Rising boxing star Sem Japet Enano will finally make his much-awaited fight abroad when he takes on Japanese Misaki Hirano in a scheduled eight-rounder on 7 December in Fukuoka, Japan.
With a ring record of seven wins – three of which were via knockouts – against one loss, Enano said he is thrilled to be fighting outside the country, a big chance for him to showcase his skills inside the ring.
He will be fighting at the featherweight division (126 kilograms) against an opponent who carries a record of 11 wins with two defeats.
“This is my first international fight, but I feel that this is just a regular fight. The only difference is that it will be held outside the country. Since it will be held abroad, I’m really excited, that’s why I’m working hard in training,” Enanoi said.
“I believe in myself and my ability to win. I had a good preparation in training. I am also hungry to win, that's why I’m confident that I can pull it off.”
The 26-year-old Enano said he is not just aiming for a win, but also to establish his name as a legitimate contender for a world title fight and get a big payday similar to what his idol and Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao did in his illustrious career.
He said that his parents, Jose and Salvacion, and his 10 siblings motivate him to always give his best every time he fights.
“It’s really my dream to give them a better life. My parents and my siblings are my inspiration. I am working hard in training and fights because of them.”
A native of Biñan, Laguna, Enano finishes his junior high school via Alternative Learning Center at the town’s national high school. He opted to skip college to focus on boxing, and it was in 2023 when he turned pro after a three-year amateur career, where he posted a record of 18 wins with two losses.
Though he started late at age 14 as an amateur boxer, he was able to develop his skills, which enabled him to jump to pro with ease. He won his first four pro fights, and then lost to Bryan Cabrillos from Davao City in a majority decision last March 2024.
Enano bounced back with a TKO win against Rodelyn Perez last July 2024, and it was at that time that Sanman Boxing Promotions boss JC Manangquil took notice of his potential.
“I reached out to Boss JC after winning, asking him if he could help me,” said Enano, who also considers American boxers Teofino Lopez and Jese Rodriguez, as well as former Ukrainian fighter Vasiliy Lomachenko as his other favorites.
“He was a big help in my improvement that’s why I was given the opportunity to fight abroad.”
Enano’s last fight was also a TKO win against Reycar Auxilio last 31 August at the Phela Grande Convention Center in General Santos City. Since being with Sanman, he has been based in General Santos City training with the coaches of Sanman Boxing Club, including his head coach JR Edurot.
Enano will be facing a dangerous opponent eyeing for a comeback after Hirano suffered a majority decision loss to compatriot Toshiki Shimomachi last 24 January in Koto-Ko.
“Let’s see what will happen because we’re both prepared,” he said.
“He is determined to get back on track while I am hungry for a victory because I know that this is really a big fight.”