Cebu’s Jay Bryan Baricuatro cruises to semis of 2025 World Boxing Cup

Jay Ryan Baricuatro throws a punch to India’s Jadumani Singh Mandengbam in their quarterfinals match. | Photo from World Boxing

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Talisay City’s Jay Bryan Baricuatro is assured of at least a bronze medal after advancing to the semifinals of the 2025 World Boxing Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Baricuatro, one of two Cebuano boxers representing the Philippines in the prestigious international tournament, defeated India’s Jadumani Singh Mandengbam in the men’s 50-kilogram quarterfinal. He defeated the Indian via split decision.

Earlier in the tournament, Baricuatro scored an impressive unanimous decision win over Italy’s Salvatore Attrattivo. He dominated all three rounds, with judges scoring the bout 30-23, 30-26, 30-26, 30-24, and 30-26.

Meanwhile, fellow Cebuano boxer Mark Ashley Fajardo also delivered a strong showing, earning a bronze medal in the men’s 60kg division. He was eliminated in the semifinals after bowing to Viktorio Iliev of Bulgaria.

Sumalinog, the Philippines’ lone female bet in the tournament, advanced directly to the quarterfinals of the women’s 48kg division after receiving a first-round bye. She is set to face Turkey’s Nurselen Yalgettekin in her opening match.

A win will allow Sumalinog to advance into the semifinals where she will be assured of going home with at least a bronze medal. A semis victory will put her in the final round where is assured of at least a silver medal.