Miel Fajardo is emphasizing technique over chasing a knockout as he prepares for his world title opportunity in Japan. Shakur Stevenson’s promotional exit and the WBA’s response to Tomoki Kameda’s canceled fight also carry consequences beyond the weekend results.
1. Fajardo outlines his approach as two Filipinos prepare for Tokyo
Miel Fajardo said at Monday’s Makati media launch that his preparation emphasizes technical strategy rather than hunting a knockout, Philstar’s John Bryan Ulanday reported. He challenges IBF flyweight champion Masamichi Yabuki on November 26 in Tokyo, while stablemate Zyvyr Medecilo faces Takeshi Ishii on the same card. The fights were previously announced; the fresh detail is the preparation outlined at the launch. Fajardo’s stated approach gives Filipino fans something specific to assess beyond his punching reputation: whether he can maintain discipline against the champion. Medecilo’s opportunity concerns Ishii’s WBA regular minimumweight belt, distinct from Oscar Collazo’s WBA super championship.
2. Stevenson announces Zuffa release without a replacement fight
Shakur Stevenson announced Monday that Zuffa Boxing granted his requested release over the weekend, making him a promotional free agent. Bad Left Hook and The Ring reported his public statement, in which he described eight weeks of camp for fights that never materialized. He now plans his own promotional company and says he is willing to work with other promoters. This changes more than the stalled Devin Haney negotiations: Stevenson is changing how his next fight will be arranged. His stated priorities remain 135 and 140 pounds, not an immediate welterweight move. No new opponent, date or promotional partnership was confirmed in the announcement.
3. WBA prioritizes Kameda’s case, but has not awarded him a title
The WBA’s October 19 statement says Tomoki Kameda’s situation would be the first priority of its championships committee meeting that Monday, alongside the rights of ranked contenders. This is a new official response after Brandon Figueroa lost his featherweight belt on the scales and their fight was canceled. It is not a decision naming Kameda champion, ordering a particular opponent or setting another title date. The organization also said it was working with commissions on consistent weigh in procedures, without announcing a revised rule. For fans following Asia’s championship contenders, the next development to watch is a published ruling rather than an assumed reward.
Upcoming Fights: Philippine Time
Listed broadcast starts are not guaranteed ring walks. Later Filipino title opportunities are included; where no start is verified, the venue’s local date is identified instead.
Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Dalton Smith vs. Alberto Puello
Time: 2:00 AM, listed DAZN broadcast start.
Stakes: Smith’s WBC super lightweight championship.
Location: Utilita Arena Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom. - Emanuel Navarrete vs. O’Shaquie Foster
Time: 9:00 AM, listed DAZN broadcast start; earlier preliminary activity is separate.
Stakes: WBO, IBF and WBC super featherweight title unification.
Location: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, United States.
Thursday, November 26, 2026, Tokyo venue date
- Masamichi Yabuki vs. Miel Fajardo
Time: Time to be announced; Philippine broadcast start not verified.
Stakes: Yabuki’s IBF flyweight championship.
Location: Ebara Wave Arena, Tokyo, Japan. - Takeshi Ishii vs. Zyvyr Medecilo
Time: Time to be announced on the same card; Philippine broadcast start not verified.
Stakes: Ishii’s WBA regular minimumweight championship.
Location: Ebara Wave Arena, Tokyo, Japan.
Watch the final preparations for this weekend’s title fights and how Fajardo develops his technical plan before Tokyo. Would you rather see Fajardo build patiently behind his boxing or press Yabuki early with his power?