JOHN Kevien Jimenez will be fighting Carlo Diaz VII for the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Philippines minimumweight belt in a Chao Sy International Promotions show on Nov. 14, 2026, at the historic Fuente Osmeña Circle in Cebu City.
After a blistering start to his pro career with eight straight victories, the 22-year-old Jimenez has hit a rough patch over the last few years.
Starting with his first career loss, a unanimous decision defeat to Takeshi Ishii in 2024, Jimenez has dropped five of his last seven contests.
He’s coming off a fifth-round knockout loss to Russian former amateur standout Edmond Khudoyan on June 7, 2026, in Russia.
Jimenez hopes to return to his winning ways with a win over Diaz VII.
It won’t be that easy, though, because Diaz VII isn’t a pushover.
The 27-year-old Laguna native has fought some of the best Pinoy fighters in his weight division, the likes of one-time world title challenger Mark Vicelles and Richard Laspona.
Diaz VII also has wins over prospects like Joperson Trazo and Vincent Jorda.
Jimenez has a win-loss record of 10-5 with five knockouts, while Diaz VII is 9-4-1 with
a knockout.
On the other hand, Jemuel Aranas clashes with fellow young up-and-comer James Clarion for the GAB Philippines Youth flyweight strap in the co-main feature.
The 21-year-old Aranas is eager to bounce back after losing to Phumelala Cafu by unanimous decision in South Africa last Aug. 1, 2026.
Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Clarion is coming off his first career defeat.
He was knocked out by Japanese Reon Fujino in a World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth super-flyweight title fight last July 5, 2026, in Japan.
Aranas is 9-4-1 with five knockouts, while Clarion is 7-1-1 with four knockouts. / EKA