Timar Wins World Championship | Peña Stays Undefeated

Timar Makes History: Swiss Boxer Claims First Major World Title

A watershed moment for Swiss boxing unfolded on december 26, 2025, as Gabriela Timar defeated Marina Loreto too become the first Swiss world champion recognized by a major international boxing association. The victories extended to the ring for Angelo Peña and Félix Meier, solidifying a night of triumph for Swiss fighters at the Kursaal in Bern.

Gabriela Timar’s Historic Victory

Thirty-nine-year-old Gabriela Timar, hailing from Kleinbasel, realized a lifelong ambition on Friday’s Boxing Day event. She secured the World Boxing Association (WBO) atomweight belt after a ten-round points victory over Japan’s Marina Loreto. The fight was a grueling contest, culminating in Timar finishing with a broken nose and a bloodied face – a testament to her unwavering determination. “I will be ready and give it my all,” Timar confidently stated to Blick prior to the bout, a promise she emphatically delivered on.

Did you know? – Gabriela Timar is the first Swiss boxer, male or female, to win a world title sanctioned by a major boxing organization (WBO, WBC, IBF, WBA). Her victory marks a turning point for the sport in Switzerland.

peña Continues Undefeated Streak, Eyes World Title

Angelo Peña, a Swiss-Dominican fighter, also enjoyed success on the night, earning a points victory over Jeo Santisima of the Philippines. This win marked Peña’s fourth consecutive defense of the WBO Intercontinental title in the super featherweight division, bringing him closer to a potential world title fight. Remarkably, Peña remains undefeated after 13 professional fights. His consistent dominance signals a rising star in the boxing world.

Pro tip – defending a regional title like the WBO Intercontinental belt multiple times is a common pathway for boxers to earn a shot at a world championship. Peña is strategically building his record.

Meier: A Swiss Boxing Hope for the Future

Twenty-one-year-old Félix Meier of Lausanne added to the evening’s successes, winning his fight against Mexico’s javier Castaneda Dominguez by points over eight rounds. Meier is widely regarded as a promising talent in Swiss boxing, having recently signed a five-year contract with the Boxing Kings. swiss boxing promoter Leander Strupler, who also manages Peña through Swiss Pro Boxing, expressed strong confidence in Meier’s potential, stating, “Félix undoubtedly has everything he needs to become the most successful Swiss boxer in the coming years.”

The victories of Timar, Peña, and Meier represent a meaningful step forward for boxing in Switzerland, signaling a shining future for the sport within the nation.

Reader question – what do you think is the biggest challenge facing young Swiss boxers trying to reach the world level? Share your thoughts!