Sumabong (9-1, 4 KOs), rated No. 10 by The Ring at 105 pounds, will look to build on the momentum the Filipino contender gained when he upset previously-unbeaten Takero Kitano on October 21 in Tokyo, when facing compatriot Roland Toyogon in Sumabong's hometown of Tagbilaran City on Saturday night.

"That win in Japan was huge," Sumabong told The Ring. "Going into someone’s place and beating an unbeaten fighter like Kitano, it showed me I belong on the big stage. It was one of the proudest nights of my career."

It was a nice road win and return to form after being derailed on his previous trip to Japan, where he lost a 10-round unanimous decision to Goki Kobayashi in June 2024.

While it was a defeat, he learned from that setback and has responded with a trio of victories.

"That loss to Kobayashi was tough, but it taught me humility and how to learn from mistakes," Sumabong said. "I came back hungrier and more disciplined. That experience made me realize that setbacks aren't failures, they're lessons."

The 24-year-old has never had it easy. Since first stepping inside a boxing gym aged five, the trials and tribulations that come with the territory have not been uncommon for him.

"While most children were playing, I was already learning how to throw punches – not out of choice, but out of necessity," Sumabong said. "Growing up in poverty, I witnessed the hardships my family endured every single day. There were struggles that no child should have to understand so early in life. But instead of breaking me, those hardships shaped me.

"From a young age, I carried a dream in my heart: to become a champion and lift my family out of poverty. Boxing was not just a sport for me – it was hope. It was our way forward."

His next step is against Toyogon (8-2-1, 4 KOs), which he believes will keep him sharp.

"Every fight is another chance to show growth and consistency," Sumabong said. "Facing Roland Toyogon is another step forward, another test for me to sharpen my offense and defense. I want to keep proving myself."

Another victory will take him a step closer to his world title fight target.

"I feel like I'm closer every fight," Sumabong said. "I'm gaining experience, getting tougher and learning to handle pressure. I'm not letting anything slow me down. I'm focused on staying ready when that world title shot comes.

"I'm focused on whoever stands in front of me, but of course, I keep my eyes on the bigger picture, the champions and top contenders. I have always been preparing myself for that world title shot.”

His manager, Floriezyl Podot, has witnessed considerable growth in Sumabong over the past year both physically and mentally.

"Beating a strong and unbeaten Takero Kitano says a lot about his heart," Podot said. "He’s not far from putting himself in the world title conversation; it's just about being consistent and focused while climbing through top-level opponents."

The man tasked with continuing the fighter's progress is his trainer, Edito "Ala" Villamor, who twice unsuccessfully challenged for a strawweight world titles against Ricardo Lopez and Ratanapol Sor Vorapin in the 1990s.

"It is Joseph Sumabong's heart that pushes him forward, not just his skills and talent," Villamor said. "He’s been so disciplined and eager to learn, speaking from a coach's perspective. That confidence and discipline make him dangerous and worthy of being talked [about] in the world title conversation."

Toyogon enters this bout on a two-fight losing streak against tough opposition. Two-division titleholder Thammanoon Niyomtrong won a 10-round decision against him on May 28, while Tatsuro Nakashima edged a split decision during their six-rounder August 19.