Philippines Takes on the World! Santisima, Into, Beltran & Piala Ready for the WBC Grand Prix

​The World Boxing Council (WBC) President, Mauricio Sulaimán, recently led a virtual meeting to discuss the upcoming Boxing Grand Prix, a historic tournament aimed at showcasing emerging boxing talent worldwide. The inaugural stage is scheduled for April 17 to 20 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ​

Key Details of the Boxing Grand Prix:

• First Stage: April 17-20​

• Venue: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia​

• Divisions: Featherweight, Super Lightweight, Middleweight, Heavyweight​

• Participants: 32 boxers per division​

• Countries Represented: Over 40​

• Bout Format: 64 bouts over 6 rounds​

• Scoring: Open after the second and fourth rounds​

• Round End: Buzzer 30 seconds before the end​

• Judges: Positioned in high chairs for better viewing​

• Tournament Format: Single Elimination​

• Results: No draws​

• Technology: Instant Replay will be implemented​

• Refereeing: Guaranteed neutrality with referees and judges of different nationalities​

• Prize: A little over $200,000 for the winners​

• Reserves: Reserve fighters will be available for any eventuality​

• Streaming: Exclusive on dazn.com/wbc​

Filipino Boxers Participating:

The Philippines will be well-represented in this prestigious tournament by four promising boxing talents:​

• David Santisima: A 22-year-old from Aroroy, Masbate, and the younger brother of former world title contender Jeo Santisima. David holds a professional record of 6 wins (5 KOs) and 1 loss. ​

• Crisalito Beltran: A 20-year-old undefeated boxer from Davao City, boasting a record of 8 wins (6 KOs).

• Jerald Into: A 25-year-old from Zamboanga del Sur with an impressive 11-0 record (9 KOs). He is the reigning WBC Asian lightweight titleholder, having won the belt against veteran Mark John Yap. ​

• Bryx Piala: Representing the ARQ Boxing Stable, Piala joins his compatriots in this international competition, aiming to make a significant impact on the global stage. 

Main Objective:

The Riyadh Season Boxing Grand Prix aims to highlight emerging boxing talent, providing a crucial platform for these athletes to gain worldwide exposure. ​

Additional Reward:

In addition to the significant cash prize, Grand Prix champions will earn the right to become mandatory challengers for the WBC Silver title, strategically positioning themselves on the path to world title contention. ​

This tournament promises to be a landmark event in the boxing world, offering fans thrilling matchups and giving rising stars, including the talented Filipino contingent, an opportunity to shine on an international stage.