By: Waylon Galvez
Sem Japet Enano, a rising Filipino boxer, is set to make his highly anticipated international debut when he faces Japanese fighter Misaki Hirano in a scheduled eight-round bout on December 7 in Fukuoka, Japan.
With a professional record of seven wins, three by knockout, against one loss, Enano said he is thrilled to compete abroad—a big opportunity to showcase his skills in the squared circle.
He will fight in the featherweight division (126 pounds) against an opponent with 11 wins and two losses.
“First international fight ko, and ang feeling ko is regular fight lang din siya ang pinag-kaiba lang sa abroad gagawin. Pero dahil na din sa abroad gagawin, talagang excited ako, mas pursigido ako sa training,” said Enano.
“Naniniwala naman ako sa sarili ko na kaya ko manalo, maganda kasi ang preparasyon, ang training. Gutom ako sa panalo, kaya – hindi naman sa minamaliit ko yung kalaban – tiwala ako sa sarili ko na kaya ko,” he added.
The 26-year-old Enano said his goal goes beyond just winning; he hopes to establish himself as a legitimate contender for a world title and earn a payday akin to that of his idol and Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.
He credits his parents, Jose and Salvacion, and his 10 siblings as his primary motivation to always give his best in every fight.
“Talagang pangarap ko na mabigyan sila ng magandang buhay. Ang parents ko kasama na din ang mga kapatid ko. Sila ang inspirasyon ko kaya talagang pinagbubuti ko sa ensayo at lalo sa mga laban ko,” said Enano.
A native of Biñan, Laguna, Enano completed his junior high school through the Alternative Learning Center (ALC) program at the town’s national high school. He skipped college to focus on boxing and turned professional in 2023 after a three-year amateur career, finishing with a record of 18 wins and two losses.
Although he began boxing relatively late at age 14, Enano quickly developed his skills, allowing him to transition smoothly to the professional level. He won his first four pro fights before suffering a majority decision loss to Bryan Cabrillos of Davao City in March 2024.
Enano bounced back with a TKO win over Rodelyn Perez in July 2024, catching the attention of Sanman Boxing Promotions boss JC Manangquil.
“Lumapit ako kay boss JC after ko manalo na kung pwede niya ako matulungan,” he said.
“Malaking tulong kasi may mga improvements talaga ako ang eto nga nabigyan ako agad ng pagkakataon na makalaban sa abroad,” said Enano, who also cites American boxers Teofimo Lopez and Jesse Rodriguez, as well as former Ukrainian fighter Vasiliy Lomachenko, among his favorites.
Enano’s most recent bout was a TKO victory over Reycar Auxilio on August 31 at the Phela Grande Convention Center in General Santos City. Since joining Sanman, he has been training in General Santos City under the guidance of Sanman Boxing Club coaches, including head coach JR Edurot.
He will face a dangerous opponent seeking a comeback after Hirano suffered a majority decision loss to compatriot Toshiki Shimomachi on January 24 in Koto-Ko.
“Tignan na lang natin sa laban, parehas naman kami nagpr-prepara. Gutom siya na maka-balik uli sa panalo, pero gutom din naman ako sa panalo kasi alam kong magbibigay daan ito sa akin ng mas malalaking laban,” said Enano.
