailand. Espinas, who was the underdog, dropped the Thai three times before spectacularly stopping him in the eight round, which assumingly sets him high up in the WBO rankings as Paipharob Kokietgym was previously ranked #2. [5] [7] [8] Eventually, it caused Paipharob Kokietgym to retire until his return on 2023 after a 7-years hiatus. [9]

Espinas vs. Dante

After defeating Indonesians Tommy Seran and Silem Serang, both in Bangkok, Thailand, which made him rank at the Top 15s in three of four sanctioning bodies at light-flyweight and also among the top 15 at mini-flyweight with the fourth, Espinas fought tough gatekeeper Lito "Naruto" Dante on 21 December 2016 in Muntinlupa. Espinas and Dante capped off the year with a bloody brawl, the bout was for 10 rounds but was stopped on the eight-round due to a clash of heads that gave Espinas a long, wide gash through his left eyebrow, ending in a TD, Espinas won the close bout via unanimous TD with a close scores of 77–75 thrice. [5]

Espinas vs. Joaquino, Abutan

On 15 January 2018, Espinas fought Francisco Rodríguez Jr.'s previous foe Elias Joaquino for the vacant Philippines Mindanao Professional Boxing Federation (MinProBA) light-flyweight title, Espinas won via UD with the scores of 95–94, 96–92 and 95–93. [10] On 22 May 2018 Biñan Town Plaza, Biñan, Espinas challenged the reigning and defending PGAB light-flyweight champion Lester Abutan, which would allegedly determine the best Filipino boxer in the division, Espinas won via UD. [11]

Espinas vs. Heno

On 11 August 2018, Espinas fought the reigning and defending OPBF light-flyweight champion Edward Heno at San Pedro, Laguna, Espinas' 8-fights winning streak would be cut off as his compatriot cut it with a unanimous decision victory. [12] [13] After this loss, Espinas seemingly took the role of a gatekeeper.

Gatekeeper

Espinas vs. Vicelles

On 6 July 2019, Espinas fought unbeaten prospect Mark Vicelles for the inaugural[ citation needed ] WBA Asia South light-flyweight title at Liloan. Vicelles beat Espinas via majority decision to claim the title. [14] On the weigh-in day, Vicelles was successful to make weight for the 108lbs limit of the division, weighing at 107.7lbs whilst Espinas merely made weight only weighing .8 lbs above the mini-flyweight's 105lbs limit. [15]

Espinas vs. Cuello

On 12 October 2019, Espinas fought former world-title challenger and current Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) bantamweight champion Denver Cuello in a non-titled bout, Espinas scored a surprising, albeit underdog unanimous decision victory with the scores of 96–94 and 97–93 twice. [16] [17] Espinas also expressed his adoration for Cuello, stating that he just defeated his "idol".

Espinas vs. Domingo, Gabunilas

After 2 years and 3 months worth of hiatus, Espinas returned on 26 February 2022 against rising prospect Esneth Domingo in the Sanman Gym at General Santos, in an event named "Sanman Bubble VIII", the bubbles series are meant for the bouts that takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic. [17] [18] Domingo won via unanimous decision, with all of the judges' scorecards reading a tight 96–94. [19] On 20 December 2022, Espinas challenged prospect and subsequent OPBF light-flyweight title-challenger John Paul Gabunilas in San Fernando, Cebu, Espinas lost via UD. [20]

Espinas vs. Davidas

On 14 May 2023, Espinas defeated worthy Ruben Davidas for the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) light-flyweight title via stunning first-round KO in Alegria, Surigao del Norte. [21]

Espinas vs. Tshabalala

On early August 2023, Espinas was scheduled to fight South African light-flyweight champion and subsequent IBO champion Mpumelelo Tshabalala in a bout scheduled for the vacant WBO Inter-Continentel light-flyweight belt on 20 August 2023 in Soweto, South Africa. [13] [22] Espinas would fail as he loses via UD again, marking his seventh career loss. [23]

On 12 July 2024, Espinas and his trusted coach Marvin Alegria flew to Serpukhov for an upcoming "exhibition" or "IBA pro match" against Russian former amateur star Vasilii Egorov for 6 rounds. Before the bout, Espinas, his team, alongside Jayr Raquinel's team was able to meet boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. hours before the bouts. [24] Espinas lost via UD, the bout was also undercard of the WBA bridgerweight world crown between winner Muslim Gadzhimagomedov and Chinese Zhaoxin Zhang. [25]

Second rise

Espinas vs. Cao

After beating Thai journeyman Adisak Ketpiam and experienced compatriot Jerald Paclar in the flyweight division, on 21 June 2025, in Huhehaote, China, Espinas challenged the reigning Asian Boxing Council (ABCO) super-flyweight champion Jiangtao Cao who has defended the title twice already and has been unbeaten for the last ten bouts, Espinas stunned his opponent early in the fifth round en route to a stoppage to become the WBC Asia super-flyweight champion. [8]

Professional boxing record

31 fights24 wins7 losses
By knockout141
By decision106
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
31Win24–7Jiangtao CaoTKO5 (10), 0:2221 Jun 2025 Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, ChinaWon WBC-ABCO super-flyweight title
30Win23–7Jerald PaclarSD1025 Jan 2025Public Plaza, Iligan, Philippines
29Win22–7Adisak KetpiamKO2 (6), 1:5726 Sep 2024Spaceplus Bangkok RCA, Bangkok, Thailand
28Loss21–7Mpumelelo TshabalalaUD1020 Aug 2023Orlando Community Hall, Soweto, South AfricaFor vacant WBO Inter-Continental light-flyweight title
27Win21–6Ruben DavidasKO1 (10), 0:2714 May 2023Don Francisco Kikoy Bagol Sports Complex, Alegria, PhilippinesWon vacant PBF light-flyweight title
26Loss20–6John Paul GabunilasMD1020 Dec 2022San Fernando Sports Complex, San Fernando, Philippines
25Loss20–5Esneth DomingoUD1026 Feb 2022Sanman Gym, General Santos, Philippines
24Win20–4 Denver Cuello UD1012 Oct 2019The Flash Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Complex, Parañaque, Philippines
23Loss19–4 Mark Vicelles MD106 Jul 2019Panphil B. Frasco Memorial Sports Complex, Liloan, PhilippinesFor inaugural WBA Asia South light-flyweight title
22Loss19–3Edward HenoUD1211 Aug 2018San Pedro Gymnasium, San Pedro, Laguna, PhilippinesFor OPBF light-flyweight title
21Win19–2Lester AbutanUD1222 May 2018Biñan Town Plaza, Biñan, PhilippinesWon Philippines GAB light-flyweight title
20Win18–2Elias JoaquinoUD1015 Jan 2018Barangay Tablon Gymnasium, Cagayan de Oro, PhilippinesWon vacant MinProBA light-flyweight title
19Win17–2Jason MoponUD830 Sep 2017Public Plaza, Iligan, Philippines
18Win16–2Lito DanteTD8 (10), 0:4721 Dec 2016Barangay Cupang Covered Court, Muntinlupa, PhilippinesUnanimous TD after Espinas cut on left eyebrow caused by an accidental headbutt
17Win15–2Silem SerangKO2 (6)1 Jul 2016Suan Lum Night Bazaar Ratchadaphisek, Bangkok, Thailand
16Win14–2Tommy SeranTKO4 (6)6 May 2016 Suan Lum Night Bazaar Ratchadaphisek, Bangkok, Thailand
15Win13–2 Paipharob Kokietgym TKO8 (12)26 Feb 2016Wat Kokkuod, Surin, ThailandWon WBO Oriental light-flyweight title
14Win12–2 Joey Canoy TKO5 (10), 1:2212 Jan 2016Barangay Tablon Gymnasium, Cagayan de Oro, PhilippinesWon ABF mini-flyweight title
13Loss11–2 Christian Araneta TKO8 (10), 2:4512 Sep 2015Sabang Gym, Danao, Philippines
12Win11–1Michael BorjaTKO2 (8), 1:2514 Feb 2015Barangay Bulua Covered Court, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
11Win10–1Rey MoranoTKO3 (8), 1:277 Dec 2014Central Market Gym, Iligan, Philippines
10Win9–1Rodel TejaresTKO7 (10), 1:154 Oct 2014Macasandig Covered Court, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
9Win8–1Lyster Jun ProncoTKO8 (10), 2:5916 Aug 2014Macasandig Gym, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
8Win7–1Lyster Jun ProncoUD83 May 2014 Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu City, Philippines
7Win6–1Ryan RalozoUD1019 Mar 2014Municipal gym, Dumingag, Philippines
6Win5–1Louie ArlosMD826 Oct 2013 Makati Coliseum, Makati, Philippines
5Win4–1Rey MoranoRTD4 (8), 3:008 Mar 2013 Calamba, Misamis Occidental, Philippines
4Loss3–1Ronelle FerrerasMD821 Sep 2012 Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay, Philippines
3Win3–0Nestor LanguidoKO1 (6), 2:5918 Aug 2012 Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines
2Win2–0Mateo JasmaTKO1 (6), 1:4116 Jul 2012Public Plaza, Baliangao, Philippines
1Win1–0Abel GayhunUD628 Apr 2012MSU-IIT Gym, Iligan, Philippines

IBA Professional boxing record

1 fight0 wins1 loss
By decision01
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
1Loss0–1 Vasilii Egorov UD612 Jul 2024IBA Coliseum, Serpukhov, Russia

Titles in boxing

Regional/International titles

References

  1. ↑ "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  2. ↑ "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  3. ↑ "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  4. ↑ Rivera, Trina Louise (December 28, 2015). "Araneta, Tepora on Jan. 9". sunstar.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Songalia, Ryan (December 22, 2016). "Filipino boxer Jesse Espinas caps off breakout year with bloody brawl". rappler.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  6. ↑ Gingoyong, Felman (February 3, 2017). "LIFE IS THE SWEET SCIENCE: JOEY CANOY BRACES FOR BIG BREAK IN SOUTH AFRICA". philboxing.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  7. ↑ Nathanielsz, Ronnie (February 29, 2016). "GELLO-ANI BELIEVES JESSE ESPINAS IS A WORLD CLASS FIGHTER". philboxing.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  8. 1 2 Costa, Carlos (July 4, 2025). "The Second Rise of Jesse Espinas". philboxing.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  9. ↑ "BoxRec: Phai Pharob". boxrec.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  10. ↑ "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  11. ↑ "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  12. ↑ Aznar, Edri K. (November 4, 2023). "Llover faces acid test in Heno". sunstar.com.ph. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  13. 1 2 Abante News (August 7, 2023). "Pinoy fighter Jesse Espinas uupakan WBO Inter-Continental korona". abante.com.ph (in Filipino). Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  14. ↑ Costa, Carlos (July 7, 2019). "Vicelles Decisions Espinas to capture WBA Asia Belt". philboxing.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  15. ↑ Secuya, Dong (July 5, 2019). "WEIGHTS FROM CEBU: VICELLES - 107.7 LBS., ESPINAS - 105.8 LBS". philboxing.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  16. ↑ "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  17. 1 2 Aznar, Edri (February 25, 2022). "Domingo faces Espinas in 'Sanman Bubble VIII'". sunstar.com.ph. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  18. ↑ Salgados, Lynde (February 14, 2022). "Bukidnon boxer Jerusalem nears world title dreams". rappler.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  19. ↑ "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  20. ↑ "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  21. ↑ "BoRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  22. ↑ Costa, Carlos (August 20, 2023). "Libranza-Cafu, Espinas-Tshabalala Make Weight for IBF & WBO Regional Belts in South Africa". philboxing.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  23. ↑ "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  24. ↑ Costa, Carlos (July 12, 2024). "Jesse Espinas and Jay-R Raquinel in Exhibition Matches in Russia, Having Great Time, Even Meeting Roy Jones Jr". philboxing.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  25. ↑ Pareja, Marcos Menocal (July 14, 2024). "Muslim Gazhimagomedov crowned WBA champion". insidethegamez.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
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