Age :
34
Height :
168
cm
Stance :
Orthodox
Region :
San Isidro, Davao del Norte
Country :
Philippines
Record : PRO DEBUT
Record :
15
Wins
(
9
KO)
/
0
Loss
/
0
Draws
The freakishly talented Charly Suarez makes his international debut here, and with an IBF title against Indonesia’s number one fighter just to add more spice.
But why would we expect any less from a man who is very definitely the best technical boxer that the Philippines has ever produced.
Suarez has racked up 15 wins at home at breakneck speed, and has perhaps lost 2 rounds in the process. He finished every bout unscathed and with a smile, suggesting it is all easy work for him. To add merit to this, Suarez certainly hasn’t had it easy, meeting guys like JonJon Estrada, Tomjune Mangubat, Delmar Pellio, Mark John Yap and Carlo Magali along the way. These are high skilled veterans that have a commonality – they punch with hurtful intent, yet Suarez has breezed through as if he is in a training session, picking up WBA and national titles into the bargain.
Charly Suarez moves on to another significant opponent here, Indonesia’s best fighter Defry Palulu.
This is a guy that Suarez was meant to fight in early 2020 for the WBC title, and it was a fight that the Indonesian was favoured to win. However the match was canceled due to the pandemic, and thankfully, these two great fighters get to meet in Vietnam for the IBF Asia belt.
In spite of Suarez’s amazing success as a pro, many of his countrymen doubt his ability to impact at world level. They cite his age and lack of power as the main impediments. But those close to the camp disagree!
This may interest some.
The Suarez team maintain he has lots of power, and that he had no intent on hurting his own countrymen. His Objective at home was to get valuable rounds and build a petrol tank for bigger fights abroad. Mission accomplished !
He says there will be absolutely no mercy shown to any foreign rivals, and if there is a knockout to be had, you’re going to see it in high definition !
Sydney Australia Friday March 17th
*special thanks to Pareng B.Vlog for the awesome video and support toward Philippines boxers.
*story courtesy Manila Standard
Former Olympian and still unbeaten pro boxer Charly Suarez faces a fellow undefeated opponent in Paul Fleming of Australia in what could be the toughest stumbling block to his world title dream.
The showdown between the two undefeated fighters will be held in Australia on March 17, with multiple super featherweight 130lb titles on the line, including the International Boxing Federation Intercontinental, World Boxing Association Oceania, World Boxing Council Asian Boxing Council and the International Boxing Organization Intercontinental belts.
“This will be the biggest fight in Australia this year,” said Robert Hill, Suarez’s promoter.
“Paul Fleming is Showtime, and he is facing the best boxer I have seen from the Philippines — point blank,” he added.
Suarez, who has 18 wins with 8 knockouts, is still fresh from his conquest of the International Boxing Federation Asia junior lightweight with a technical knockout win over Defry Palulu of Indonesia at the Grand Ho Tram Hotel in Vietnam last Dec. 10.
Two months earlier, the many-time Southeast Asian Games champion decisioned compatriot Carlo Magali to successfully defend the World Boxing Association Asia Super Featherweight title.
“Paghahandaan namin ito ng maayos. Magandang opportunity ‘pag nakuha namin ito” said Suarez’s coach and manager, Delfin Boholst.
Hill said Suarez was earlier being pitted against Japan’s top-rated Super Featherweight Yoshimutsu Kimura for the IBF Asia title, but the Japanese was knocked out in a non-title bout last week in Tokyo, hence, the focus was moved to Fleming.
Suarez’s exploits in the ring was also recognized by the Philippine Army, which promoted him to Private First Class for his achievements last year, including being named Boxer of the Month by the WBA Asia.
No less than Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., pinned the new rank on Suarez in a ceremony held at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Jan. 13.
As an amateur, Suarez won three golds — two in lightweight (2011 Jakarta, 2019 Manila) and one in the featherweight (2009 Laos) — and one bronze (2017 Kuala Lumpur) at the Southeast Asian Games. He also competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he dropped a split decision to the unbeaten IBF world champion Joe Cordina.
Paul Fleming of Australia is also a man of many accomplishments. The indigenous star is a former esteemed amateur and Olympian, and is undefeated in 28 professional fights.
Nation’s pride in professional boxing, the unbeaten (14-0-0) Charly “King’s Warrior” Suarez paid a courtesy call on GAB Chairman Atty. Richard S. Clarin at Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Office in Makati City.
The PH Army boxer Suarez won his fight against Indonesian Defry Palulu last December 10, 2022 in Vietnam for the vacant IBF Asia Super Featherweight Title by a Technical Knock-Out in the 2nd Round of a 12-Round bout.
Suarez (IBF no. 8 ) is slated to fight against a tough opponent Australian champion Paul Fleming (IBF no. 13) who has a record of 28-0-1. The clash of both undefeated boxers will be held in Australia on March 17, 2023.
Chairman Clarin personally praised the multi-awarded Suarez for his unblemished record. Knowing that every boxer who fights abroad has individual specific issues, Chairman Clarin pointed out that, among other assistance, GAB, through the GAB Legal Division headed by Atty. Ermar Benitez, is more than willing to provide legal support especially with contract negotiations.
Suarez openly shared his experiences in professional boxing and very much appreciate the dedication of GAB in coming up with fair contract agreement for fights abroad, simplification of document processing, protection of boxers by fair matchmaking, and provision for other benefits to professional boxers.
Chairman Clarin concluded the meeting with words of encouragement to the boxing champ with assurance of full support to all Filipino boxers here and abroad.
This just got made !!!!!!
Yes, it's official - Philippines best Charly Suarez will take on Australia's best Paul Fleming in a showdown for the IBF intercontinental, WBA Oceania and WBC Asia titles. The iconic bout will take place in Sydney on March 17th.
A win for either fighter will likely catapult them into a world title mandatory position. Both fighters are unbeaten, both are former Olympians, and both are blessed with supernatural hand and foot speed. Indigenous prodigy Paul Fleming was responsible for the "Fight of the Year" in Australia in 2022, and the man known as Showtime is peerless when it comes to non stop action.
To counter the claims of the Aussie, Charly Suarez has been on an ominous run of 10 wins in the last two years, all against quality opponents. Tellingly, he has barely broken a sweat in his rankings surge, and lost few, if any, rounds.
This is a HUGE FIGHT for both Australia and the Philippines, and a dominant performance by Suarez will certainly put the world on notice.
CHARLY SUAREZ FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT
Watch this space - big news breaking later today.
This is HUGE !!!!!!!
Was it ever in doubt ?
YAP IS BACK !
Mark John Yap makes his eagerly awaited ring return at UKC REVOLUTION 2023 against former Manny Pacquiao sparring partner Leonardo Doronio.
Yap has the reputation as one of the Philippines' best internationally performed boxers of recent years, thus earning him The Journey Man tag, and he will be looking to embark his 2023 trip with a great performance at home.
The former bantamweight star has only recently made the super featherweight division his new home, yet will challenge Doronio at Lightweight, such is the difficulty in getting the Mindanao product decent competition in a season opener.
Mark John Yap produced a classy performance against Charly Suarez for the WBA Asia title, and endorsed that effort with an impressive win over Papua New Guinea's best Junior Kauko Raka.
Yap then ventured to Vietnam to compete at Fortunes of War, and looked good in a fast paced short format exhibition event.
Leonardo Doronio is a very experienced boxer, who will hold the advantage of being the slightly larger man. He posted good wins over Bryan Macamay and Jimmy Borbon, before a points loss to outstanding pinoy Arnel Baconaje. He will prove to be a great measure of where Mark John Yap is early in his 2023 adventure.
But the word is out - Yap is back !
January 30th marks the start of a new journey.
UKC REVOLUTION 2023
Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
Philippines' greatest boxer Charly Suarez recently secured the IBF Asia belt, and by defeating Indonesia’s top rated Defry Palulu (WBC Asia champion) he was elevated to #8 in the world ranking by the International Boxing Federation.
Suarez has progressed through the professional ranks at breakneck speed, winning 14 in a row, and picking up WBA, IBF and RP National belts in the process. He is also now ranked at #4 in the latest OPBF rankings.
Suarez will look to defend his IBF title, and was originally mooted to meet Japan's top rated Super Featherweight Yoshimutsu Kimura.
Kimura was viewed as a solid offensive fighter with poor defense, and not a serious challenge for Suarez. This viewpoint proved accurate when Kimura was knocked out last week in a non title bout in Tokyo.
The focus has now moved to a fighter that VSP are a huge fan of - the unbeaten Australian champion Paul Fleming.
The proud indigenous prodigy dubbed "Showtime" has an amazing record of 28 and 0 with 18 knockouts, and brings an electric brand of high octane energy to the ring that fans just love.
Fleming also holds IBF, WBA, WBC and IBO regional belts, and like the King's Warrior, is gunning for a world title shot.
Sounds perfect !
Check out Charly Suarez and all the VSP Promotions fights at :
A meteroic two years for the King's Warrior Charly Suarez, a Philippines amateur star and relative late comer to the professional ranks.
Since January 2021 Suarez has had 10 fights,10 wins, a Philippines national title, and also WBA and IBF Regional titles.
Now Philippines #1 and World #52
And you ain't seen nothing yet !
Charly Suarez has had a busy 2 years since turning professional.
Check this out :
14 fights
14 wins
WBA Asia title
RP National title
IBF Asia title
And we aren't slowing down in 2023 !
Expect to see the King's Warrior back in the ring and doing what he does best this coming March.
Charly Suarez wins the IBF Asia belt over Indonesia #1 and former WBC regional champion Defry Palulu :
THE NEW IBF ASIA CHAMPION CHARLY SUAREZ
The King's Warrior now owns both IBF and WBA Asia titles with this superb performance against Indonesia’s Defry Palulu.
This was shaping to be a rugged clash, unfortunately cut short due to an eye injury caused by a Suarez right hand in the second round.
That's Boxing - but still a great result for the Philippines and Team Suarez.
Charly Suarez is rapidly running out of opposition on his way to a world title.
This guy from Japan is useful, he is in the region, and ranked #9 in the world.
So c'mon Japan, stop hiding, let's get this done in March - Suarez should be easy for you !!!
FORTUNES OF WAR FIGHT REPLAYS
All the action from 7 great bouts at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino :
Last night in Vietnam, Philippine Army enlisted personnel Charly Suarez won the IBF Asia title with an impressive but unfortunate victory.
The King's Warrior boxed just two rounds with Indonesia’s champion Defry Palulu and undoubtedly looked all class and set the scene for a spectacular battle.
Unfortunately, in the second round, southpaw Palulu suffered some eye damage that required the ring doctor to stop the fight.
Charly Suarez is now confirmed ruler of Asia, owning both the WBA and IBF belts.
Before joining the Army's regular duty in July 2022, Private Suarez was a reserve Staff Sergeant, as may be remembered.
Private Suarez was named WBA Asia's Boxer of the Month for March 2022. Suarez competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil and won gold medals in various boxing events at the Southeast Asian Games in 2009, 2011, 2019, and 2022.
His coach is army reservist 1st Lieutenant Delfin Boholst.
Paisal Panjaitan and Defry Palulu send out dire warnings poolside at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino today.
"TONIGHT, I SMASH YOUR BOYS !"
was the echo heard loud and clear at a fight day interview session with Aussie fight caller Ben Mcculloch.
Panjaitan will battle Vietnam fight legend Nguyễn Văn Hải, whilst former WBC belt holder Defry Palulu takes in the Philippines Charly Suarez for the IBF Asia title.
Defry Palulu 58.9kg (Indonesia)
Charly Suarez 58.7kg (Philippines)
*story courtesy Vietnam News
In his 12th pro match, IBF Asia lightweight champion Đinh Hồng Quân will face Arnel Baconaje of the Philippines over 12 rounds. It is his second time defending his belt. Last July, he defeated Jules Victoriano of the Philippines unanimously.
HÀ NỘI — A blockbuster "Fortunes of War" boxing event will bring together Asia's best fighters in 12 bouts, including three title matches, sanctioned by the IBF and WBO on December 10 at The Grand Hồ Tràm Strip, Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu Province.
In his 12th pro match, IBF Asia lightweight champion Đinh Hồng Quân will face Arnel Baconaje of the Philippines over 12 rounds. It is his second time defending his belt. Last July, he defeated Jules Victoriano of the Philippines unanimously.
The rising Vietnamese star does have a size advantage. Quân has recorded nine wins (4KOs), one draw and one loss (KO).
At 24, 'Black Eagle' Quân is younger than his rival and stands at No 189 in the world, 43 places higher than Baconaje.
However, 'The Silencer' Baconaje has bowled over some of the Philippines' biggest and best stars. Of his 15 wins, 11 came by knockout. The 29-year-old has suffered five losses, three by knockout.
Baconaje has thoroughly prepared by training with the famous fighter "Japanese monster" Naoya Inoue.
Quân completed a training camp in South Korea before having an intensive training camp with legendary Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines.
"I feel in way better shape, my camp has been good, and being able to train with a legend like Manny Pacquiao has helped me a lot," said Quân.
"He is a model of hard work to succeed in boxing, as well as an example of rising up in boxing. Professionally, I learn, practise and improve my abilities to prepare well for the upcoming matches. I won't let people down."
Quân said that Pacquiao advised him a lot. In particular, the most memorable is the practice motto "fight hard, complete the exercises and always have faith".
"Everybody will see a far better Đinh Hồng Quân this time, and I already know I will beat Arnel Baconaje. I am excited about it. I am very happy to have the challenge of stopping a top fighter like Baconaje in front of my home country," he said.
The second title match is between IBF Asia super-featherweight Charly Suarez of the Philippines and Indonesian Defry Palulu in a 12-round bout.
Their match was scheduled in March 2020 but was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Suarez is a three-time SEA Games champion who won the 2014 Asian Games silver. He turned pro in 2019 and impressed the community with 13 wins with seven KOs.
Suarez has stayed busy this year as he fought for the WBA Asia title in March and defended it twice in July and October. He also won the Philippines national title in the process.
Palulu is currently No 1 in his country. He places 162 in the world with a record of 25 wins, two draws and two losses. He took the IBO Asia Pacific and WBC Asian Boxing Council super-featherweight belts in 2019.
"The Unseen Hammer" is in career-best shape and has been working on angles and power shots to halt the meteoric rise of Suarez.
"That is our plan. Team Palulu have worked very hard for this, and we will not let this opportunity slip," he said on vsppromotions.com.
"Suarez does not have the power to hurt me, or even hold me off. But I know when I catch him, he will go down. Indonesia will have a new champion on December 10."
The third title match is between South Korean Song Chan Ho and Thai Anusong Thonglueang, who will defend his WBO Oriental Youth super-lightweight belt across 10 rounds.
Song, 19, unbeaten in eight fights, is certainly living up to his "Purge Boy" ring name.
He is fast and has a high work rate, nice footwork, and works some clever angles. He is durable and is developing some power to go with his accurate hands.
Tàu City.
Thonglueang, 18, has already created media attention in Thailand, where he has put together 12 wins (9KOs) with only one loss in extra quick time. He is a dynamic all-action fighter and knows how to be effective inside the ropes.
Other matches with Vietnamese fighters are between Nguyễn Văn Hải vs Paisal Panjaitan of Indonesia in the lightweight class in four rounds; Phạm Minh Quân vs Mark John Yap of the Philippines in the super-featherweight in four rounds; Lê Hoàng Hiệp vs Jetro Pabustan of the Philippines in the super-bantamweight in four rounds and Thái Hoàng Huy vs JonJon Estrada of the Philippines in the featherweight in four rounds.
Fortunes of War is organised by Việt Nam's top boxing units of VSP Promotions and Cocky Buffalo with support from Vietcontent, the leading sports content in Việt Nam. VNS
NEWS FROM WEBTHETHAO
Professional boxing events in Vietnam began to rekindle in the period of 2015, when management units such as Vietnam Boxing Federation (VBF) or Ho Chi Minh City Boxing Federation. Ho Chi Minh City (HBF) organizes this form of competition, with the participation of famous boxers in the domestic amateur boxing village. After that, promotion companies began to appear with names like VSP Promotions, Cocky Buffalo, Saigon Sports Club, VBC, Trigger Boxing... continued to appear to bring more national elements. economic: events, title matches, friendlies.
However, it was not until 2018, when the promoters really embarked on a comprehensive approach, at this time, the challenge for the development of professional boxing began to really appear.
To be recognized at the professional level, competitions must be under the supervision of organizations capable of recognizing professional achievements around the world. This supervision is based on the rules - the rules of the game (regulations) are specified in the operating regulations of professional organizations such as WBC, WBO, WBA, IBF...
In Vietnam, the presence of these organizations is not much. Therefore, boxers have only one option: to conduct tours in countries with developed boxing backgrounds such as Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, ... to be recognized for their achievements. However, the issue of funding, training procedures - competing with Vietnamese boxers is not a simple problem, despite the participation of experienced promotion companies in the region.
As a result, promoters have opted for a more pragmatic approach: organizing events right in Vietnam. To do this, they need to contact to get the approval of professional organizations in the world, through sending professional teams, supervising the organization and competition of martial arts.
Since 2019, units like VSP Promotions have made their mark with a series of events such as Victory 8, VSP Pro,... bringing Vietnamese boxers to participate in professional matches at home, recognizing their achievements. in the international system, gradually removing barriers for boxers who want to pursue this path.
From professional events, title fights began to appear. Victory 8: Legend of Hoan Kiem with the title of WBA East Asia; events of IBF, WBO at The Grand Ho Tram Strip with champions Dinh Hong Quan, Song Chan Ho... and here comes Fortunes of War with 3 matches for WBO - IBF title in weight classes on 10th December.
Not only for boxers, bringing international events to Vietnam also creates opportunities for domestic professionals, namely management units, referees, supervisors, etc. exposure to professional environment according to world standards. From there, events in Vietnam will gradually move to international level - something we all want in the development of all sports.
Following the success of two title events in April and July, Fortunes of War witnessed the title defense of the IBF Asian champion - "Black Hawk" Dinh Hong Quan in his 11th fight. The fighter born in 1998 will face the boxer from the Philippines - "Silent Assassin" Arnel Baconaje.
In addition to the defense of the IBF Asian lightweight title between Dinh Hong Quan and Arnel Baconjae, Charly Suarez - a three-time SEA Games gold medalist and silver medalist at ASIAD 2014 will welcome an opponent from Indonesia - Defry Palulu for the IBF title. Asian super-featherweight.
Previously, WBO Oriental champion from Korea - Song Chan Ho will face Thai boxer Anusong Thonglueang in his title defense match. The competition took place over 10 rounds in the super-lightweight division.
In addition to the three matches/defending of the IBF and WBO belts, Fortunes Of War also witnessed the return of Vietnamese boxing monument Nguyen Van Hai, promising fighters Le Hoang Hiep, Thai Hoang Huy or Pham Minh Quan before the competition. boxers from Indonesia and the Philippines.
List of matches at Fortunes of War on December 10:
Dinh Hong Quan (c) vs. Arnel Baconaje - IBF Asian lightweight title defense (12 rounds)
Charly Suarez vs. Defry Paululu - IBF Asian Super-featherweight Championship (12 rounds)
Nguyen Van Hai vs. Paisal Panjaitan - Lightweight (4 rounds)
Phan Minh Quan vs. Mark John Yap - Super-featherweight (4 rounds)
Song Chan Ho vs. Anusong Thonglueang - Defending the WBO Oriental Youth super-lightweight title (10 rounds)
Le Hoang Hiep vs. Jetro Pabustan - Super-bantamweight (4 rounds)
Thai Hoang Huy vs. JonJon Estrada - Featherweight (4 rounds)
VIETNAM XMAS IS COMING, AND SO IS CHARLY SUAREZ!
Watch out Vietnam, the King's Warrior is in town and ready yo rumble !
Charly Suarez is in Ho Chi Minh City training at VSP Boxing Gym and will be headed to the beach of Ho Tram this coming Thursday.
The Philippines best boxer will contest his first international match, an IBF Asia contest against Indonesia’s top dog Defry Palulu.
Defry has a superb 25-2 record and is a former WBC Asia champion.
Both fighters are confident of victory.
Charly Suarez v Defry Palulu
12 rounds IBF Asia Super Featherweight championship
FORTUNES OF WAR
The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino
Saturday December 10
The Philippines team for Fortunes of War arrived at 1am last night and are now sleeping it off !
It is expected that they will head to VSP Boxing Gym later today for a light workout.
Keep you posted with updates.
The Philippines team head to Vietnam tonight in advance of the mammoth boxing event in Ho Tram next Saturday.
The pinoy squad is very likely the best to ever leave Philippines' shores, and where two of the team's fighters will challenge for IBF titles in the main events.
Assembled tonight at Ninoy Aquino Airport are :
Delfin Boholst (trainer), Thony Suarez (trainer), Charly Suarez, Arnel Baconaje, JonJon Estrada Pederito Laurente (trainer), Jetro Pabustan and Mark John Yap.
FORTUNES OF WAR
The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino
Saturday December 10
Charly Suarez will be heading to Vietnam this Friday for his first international test since turning professional. The King's Warrior will be going up against Indonesia’s best fighter Defry Palulu - a boxer with a 25-2 record and a former WBC regional belt holder.
Palulu has been in great form since boxing resumed, winning four bouts since a pandemic enforced break. His team is confident that this awkward southpaw has recaptured his best and will be the first fighter to drop the Philippines champion Suarez.
Did we say SOUTHPAW ? Ugggh !
Never ones to falter on the side of preparation, Team Suarez have been working in sparring with many of the Philippines best southpaws.
And on that subject, they don't come much better than RoyRoy D'HAMMER Sumugat, who did some excellent preparation work with Charly Suarez last week.
Good luck champs !
CHARLY SUAREZ v DEFRY PALULU
12 rounds IBF Asia Super Featherweight title
FORTUNES OF WAR
The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino Vietnam
Saturday December 10
Indonesia’s #1 Defry Palulu is in career best shape, and has been working on angles and power shots to halt the meteoric rise of Philippines #1 Charly Suarez.
It is widely acknowledged that getting a points decision against Suarez is not possible, and the Palulu team are planning to take the result out of the judges hands.
"The Unseen Hammer" has reportedly been engaged in grueling sessions in preparation for Suarez, and while Palulu team are predicting a knockout, they will be fully prepared to go 12 punishing rounds if required.
The video shows Defry Palulu at the end of 8 rounds on pads without rest ( 24 minutes continuously) You will also note, that even fatigued, his southpaw punch angles are awkward, and his power relentless.
Defry Palulu (Indonesia) v Charly Suarez (Phil)
12 rounds IBF Asia Super Featherweight title
FORTUNES OF WAR
The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino
Saturday December 10
Some of Asia's best fighters come together for an end of year celebration like mo other.
Watch the action live from Vietnam !
THE GRAND HO TRAM RESORT AND CASINO
Saturday December 10
Charly Suarez has been nothing short of outstanding since turning pro. But if there has been any doubts regarding his ascent to a world title, it's been that he perhaps lacks the killer instinct or power required at the highest level.
But rumors abound that the King’s Warrior never had any intention of hurting his countrymen, and that he was just happy to get valuable rounds in before heading abroad. And the word is, no such luxury will be afforded to any foreign opponents that stand in his way of a world title.
Believe it, or don't !
But if this line of thinking is correct, then one thing is sure, Indonesia’s best best boxer Defry Palulu is in deep trouble !
Here is Charly Suarez facing Domenico Valentino, not long after the Italian won the world amateur Lightweight title. You be the judge.
Vietnam is a hotbed of boxing talent, and there are many picturesque locations in that special country to show case the best action matches to fight fans.
The Grand Ho Tram situated in the southern beach area of Vung Tau is simply iconic, and as the name suggests, they have some very GRAND plans.
This beautiful coastal resort plans to be "THE PLACE" for boxing in Asia - think of Vegas by the beach !
And yes again, they actually have an incredible Casino (and a Greg Norman designed golf course too !)
The Grand Ho Tram have already staged two events this year, and on December 10, are going all out with the biggest sports event in Vietnam this year.
The Fortunes of War event brings together many of Asia's best fighters for the very first time, and will host three title matches sanctioned by the IBF and WBO.
The event will also embrace the fun side of boxing, and will avail three novice Vietnam prospects the opportunity to share the ring with top foreign professionals. These exhibition bouts will be fast and furious and held over 4 rounds - if they go that long!
Congratulations
to our friends at The Grand Ho Tram for being such great supporters of boxing, and for hosting the most iconic sports event in Vietnam this year.
A perfect way to end 2022 !
FORTUNES OF WAR
The Grand Ho Tram Resort Vietnam
Saturday December 10
Mark your calendars, this is rhe biggest sports event in Vietnam this year, and the perfect end to the year if you are a fight fan !
The Grand Ho Tram aims to become the boxing mecca, and have secured many of Asia's best boxers for the "Fortunes of War" event.
This iconic event, which is spearheaded by three titles fights, will be broadcast by Webthethao in Vietnam, and Elorde TV and Solar Sports in the Philippines.
THE GRAND HO TRAM RESORT VIETNAM
Saturday December 10
THE GRAND HO TRAM JUST GOT HOTTER !!!
Saturday December 10 Fortunes of War !
WBC champion Defry Palulu was meant to fight a novice professional named Charly Suarez back in March 2020.
The fight was canceled due to the pandemic !
Indonesia’s best fighter and his team were supremely confident of victory, and rightfully so.
Palulu was on a hot winning streak with a 21-2 record, which compared very favourably with the King's Warrior's 3-0 relative inexperience !
Fast forward to The Grand Ho Tram Vietnam on Saturday December 10, and now the clash of two of Asia's very best 130lb fighters, who were always destined to meet - has been set !
Defry Palulu has now recaptured his pre-pandemic form with four successive wins since resuming.
Charly Suarez has stayed busy at home, picking up wins against quality locals, and grabbing WBA and Philippines national titles in the process.
Palulu feels that Suarez doesnt have the power to make an impact at top level. It's an opinion that has even been echoed by many in the Philippines. The Indonesian is also of the belief that previous opponents have allowed the pinoy star to impose his "amateur" style way too easily. He contends that many have simply followed Suarez around the ring, thus falling victim to his mesmerizing hand and foot speed.
The Indonesian southpaw champion says all of that nonsense will finish on December 10 in Vietnam !
It seems hard to imagine anybody in world boxing outpointing Philippines' Charly Suarez, but can he be stopped ?
"That is our plan ! Team Palulu have worked very hard for this, and we will not let this opportunity slip.
Suarez does not have the power to hurt me, or even hold me off. But I know when I catch him, he will go down.
Indonesia will have a new IBF champion on December 10."
Charly Suarez v Defry Palulu
12 rounds IBF Asia Super Featherweight 130lb
THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM
Saturday December 10
Indonesia’s top fighter Defry Palulu is Vietnam bound, and intent on reclaiming his lofty place in the world rankings.
The accomplished southpaw was the WBC Asia champion back in 2019, and was looking to leverage that belt towards some bigger bouts.
He was actually slated to fight novice professional Charly Suarez back in March 2020, a match that he was confident of winning, and one where he undoubtedly would have started a betting favourite.
But the pandemic made a mess of best laid plans, and Palulu was stripped of his WBC belt due to his inability to defend that title. Boxing in Indonesia had completely shut down, and the champion was without a bout for almost 2 years !
Now the Unseen Hammer is back !
Defry Palulu has won 4 on the trot since resuming, taking his impressive tally to 25-2, and has run himself into a rich vein of form.
His most recent win against India #1 Asad Khan was equal parts flawed and impressive, yet it was enough to highlight that Palulu had recaptured his pre-pandemic form.
The Unseen Hammer has a deceptively effective style that has seen him incur only one solitary loss in 8 years - a disputed split decision at that !
He is a southpaw that changes direction and cuts the ring with ease, yet throws punches from unorthodox positions. He varies his power cleverly, and has great insticts when it comes to throwing the "money" shot. Palulu has the sort of thudding power with an often surprising delivery that has deservedly earned him that ring monicker of the "Unseen Hammer".
The Philippines' Charly Suarez has looked outstanding soaring unbeaten in 13 fights, but it is fair to say that Defry Palulu represents a significant test for his debut international bout. Suarez has certainly brought all his wonderful amateur attributes to the pro arena, yet there are many skeptics, and Palulu is one of those.
Despite his skills, many doubt that Charly Suarez has the power to worry the world top 10, and Palulu intends to exploit that deficit. He also believes that Suarez has been "followed" around the ring by previous frustrated opponents, and that he has the tools to cut the ring and corner the Philippines man.
Palulu is confident that the world title charge of Charly Suarez will end on December 10.
That claim remains to be seen, but what is certain, is that this December match in Vietnam will be an intriguing clash of styles and it's a rare treat to get to see two fighters of this calibre in the ring together !
Defry Palulu (Indonesia) v Charly Suarez (Phil)
12 rounds IBF Asia Super Featherweight title
THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM
Saturday December 10
It pays to dress for success, and big thanks go out to Raoul Navarrete and the team at Be Athletic for this inspirational fight gear for the huge Charly Suarez v Defry Palulu bout coming up next month in Vietnam.
Now we know that Palulu is touted as one of Indonesia's best fighters since Chris John, and we know he was a WBC champion, and we know he has a 25-2 record, and we know his only loss in 8 years was by controversial split decision, and we know he has even said that Suarez has no power and wont crack the world top ten ........
BUT !!!
Will he look as stylish as Team Suarez?
Ahhhhh that's impossible to imagine!
Watch out Palulu, the Suarez army is coming !
BE ATHLETIC - for all the best boxing and fun sportswear.
Charly Suarez v Defry Palulu
12 rounds IBF Asia Super Featherweight title
THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM
Saturday December 10
@ The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam !!!
Saturday December 10
Watch all the action live with many of Asia's best :
Vietnam - Nguyen Van Hai and Dinh Hong Quan
Uzbekistan - Olimjon Nazarov
Indonesia - Defry Palulu and Paisal Panjaitan
Philippines - Arnel Baconaje, Mark John Yap, JonJon Estrada, Charly Suarez and Jetro Pabustan
Thailand - Jakrawut Majungoen and Anuson Thonglueang
South Korea - Chan-Ho Song
Who said blondes have more fun ?
Pinoy power is heading to Vietnam.
And it's SMILE POWER!
We got Mark John Yap, Jetro Pabustan, Charly Suarez, Arnel Baconaje and da baddest of da baddest "the Wolverine" JonJon Estrada!!!!
THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM
Saturday December 10th
FORMER Olympian and current World Boxing Association Asia super featherweight king Charly Suarez takes on Indonesian Defry Palulu on Dec. 10, 2022, at The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vung Tau City, Vietnam.
The 34-year-old Suarez has already become one of the best Pinoy fighters despite only being a pro for just four years. The former amateur standout is dominating the local boxing scene by beating fighters like Marjohn Yap, Tomjune Mangubat, Delmar Pellio and recently Carlo Magali.
Suarez has had an impressive year thus far, winning all his in dominant fashion. He started the year with a 12th-round technical knockout of Mangubat, followed by a one-sided unanimous decision beating of Junny Salogaol. He then outclassed crafty veteran Yap by unanimous decision and also defeated tough Magali also by a unanimous verdict.
Suarez is now finally ranked in the World Boxing Council at No. 37 in the super featherweight class.
The 31-year-old Palulu, in the meantime, is on an impressive run, winning 10 of his last 11 fights. He hasn’t been beaten in six years. The last time he tasted defeat was when he lost by split decision to Jason Butar Butar.
Palulu has fought the likes of former world title challenger AJ “Bazooka” Banal and Isack Junior. He’s coming off a unanimous decision over Asad Asif Khan last June 12.
Suarez is 13-0 with seven knockouts, while Palulu is 25-2-2 with 14 knockouts.
Also in the same card, Arnel Baconaje (15-5, 11 KOs) challenges hometown bet Dinh Hong Kwan (9-1-1, 4 KOs) for the latter’s International Boxing Federation Asia lightweight belt.
The Grand Ho Tram in Vietnam has grand plans !
Saturday December 10
Full fight card coming soon, but already signed :
Vietnam - Dinh Hong Quan
Philippines - Arnel Baconaje
Indonesia - Defry Palulu
Philippines - Charly Suarez
Uzbekistan - Olimjon Nazarov
Vietnam - Nguyễn Văn Hải
Indonesia - Paisal Panjaitan
and will soon include top fighters from South Korea and Thailand.
This end of year festive event at The Grand Ho Tram wil also give young Vietnam hopefuls Phan Minh Quân, Le Hiep and Thai Hoang Huy the chance to share the ring with Philippines idols Mark John Yap, Jetro Pabustan and the Wolverine JonJon Estrada.
Indonesian champion Defry Palulu (25-2) takes on the Philippines' champion Charly Suarez (13-0) at The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam on Saturday December 10th.
This is ONE versus ONE where the thudding style of the Indonesian southpaw will be looking to disrupt the plans of the livewire Suarez.
This is already shaping as a phenomenal card, where the main event sees the Vietnam lightweight champ Dinh Hong Quan (9-1) will defend his IBF Asia title against top class pinoy Arnel Baconaje (15-5) in what is as close to a 50/50 match as you will ever likely see !
Charly Suarez and Carlo Magali go at it for WBA Asia and RP national title supremacy!
Suarez will return on December 10 in Vietnam to close out the year, taking on his first foreign challenger.
Indonesia’s best fighter and former WBC champion Defry Palulu has signed on to fight Charly Suarez in Vietnam next month.
Palulu was on a shortlist of a number of national champions to fight Suarez, but interestingly, was the only one to call the King's Warrior out.
The Indonesian champ bears the ring name "The Unseen Hammer", which bears testament to his deceptive southpaw style and thudding hands. Palulu was robbed of his WBC title when his country closed for the pandemic, and he was unable to defend his belt. He has since resumed with four straight wins, and boasts the excellent record of 25 and only 2 losses, the most recent being a contentious split decision many years ago.
The Unseen Hammer has also had success in the hurt department, having knocked out 15 of his opponents !
The match between Charly Suarez and Defry Palulu will take place at The Grand Ho Tram on December 10, and is Suarez's first foreign assignment in the pro ranks.
The Indonesian champion represents a mouth watering match up for his initial foray, as Palulu has been very dismissive of the amateur style and lack of firepower that he perceives from Suarez. He also recognizes the skills in the unbeaten pinoy, but believes that he will cut the ring on Suarez far better than previous opponents. Further, he has stated that Suarez does not punch hard enough to worry the top 10, and he will not only damage his world ambitions, he will do damage to the Philippines freak talent.
Contract signed, done deal, December 10 !
Congratulations to the Philippines fighters that will be competing at the Grand Ho Tram in Vietnam on Saturday December 10. Arnel Baconaje and Charly will contest IBF titles in two of the main event matches.
Baconaje will take on incumbent lightweight champion Dinh Hong Quan, a Vietnam fighter that has recent history with pinoys Delmar Pellio and Jules Victoriano. Charly Suarez is expected to have a confirmed opponent soon.
*story courtesy Daily Tribune
Utilizing his all-around skills, Rio Olympics veteran Charly Suarez kept his unbeaten record intact with a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision win over rugged Carlo Magali over the weekend in Sucat, Parañaque. Suarez was defending the World Boxing Association super-featherweight title and likewise vying for the Philippine crown and easily got the job done by earning scores of 119-109 (twice) and 118-110 on the judges’ scorecards.
The crowd at the Flash Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Center rallied behind Magali but Suarez had no trouble keeping his foe at bay with shots fired from long range. The victory raised Suarez’s record to 13-0 with seven knockouts and the Magali conquest put him on line for a quick return to the ring on 10 December in Vietnam.
“We are fast-tracking his climb to the world ratings,” Suarez’s chief trainer and longtime national team pal Delfin Boholst. Charly’s ripe (for a title shot) because of his age and his wealth of experience (fighting in the amateur ranks),” Boholst added. Though already 34, Suarez has fought extensively and once faced Vasyl Lomachenko, now regarded as one of the world’s finest fighters.
"The Ferocious" Carlo Magali looking absolutely shredded at the BATTLEFIELD weigh in just moments ago.
National champion Magali takes on the unbeaten freak talent King's Warrior Charly Suarez in a bout which will decide both RP and WBA Asia titles.
Both fighters weighed in within the Super Featherweight limit at 129 pounds.
Action takes place tomorrow at the Elorde Sports Centre in Parañaque.
The Philippines’ Charly Suarez will headline a huge card in Manila this Sunday, when he defends his regional WBA belt agsinst national champion Carlo Magali.
Suarez is without peer in Philippines boxing right now, and arguably sits with Naoya Inoue as the most technically gifted fighter in all of Asia,
The Davao native sits unbeaten at 12 and 0, and such has been his dominance against quality local opposition, he has scored 7 knockouts so far in his pro career.
Carlo Magali will be another solid test for Suarez. A winner of 25 fights, Magali has a very awkward and resilient style that has upset more heavily favoured opponents. Blessed with a great chin and thudding power, the man that has earned the ring name “The Ferocious” is regarded as a killer in his homeland, and in the literal sense.
National champion Magali had an historic battle with Australia’s top 130 Davey Browne a few years back, and such was the bludgeoning that Magali delivered, the unbeaten Aussie lost his life as a result of his injuries.
Carlo Magali comes into Sunday’s match in career best condition, as reported by his camp, so it will be interesting to see if he can subdue the freakish Suarez in any way.
Charly Suarez will be looking to put on another electric display in Sunday’s WBA title defense, and is eyeing off bigger bouts in future. News just broken is that he will head to HO Tram Vietnam on December 10 and look to win the IBF belt, against a soon to be named opponent. The unbeaten boxer will be focussed on world top 10 fights in 2023, and with wins over world champs Oscar Valdez and Joe Cordina in the amateurs, he has every reason to have claims to the throne now that Shakur Stevenson has departed.
“I will fight anyone, anywhere !” beamed the ever smiling Suarez.
BATTLEFIELD: SUAREZ V MAGALI
How to watch:
VSP Promotions Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions
What time?
US East Coast 6am
US West Coast 3am
UK 11am
Vietnam 5pm
Philippines 6pm
Australia and PNG 9pm
COUNTDOWN for Suarez v Magali
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
This great pic was from the Reboot show way back in February 2021, and it was a major accomplishment by Mam Cucuy Elorde to pull it off!
Charly Suarez had been inactive (as were all local pinoy fighters) and the pandemic was proving to be a terrible time for many boxers who could not return home, and even worse, having a daily battle to feed themselves and their families.
VSP asked Mam Cucuy if it was possible to create a show so that Charly Suarez could resume his career. Despite all odds, she put together a great card that also unearthed another big talent - the Wolverine JonJon Estrada!
The event was aptly named Reboot "New Beginning" ,and even though there were only 5 bouts, and the boxers had to endure a "quarantine bubble", it was a lot of fun and marked the start of boxing again in the Philippines.
Boxers that starred at THE BEGINNING :
The Wolverine JonJon Estrada
King's Warrior Charly Suarez
Cerberus Lorenz Ladrada
Remon "Bad Bad" Basas
Ali "Carnage" Cañega
Apocalypse Glenn Bismanos
The Sniper Ben Ligas
The Bull Alphoe Dagayloan
The Prince Andrew Laurio
Ranny "the Cleaner" Quizo
Charly Suarez knows full well the reputation of Carlo Magali, and is aware that "the Ferocious" will throw everything at him in order to retain the national title - including the kitchen sink!
The King's Warrior is a big fan of Magali but assures, if it turns into a dog fight, he equally knows how to get down and dirty.
" Team Suarez like to box smart, and we know Carlo has the power. But we are also willing to meet FIRE with FIRE !
We are carrying bombs, and we will use them if we have to" warned the "King's Warrior".
Charly Suarez v Carlo Magali
RP National title WBA Asia title
12 rounds Super Featherweight 59kg
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Don't miss this iconic main event at the BATTLEFIELD show this October.
Charly Suarez is the former amateur champ and has looked flawless in his pro career so far. He has a singular intent to work to a world title opportunity.
Carlo Magali has been one of the most under estimated yet effective pinoy warriors in recent years. Known as "The Ferocious", and for good reason, he has a history of dismantling more favored fighters.
Who will get bragging rights ?
Come to the BATTLEFIELD and claim your piece of history !
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
*story courtesy Baguio Midland Courier
Benguet-based boxer Carlo Magali, the reigning Philippine Games and Amusement Board super featherweight champion, will challenge World Boxing Association Asia Charly Suarez at the Elorde Sports Complex in Parañque City on Oct. 23.
The 32-year-old Magali will again enter the ring after a two-year hiatus from boxing since capturing the Asian Boxing Federation and PGAB super featherweight belts against Al Toyogon in December 2019.
At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Magali along with fellow boxers under Highland Boxing of Igorot international boxing promoter Brico Santig, opted to stay in La Trinidad and had to look for ways to support their families, as sports promotions were prohibited.
Magali, whose boxing career has been revived by Highland Boxing, said he respects his opponent, who remains undefeated in his 12 professional bouts.
The 34-year-old Suarez of San Isidro, Davao del Norte, who represented the Philippines in the 2016 Rio Olympics, turned professional boxer in 2019, the year he captured the Philippines Mindanao Professional Boxing Federation lightweight belt.
A year later, he captured the Philippines Luzon ProBA super featherweight belt which he successfully defended against Filipino challengers.
Santig, who is actively promoting boxing events in the Middle East and other parts of Asia, travelled back to La Trinidad last week to check the training of Magali.
Magali captured the vacant Asian Boxing Federation super featherweight belt and the vacant Philippine super featherweight belt at the Manila Arena in 2019.
He clinched the belts via split decision victory against Al Toyogon in the main event of “Knockout” promoted by Santig and Darwin Miller Dep-ay of Highland Boxing and DMAD Promotions.
In June 2018, Magali failed to defend his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation super featherweight belt to an undefeated Japanese boxer Hionori Mishiro via split decision in their 12-round championship bout in Japan. – Harley F. Palangchao
*story courtesy of Daily Tribune
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Carlo Magali attempts to mess up the grand plans of Rio Olympics veteran Charly Suarez in his bid to win the World Boxing Association Asia super-featherweight title on 23 October at the Flash Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Complex.
The Bohol-born Magali, who has been based here, enters the ring armed with a 25 win record with 13 knockouts.
Magali swears he holds a big edge in experience but that alone won’t be enough to beat Suarez, who has an undefeated record of 12 wins, including seven knockouts.
“But Suarez is also good so I have to be prepared,” Magali said.
A former Orient-Pacific Boxing Federation champion, Magali, 35, became a headliner many years ago when he fought in Australia.
Magali scored a 12th-round knockout of Davey Browne Jr. with 30 seconds remaining before the end of the fight.
Browne would spend a few days in hospital while in coma before dying owing to massive head injuries.
Suarez is handled by his former teammate in the national team, Delfin Boholst.
Have a look at some of the cracking gunfights on this card to open for Suarez and Magali !
The unbeaten Weljon Mindoro matches up with the Highland's Gym resuming power puncher Jun Ibgos. Both these boys have crazy KO stats !
D'HAMMER is back in a big way. He looked rock solid against a quality Jufel Salina, and is looking to build on that performance against a really smart fighter in Ivor Lastrilla.
Jerald Into is rapidly improving young fighter, and is potentially the best 135 in the land, but has he bitten off more than he can chew at this stage with a killer named Eduardo Mancito ? Love this fight, Mancito has fought the best (even Suarez ) and he did great. This is very definitely one of the best fights all day.
Every bout on this morning card is loaded with talent and FIREPOWER!
We will have a review on all these matches in coming weeks.
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Michael Pengue was the first of the international fighters to arrive in Manila late yesterday, and was quick to hit the gym at Elorde Southbox earlier today.
Mickey trains in Australia with the famous Bondi Boxing Club, and is a former WBC Australasian champion.
Pengue will be competing in the second session of a 19 bout card this Sunday in Paranaque, and will renew acquaintances with main event fighter Charly Suarez.
The King's Warrior and Pengue were both members of a World Team squad that competed against Vietnam in Hanoi in late 2019.
MICHAEL PENGUE v GERRY PATENIO
6 rounds Super Welterweight 154lb
ANNIHILATION TIGER UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!
WBA title challenger Mark John Yap pictured today and looking the best he has in years!
YAP IS BACK !
The proud son of Cagayan de Oro has been busy in camp, training at altitude in the cool mountains of Baguio, and the reports are, he is in unbelievable shape for his clash with the King's Warrior Charly Suarez.
Mark John Yap has been a force on the international scene for many years now, earning him the moniker "the Journeyman", and his experience at the highest level (30 wins) creates the setting for an intriguing and highly strategic fight with champion Suarez.
Yap is technically so efficient, but be sure, the man has plenty of pop too!
This Journeyman looks to have the style to give Charly Suarez his biggest test on home soil
GREAT MATCH UP!
MARK JOHN YAP v CHARLY SUAREZ
WBA Asia title
12 rounds Super Featherweight 59kg
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE LIVE !!!
Four title fights on two cards !
Charly Suarez v Mark John Yap
Al Toyogan v Allan Villanueva
Lito Dante v Clyde Azarcon
Linn Sandstrom v Khwunchit Khunya
KABOOM!
Not only that, when do top overseas fighters ever come to the Philippines ? Never !
Well, we've got'em!
Check out the first time appearance of top international fighters Michael Pengue from Australia, and the legendary Nguyen Van Hai from Vietnam.
And you wanting more! You got it!
We are showcasing some of the best up and coming talent on the local scene right now!
If you're not there, then you're no boxing fan!
Come and get some !
ANNIHILATION TIGER UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT ON OUR FB LIVE !!!
Despite suffering narrow losses, Ben Ligas and Jules Victoriano produced next level performances in the belt fights in Vietnam last night.
Ligas faced the vastly experienced Uzbek, the much revered "mini Tyson " Olimjon Nazarov. This was quality boxing from both, with "the Sniper" bringing the cleaner punches, but perhaps lacking the aggression of Nazarov, who looked constantly keen for work. This was a hard match to score, as neither fighter was particularly dominant in a see sawing affair, and the body shot in the 11th where Ligas took a knee was perhaps the only real difference.
Dinh Hong Quan is physically indomitable, and with his height and reach, this improving Vietnam boxer is a task for anybody. It was anticipated that Jules Victoriano would give him his toughest test to date, and he definitely didn't disappoint !
This was a great fight, and is probably best viewed in two parts. Victoriano boxed beautifully in the early rounds, but despite landing nice shots, the Vietnam champ kept stealing rounds with some heavier and more direct landed shots. Quan also "appeared" more dominant, more frequently backing Victoriano up and putting him on to combos.
Going into the second half of the fight, Victoriano definitely lifted his output and accuracy, and even gave the Vietnam opponent a couple of "dig deep" moments !
This was an exciting and fantastic match up, that very easily could have been scored a draw, it was that evenly contested! There is no doubt that Dinh Hong Quan produced the best performance of his career last night, and this was really needed because of the beautiful boxing skills displayed by Jules Victoriano.
VSP would love to see these two great young fighters rematch at a later date, maybe on a bigger stage!
Post event, all smiles, and pictured are Coach Toto Laurente, Ben Ligas, VSP Vietnam boss Lim Song, and Jules Victoriano. Great job by all !
Philippines' Ben Ligas and Jules Victoriano looked in crazy shape at today's weigh in!
All boxers passed the scales without incident, and the stage is set for a huge night of boxing in Ho Tram Vietnam tomorrow night.
Ligas will fight Uzbekistan's "mini Tyson " Olimjon Nazarov for the WBO Oriental Flyweight championship. While reaching veteran status, Nazarov is still a boss in the ring, and has an amazing record of 27 wins in 32 fights. Philippines champ Ben Ligas has a height and reach advantage, and will need to use this to keep the Uzbek wizard on a leash.
Dinh Hong Quan is a typically Vietnamese fighter - long, lean and one super tough SOB!
Jules Victoriano represents his biggest challenge as a pro when the two meet for the IBF Asia Lightweight belt tomorrow night. Victoriano is a stylistic boxer with power, and whilst he is normally the taller boxer, this won't be the case against Quan.
This is a super match up, and perhaps the best yet seen in the short history of pro boxing in Vietnam !
And we mean - REALLY !
Nguyen Van Hai is heading to Manila next Sunday, and is vowing to show the locals what Vietnam boxing is all about.
Despite a top prospect opponent like the unbeaten Jerald Into (4 and 0), and not having competed in more than two years, for Hai, it all makes little difference.
"Let's Goooooo !"
NGUYEN VAN HAI v JERALD INTO
6 rounds Lightweight 135lb
ANNIHILATION TIGER UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
You don't need a telescope to see the future - they are standing right here in front of you !!
Here stands more of the young blood that will be on display at ANNIHILATION TIGER UKC in Paranaque on Sunday August 7th.
Clarence Breboneria, Anton Maglinte, Jonathan Almacen, and Fernando Tagpuno Jr make up the resplendently handsome quartet, and rest assured, THEY CAN ALL FIGHT !
Ben Ligas and Jules Victoriano are ready to fly out for HCMC Vietnam ahead of Saturday's big fight night in Ho Tram.
Ho Tram is a coastal area, about 150km south of HCMC, and the Grand Casino is proving a popular boxing venue.
HCMC is still working with crowd restrictions as a result of the pandemic, so non city areas are great choices for boxing events.
Local promoter Cocky Buffalo have a great card, highlighted by belt fights that include the two Elorde boxers.
National champ Ligas will fight outstanding Uzbekistan boxer Olimjon Nazarov, a winner of 27 fights, and is a world top 40.
Jules Victoriano and local Vietnam prospect Dinh Hong Quan will contest the IBF Asia Lightweight title, and this is sure to prove the highlight of Saturday's cracking card of bouts.
Safe travels boys!
Hot prospects Erson Trinidad and Arjay Recopelacion are running a parallel course when they meet in Paranaque this August.
Both fighters looked promising types before the pandemic punctuated their progress. Neither boxer has seen ring time since way back in 2019.
Recopelacion is a young energetic fighter from the Hardstone Monis stable in LA Union. He put together 5 wins while still a teen, and landed a couple of KOs in the process. He is an orthodox fighter with good hand and foot speed, and puts his combos together really well.
Erson Trinidad is one of two talented brothers that appear at this event. He and brother Jahzeel hail from Palawan, and you will get to see, these boys are QUALITY !
Erson is not dissimilar in style to his opponent, he is a fast handed orthodox, and he put together 3 quick wins before he was forced to wait out the pandemic. Whilst you could argue he is an unknown quantity with no form since 2019, be advised that he has been sparring top opponents in preparation, and, he looks GREAT !
This is a fantastic match up between two young lions with lots of scope to win lots more in the future.
ERSON TRINIDAD v ARJAY RECOPELACION
6 rounds Light Flyweight 108 pounds
ANNIHILATION UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Aisah “D’Striker” Alico resumed from a three year break from the sport, when beaten by Swedish visitor Linn Sandstrom back in March.
Despite the defeat, there was plenty to like about her first up showing.
Alico showed lots of clever hands and spontaneous attack in that contest, whereas her defense was mitigated some by the fact that she had a very short preparation, and she was contesting a heavier and less suitable weight class.
Linn Sandstrom (who also appears on the card) had nothing but praise for her opponent:
“She hit me with some great shots, and her power really surprised me. Aisah is tough too, I think if she was fully fit then it would have been really hard to stop her. I’m sure she will improve a lot on today’s performance if she can get another fight soon”
Cagayan de Oro native Alico will take on Allen Joy Solidarios, a debutant from the Nietes Stable Negros Occidental. Not much is known about Solidarios, except she is young, fast and has potential. She will be well schooled, and she will definitely have good knowledge of the sort of threats that her opponent can bring to the ring.
This will be a much more suitable weight class for southpaw Alico, who will fight here at around 10 pounds lighter than her March outing. With 7 wins to her credit, Alico clearly has an experience edge on her rival, so expect to see her show a very offensive display when these two girls meet early next month in Paranaque.
AISAH ALICO v ALLEN JOY SOLIDARIOS
4 rounds Minimum Weight 105 pounds
ANNIHILATION UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Sweden's Linn Sandstrom returns to Manila on August 7th, where she takes on Thai Khwunchit Khunya in a bantamweight undercard bout.
It has already been a busy year for the Aussie trained boxer, who fought in the Philippines in March. As widely reported, Sandstrom came to boxing quite late, but is making up for lost time and will be chasing her 6th win as a pro against Khunya.
If you are in Manila and want to see Linn in action, please arrive early. It's a big day of undercard action !
LINN SANDSTROM v KHWUNCHIT KHUNYA
6 rounds Bantamweight 54kg
ANNIHILATION UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Clarence Breboneria showed some great form in sparring against more experienced fighters before a debut points loss. He is definitely way better than his first effort, and will be looking to make amends against Taraki Boxing Gym's Yvan Espolon.
Yvan "the Terrble" Espolon is on debut, but has been observed doing nice sparring in preparation for ANNIHILATION UKC, including work with Patrick Ballatong, a boxer that also appears on this card. Espolon is an orthodox fighter with a relaxed style and nice reach, and defintely has the style to give Breboneria problems.
This is a good fight, and as both these guys lack pro experience, will likely be resolved by the one who can set into their rhythm first and make consistent touches.
CLARENCE BREBONERIA v YVAN ESPOLON
4 rounds Featherweight 57kg
ANNIHILATION UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
KNOCKOUT artist Jon Jon Estrada looks to continue his winning streak as he takes on Japanese Kyonosuke Kameda in an eight-round bout on July 23, 2022 at the Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan.
The 33-year-old Estrada won four straight contests since losing to former Olympian Charly Suarez last year. He destroyed Rex Wao, Pablito Canada, Jestine Tesoro and his most recent former ALA Boy Jess Rhey Waminal. He knocked out Waminal in four rounds last March 12 in Parañaque City.
Estrada has already fought twice in Japan. He scored a seventh round knockout of Tasuku Nakagawa in 2018 in his first visit. He lost to Koshin Takeshima by unanimous decision in his second trip to the "Land of the Rising Sun."
The 23-year-old Kameda is looking to bounce back after losing his last fight against Hiroki Hanabusa by unanimous decision.
Kameda is a former Japan Boxing Commission featherweight champion. He won back-to-back fights against Daiki Asai and Tsubasa Narai before his latest defeat.
Estrada is 15-8-1 with 14 knockouts, while Kameda is 7-3-1 with six knockouts.
Estrada is the eighth Pinoy boxer to fight in Japan this month. Four-division world champions Nonito Donaire and Donnie Nietes, Froilan Saludar, Presco Carcosia, Jhon Gemino, Chris Ganoza and Tesoro all fought in Japan this month and lost their respective fights.
*story courtesy of SunStar
ANNIHILATION UKC will play host to some visiting international boxers, but perhaps none more intriguing than Vietnam legend Nguyen Van Hai !
Despite not having seen the inside of a boxing ring since 2020, Hai is a master of various fight forms, and has the skills and experience to make the biggest tasks seem simple! His eagerness to compete in Manila was hugely obvious, so much so he did not even ask about the opponent or weight class when invited to fight!
The Hanoi based athlete is renowned for his strength and defensive skills, and though he has extensive amateur experience, has only two pro fights on his resume. He was successful in both bouts, with one ending in stoppage.
Jerald Into is an exciting young southpaw with nice balance and ring savvy. He has an excellent jab that he delivers with variety, and is extremely patient in setting up his shots which is great to see.
And the boy's got POWER!
Jerald Into has won all 4 bouts to date, and done so with conviction, all opponents dispatched by ominous KO !
This has all the makings of the "fight of the day" - we have all the question marks hanging over the ring return of an almost mythical action figure in Nguyen Van Hai, countered by the rapidly developing but already dangerous Jerald Into.
IF YOU DON'T LOVE THIS, YOU DON'T LOVE BOXING !
NGUYEN VAN HAI v JERALD INTO
6 rounds Lightweight
ANNIHILATION UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT: https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Juanito Hondante and Malfred Majadas will contest what is destined to be a furious undercard bout at ANNIHILATION UKC next month.
The “Mad Dog” Malfred Majadas is based in Paranaque, and made his pro debut back in March of 2018, when he defeated Rosenido Autida by majority decision. Following on from that success he was able to maintain a busy schedule, which is great for any aspiring young fighter, winning 3 of his 4 bouts to date. This activity was punctuated by the pandemic, and Majadas wasn't seen again till March of this year.
The Mad Dog took on John Jayvee Antonio in Paranaque, and in what was a quality curtain raiser, the clash ended in a Draw. Majadas was the heavier puncher in that bout, landing some thudding shots, but his ring rust and impatience let him down defensively. It's a fair bet that we will see a similar attacking energy from the Mad Dog in his upcoming match, but likely tempered by tidier defense and punch selection.
Juanito Hondante has scored 3 wins to date, and favours trading, which can be a rocks or diamonds strategy. He is vulnerable to counters, but when he gets it right, he has scored knockout wins.
This will be a "blink and you miss it" encounter, and it's impossible not to predict a stoppage !
MAL MAJADAS v JUANITO HONDANTE
6 rounds Minimumweight
ANNIHILATION UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Hot prospect Antonio Uy makes his second appearance in August when he takes
on debutant Patrick Ballatong. And he is very definitely one to keep an eye on.
And I’ll tell you why!
The “Crossman” made a highly impressive start to his career back in May when he stopped Carlo Diaz, a boxer who appears to have a bright future in his own right.
Anonio Uy is an orthodox boxer from Gingoog City, and has whips of speed and power that complement his excellent boxing skills.
Patrick Ballatong is an experienced exponent of the kick version of the sport, and makes his pure boxing professional debut against a white hot opponent. He also is an orthodox style fighter, and is noted to have extensive sparring against good opponents, and has some very credible amateur performances, that will surely hold him in good stead in his upcoming assignment with Antonio Uy.
ANTONIO UY v PATRICK BALLATONG
4 rounds Super Flyweight
ANNIHILATION UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Sweden's Linn Sandstrom had previously visited the Philippines for training camps back in 2019, and returned in March of this year to fight with Cagayan De Oro's Aisah Alico.
Both girls are back for ANNIHILATION UKC, but this time face different opponents. The "Sandstorm" has kept busy, winning bouts in Costa Rica and Australia since her Manila success.
"I love the Philippines, the people are warm like the weather. They always make me feel very welcome, it's almost like I'm an honorary citizen. I'm very excited to be back fighting there again, and really pumped to be on a card with so many great and talented boxers" enthused the Swedish slugger.
Linn Sandstrom will fight Thailand's Khwunchit Khunya in a 6 round bantamweight contest.
ANNIHILATION UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Some cracking undercard bouts, and the inclusion of some foreign invaders, just to add flavour!
Nguyen Van Hai from Vietnam makes his first international pro appearance when he takes on home boy Jerald Into. Hai is a master at many fight forms, and though he hasn't boxed for some time, his clash with the unbeaten Into will be one of the highlights of ANNIHILATION UKC.
Linn Sandstrom promised a busy 2022, and the popular Swedish up and comer returns after a successful March appearance with Aisah Alico. She matches up with Thailand visitor Khwunchit Khunya.
Mickey Pengue from Australia is an outstanding type, but was derailed in a regional belt fight recently after damaging his ear drum in the opening round. He is on a quick back up in Paranaque, looking to steady the ship against the solid Gerry Patenio. The local boxer showed good signs in his last fight against tall timber Al Cañega, so will be no pushover for the impressive Aussie.
Roland Jay Biendima is a dynamo, and after a quality showing against national Flyweight champ Ben Ligas, he scored an emphatic win over Powell Balaba. Rest assured, he will be looking to carry on the good work when he meets Joel Taduran.
ANNIHILATION UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Ali Cañega is back this August, and the man known as "Carnage" is looking to build on his growing reputation. Already successful in two bouts this year, Cañega was most recently seen in May, grinding a physical points win over Gerry Patenio (who also makes an appearance on this card against the Aussie Michael Pengue)
Marbon Bodiongan is a "wildcard" entry, but an interesting one, as he hasn't been sighted since 2019. He had two bouts that year for a win and a loss (on the road in Japan)
Why interesting ? Well this is a guy that has infrequently fought in recent years, but he can really box. "Bongbong" has knocked out boxers of the calibre of Michael Dasmarinas and Landy Cris Leon earlier in his career, so if he is anywhere near that form, Cañega is in for a helluva fight!
ALI CAÑEGA v MARBON BODIONGAN
8 rounds Super Lightweight
ANNIHILATION UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
PNG best boxer is headed to HCMC Vietnam to fight on July 28th and again in Manila on August 6th.
*story courtesy of PNG Attitude
JUNIOR RAKA : IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE GREAT
Martin Beni died last November while officiating at boxing championships in Port Moresby. It's been left to middleweight Junior Kauko Raka to carry forward Beni’s vision. He feels the old champion’s spirit at his back whenever he fights
The best Papua New Guinean boxer to emerge since Martin Beni 50 years ago departs PNG at the end of this month for bouts in the Philippines and Vietnam.
Beni had decided to return from retirement in 2018 to train lightweight boxer Junior Kauko Raka from the Bali-Vitu Islands in West New Britain Province.
“I want to witness the crowning of a PNG boxing champion before I close my eyes,” Beni said at the
But it was not to be, as the old man closed his eyes and died last November from a sudden heart attack at the age of 70 while officiating at boxing championships in Port Moresby.
It was left up to Raka to carry forward Beni’s vision and he feels the old champion’s spirit at his back whenever he fights.
Raka’s bouts in the Philippines and Vietnam are his final outings before his world title shot in October at Port Moresby’s John Guise stadium.
“This will be huge,” says a member of Raka’s support team, Joseph Kanene.
“Junior is a worthy successor to the great Martin Beni.
“Beni came out of retirement to train him believing he could become PNG’s first world champion.”
Now Kanene and Raka’s team are seeking sponsors for the bouts in the Philippines and Vietnam.
The first fight is in Vietnam on Friday 29 July and Kanene is hoping for sponsorship funding from reputable companies or organisations.
“Junior will promote their companies and merchandise and mention their names in the media every chance he gets,” said Kanene.
“He is another Martin Beni on the rise to international sporting stardom.”
Junior throws a right in a recent bout
On Saturday 6 August Raka will contest an exhibition bout in Paranaque, Manila, with Philippines champion, Roldan ‘The Cobra’ Aldea.
In Raka's previous fight against Aldea he lost narrowly on points in a World Boxing Association title match last year.
This was one of his three international bouts so far. Raka won the other two by knockout.
“Junior’s trip to Asia will remove ring rust and set him on course for the World Boxing Association’s Asia super featherweight title,” said Kanene.
“But we need more funds for the two weeks stay in the Philippines and Vietnam.
“Whoever sponsors him will get a huge boost because the country loves him and he deserves enough money to train, eat and support his family of three.”
Junior Raka is now trained by Ephraim Montero, the well-known coach and trainer from South Bougainville.
Martin Beni - the Michael Somare of the ring - put PNG boxing on the sporting world map. Now his protégée Junior Raka seeks to do it again.
It pays to be versatile, and former musician Rica Aquino makes no secret of her love for the sport of boxing. A relatively late starter to tackling the pros, the girl known as "Baby Dynamite" resumes from a three year hiatus when she clashes with debutant Erika Ballen at ANNIHILATION UKC next month.
Aquino, who also has a passionate involvement in boxing media, is a sponge for information, and is working hard on fitness and skills for her first fight back.
And who better to learn from than the exquisite Miss Gretel De Paz!
Gretel is one of the Philippines best performed pros, and was even recently a SEA Games medalist in Muay Thai. De Paz has twice been a member of the World Team against Vietnam, where she joined fighters of the calibre of Mateo Tapia, Charly Suarez, Danilo Creati, Virgel Vitor and Michael Pengue.
They say if you go swimming, you gonna get wet, and we are sure Rica got in the deep end of the pool today!
RICA AQUINO v ERIKA BALLEN
4 rounds Bantamweight
ANNIHILATION UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday August 7th
It may get rough, it may get ugly, but it’s also one of the most highly anticipated match ups at ANNIHILATION UKC this August.
RoyRoy “d’Hammer” Sumugat meets Jufel “the Lion” Salina, and they are vowing to test each other “mano e mano” - in true Southpaw style!
Jufel Salina resumed from almost a two year absence to score an excellent stoppage win against Kresler Tenorio at the end of 2021. The Lion has managed to stay busy in 2022, and it has paid dividends. He faced the promising Jonniel Laurente in February, and in what appeared anybody’s fight, the judges agreed. Tenorio earned a Majority Draw, and in this match he really displayed significant improvements on his first up win. He then faced a really promising type in the shape of Justin Cabarles, and while its fair to say his opponent had some ring rust, the manner in which Tenorio stopped Cabarles was ultra impressive. This Davao born fighter has now scored 5 wins, 4 coming by knockout, so he obviously lacks nothing in the power department. The Lion is a rapidly improving fighter on the upswing. He’s dangerous!
Roy Roy Sumugat makes his return to the ring after an unfortunate (and unexpected) stoppage loss at the hands of Juanito Paredes in late 2021. It was a match theat the man known as D’Hamer was favoured to win, but one that he will nonetheless derive plenty of benefit. Till then , it was a very successful year for the charismatic boxer.
D’Hammer had scored two stoppage victories already in 2021, and was showing no signs of slowing up!!
In May 2021, he landed a surprise round one knockout over the rugged Eljohn Evangelista, and then followed up in September with another knockout win over Glenn Bismanos. That match proved to be a great test of character for Sumugat, as he was actually dropped himself in round one, and bounced back to eventually wear down the dangerous Bismanos.
Sumugat is originally from Bacolod City, but is based in Manila with the Elorde team. He is constantly surrounded by quality fighters in that environment, and there is no doubt that the man known as D’Hammer has flourished this year with some regular sparring and competition.
Roy has a natural flair for distance and timing, and knows how to drop the hammer when he has an opponent in trouble. This former “part time” fighter is a major talent, and he has already notched up 12 wins against formidable opponents.
Be in no doubt that RoyRoy will have recovered nicely and will be in crazy shape for his assignment with Salina.
This promises to be one of the standout bouts of the day, but will also provide a real measure of how far Tenorio has grown as a fighter, or alternatively, how wilfully a vengeful Sumugat can out skill his less experienced opponent.
RoyRoy Sumugat v Jufel Salina
8 rounds Super Featherweight
ANNIHILATION UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Mark Magsayo is striving for the world #1 spot when he battles unbeaten 35 and 0 Rey Vargas in Texas today. Whilst showing flaws in his unblemished career thus far, Magsayo has equally shown an ability to improve with every new challenge, and brings speed and power to the ring that very few can surpass.
But he is not the Philippines lone hope to shine bright on the world stage!
Charly Suarez is without doubt the best and most technical boxer that the Philippines has ever produced (and yes, we are including the phenomenon that is Manny Pacquiao) He has been the most heralded amateur of the last decade, winning three SEA Games gold, and losing controversially at the Olympics to the outstanding Joe Cordina. This British boxer is now IBF World champ, after destroying Japan's Kenichi Ogawa with a stunning knockout.
The King's Warrior's world claims were scalable long ago. It is now almost part of folklore that he faced the fabled Vasyl Lomachenko on 5 days notice and visibly injured, only to make the champion work overtime to earn a victory. The Philippines Suarez was out of the ring for 18 months to rehabilitate from this extraordinary effort.
Charly Suarez has made an immediate impact in the pro ranks, and it could be argued that as successful as he was as an amateur, he's even better suited to the longer round format. The unbeaten fighter has amassed 11 wins in extra quick time, and is looking to a WBA title defense next month against Mark John Yap.
And it is expected that the busy Suarez will have at least two more fights this year.
No rest if you are chasing a world title !
Good luck to Mark Magsayo today, and to Charly Suarez, it won't be long before these world top 10 can't hide from you!
CHARLY SUAREZ v MARK JOHN YAP
WBA Asia Super Featherweight title
ANNIHILATION UKC
Paranaque Manila
Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT: https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Seven Vietnam warriors making their debuts against foreign fighters from Australia, Sweden, Papua New Guinea and Malta.
Catch all the action live from VSP Boxing Gym in HCMC on Thursday July 28th.
First bout starts at 7pm.
Get there early or watch it here live !
One of Papua New Guinea's best known fighters is headed to Manila, and has agreed to contest an exhibition bout in Paranaque on Saturday August 6th.
ANNIHILATION UKC will be preceded by a huge amateur show the day prior, and the PNG boxer will be looking for some valuable ring time to compensate for a year of inactivity. His opponent is not known yet, but will likely be a pinoy big name.
Richard Pumicpic, Jetro Pabustan, and the Wolverine JonJon Estrada are currently on the PNG banger's hit list!
Junior Raka is a former Arafura Games silver medallist, and has had 3 "official" professional bouts, winning 2 by Knockout. His loss was on points to the outstanding pinoy Roldan Aldea, in a WBA title match in early 2021.
The PNG Prodigy now has his sights set on challenging for that same belt against the freakish Charly Suarez, and his trip to the Philippines will be to remove ring rust, and to set sights on the King's Warrior as a potential future rival.
Junior Raka will head to the Philippines via HCMC Vietnam, where he will resume on Thursday July 28th. Raka takes pride of place as the main event at the show held at VSP BOXING GYM in HCMC.
Allan Villanueva looked a quality prospect ever since debuting back in 2015, winning 7 of his first 8 matches by Knockout.
He has since gone on to win 11 bouts, with his two lone losses coming at the hands of outstanding Omega boxers Carlo Bacaro and Tomjune Mangubat. Villanueva has been rewarded for his stellar form with a shot at the WBF Asia Pacific Lightweight title, but he has a significant obstacle standing between himself and victory – that being the carved from granite Al “The Rock” Toyogan!
Toyogan likewise has been in excellent touch. The Rock resumed from a two year break in late 2021, stopping Lloyd Jardeliza who was also on the comeback trail. Toyogan consolidated that form in February of this year, when he proved a brutal victor over 13 fight winner Joe Tejones. The match started in torrid fashion, and the tough Tejones wore some great shots, but the accumulation was telling, and Toyogan felled the experienced opponent in dominant style in round two.
Although short in stature, The Rock clearly packs plenty of power, and has a superb chin. Toyogan was the winner of the WBC Asia Silver title back in 2018, a title he successfully defended against the Japanese fighter Ryusei Ishii. He has shared the ring with many other outstanding boxers, and sometimes it is in defeat, that a fighter’s best qualities are seen to the fore. In 2019, The Rock faced former world champion and demonic puncher Jorge Linares, and weathered 10 torrid rounds with the star. He also landed significant shots of his own, many putting the shocked Linares back on on his heels.
Al Toyogan hails from the northern Mindanao region of Gingoog City, and went pro in 2015. In that time, he has amassed 12 wins, with his first regional title coming within 3 years of his debut. Impressive!
Add to that the fact that he has scored 8 knockouts against sturdy opposition, and you start getting the picture that facingThe Rock is no walk in the park!
Allan Villanueva and Al Toyogan are both dynamic young fighters that favour their power. This is an epic contest between two high ranked lightweights that are looking towards overseas opportunities. This will no doubt be a barnburner, and irrespective of the result, expect these two to go on to many more exciting victories.
But if Villanueva to prove successful in his quest to win the lightweight belt, the task will be easier said than done, as he will need to scale the immovable “Rock” named Al Toyogan!
Al Toyogan v Allan Villanueva
WBF Asia Pacific Lightweight title
ANNIHILATION UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT: https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Charly Suarez 11 wins WBA champion
Mark John Yap 30 wins Challenger
Two other belt titles on the line, with Al Toyogan and Allan Villanueva doing battle at Lightweight, and live wires Lito Dante and Clyde Azarcon out for blood at Minimumweight.
International visitors include former Australasian champ Michael Pengue, Swedish bombshell Linn Sandstrom, and from Vietnam, the legendary fighting man Nguyen Van Hai.
Many great fights on this card, with fight summaries coming soon!
Davao's Charly Suarez returned to Manila this week after a short stint in his native Davao. The King's Warrior is on a quick turnaround, after winning a warm up bout in Bohol in early July in preparation for his upcoming WBA title defense. The champ reunited this week with strategist and coach Delfin Boholst, who is based in Manila. Boholst has thus far proved to be a mentor of high calibre, and was himself a successful member of the Philippines national team.
Suarez was slated to fight no less than four outstanding foreign opponents for his Manila defense, with all withdrawing at the last moment for various reasons.
VSP Promotions are a huge fan of Mark John Yap, and when this boxer became available, he was immediately secured to match up with Suarez. Yap is arguably one of the best internationally performed pinoy in recent years, playing headmaster to an extremely tough school in Japan. Between 2015 and 2018, he literally terrorized that country's best fighters, before returning to the Philippines for a Knockout victory in CDO. His recent "losses" have been last moment call ups against unbeaten foreign opponents, often in unsuitable weight class.
And for those who think that Yap is past tense, THINK AGAIN, and check his most recent effort in Dubai against unbeaten Cuban Jadier Hererra.
Yap took this match at two weeks notice, jumped a weight class, and floored Hererra with a body shot. Hererra is a Cuban national champ, and world youth semi finalist, and had a massive 5 inches height advantage on Mark John Yap.
Coach Delfin Boholst is enthusiastic about the challenge ahead.
"We are really honored, and looking forward to the test against Yap. He is definitely the most experienced pro we have faced so far, and he has been a warrior for the Philippines against top fighters overseas. We do not underestimate the talents of this man, and we are preparing to see the very best of Mark John Yap in August".
"As for Suarez team, the job is never finished. We always look to improve, and we will always be prepared for any opponent. We are not looking past Mark John Yap, but going forward, we would love to fight Liam Wilson of Australia. We would also love the chance to rematch world champ Joe Codrington, it's one we are very excited for !"
Suarez v Yap will fight for the WBA Asia title in Paranaque Manila on Sunday August 7th.
Dana Coolwell weighed in 57.0kg, dead on the featherweight limit.
Bukidnon's Lorenz Ladrada looked great at 56.8kg.
The Aussie indigenous star and Ladrada will battle out 8 rounds tomorrow night at the Gold Coast on the undercard of the Mairis Briedis world cruiserweight title defense. Briedis has suffered only one loss in a glittering career, that being at the hands of current heavyweight world champ Oleksandr Usyk.
*story courtesy of Yahoo! News
Arnel Baconaje will gun for his second straight win as he takes on Aussie prospect Jackson Jon England on Sept. 2, 2022 in Australia.
Baconaje beat journeyman Leonardo Doronio last March 12 in Parañaque City. He will be gunning for his first win overseas after losing to Yasutaka Ishimoto in Japan, Lingjie Xia in China and Ivan Kozlovsky in Russia.
The 24-year-old England is looking to bounce back after suffering a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of unbeaten Paul Fleming on March 23, 2022 in Sydney. The 28-year-old Baconaje is 15-5 with 11 knockouts, while England is 13-2 with eight knockouts.
Meanwhile, featherweight prospect Lorenz Ladrada locks horns with Aussie hard-hitter Dana Coolwell on July 2 in an eight-round contest at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia.
Ladrada is looking for his second straight win after beating Jason Buenaobra by unanimous decision in his last fight on Dec. 4 in Parañaque City.
This will be Labrada’s biggest fight to date and his first international fight.
Coolwell, a former Australian champion, wants to return to his winning ways after losing to Ender Luces in an International Boxing Federation Youth super featherweight fight last April 13 in Queensland. The 23-year-old Coolwell’s other loss is also via a split decision Jake Wyllie last year. The 25-year-old Ladrada is 11-2-1 with three knockouts, while Coolwell is 7-2 with five knockouts.
Outstanding pinoy Mark John Yap returns to the local fight scene on Sunday August 7th, where he takes on rising star Charly Suarez for the WBA Asia title.
Yap has proved to be one of the Philippines most successful exports in recent years. Between 2015 and 2018, he literally tore the Japanese bantamweight division to shreds, winning and successfully defending the OPBF title on no less than four occasions. He then returned to the Philippines, and in front of his home town, knocked out the exciting 130lb prospect Ulysses Lagos (12-2)
The experienced Mark John Yap has met some of the world's best fighters, and had no hesitation jumping at the opportunity to fight the freakish Suarez.
"I know with the right preparation, I can give anyone a great fight, and I really look forward to seeing if Suarez is as good as they say".
Mark John Yap heads to Manila on August 7th with the phenomenal record of 30 wins and 15 knockouts. Considering his calibre of opponents in the last 8 years, the talented "Journey Man" could easily have amassed 50 wins !
Big news breaking is that outstanding Philippines boxer Arnel Baconaje has secured a big fight in Australia on September 2nd.
The man known as "the Silencer" will take on gifted local Jackson Jon England who boasts a 13 and 2 record. England was responsible for perhaps the best fight seen in Australia this year, when narrowly outpointed by Paul Fleming for four major titles, including WBC, WBA and IBF belts.
The match in Perth on September 2nd gives Jackson Jon England a chance to avenge that controversial loss, but his task against Baconaje, who is among Philippines elite, will be daunting.
*story courtesy Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines – With the Philippines beginning to open further after two crippling years of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, boxer Lito Dante is one of those eager to reclaim his old life and, well, battle for a championship.
On Sunday, Dante (18-11-4) will fight Cebuano pugilist Clyde Azarcon for the WBF International minimumweight championship at the Elorde Sports Complex in Sucat, Parañaque.
The bout against Azarcon will be Dante’s second of the year after the 32-year-old Bohol native knocked out Ryan Ralozo last April 30. Because of the quick win, Dante did not sustain any serious injuries that allows him to fight four months later.
“Matagal-tagal din tayo walang laban,” smiled Dante. “Kaya naghahabol din.”
Dante, who now calls Valenzuela home, also has a dual purpose in needing to win this fight.
“Kung pagpalain tayo at manalo sa laban na ito, makakabalik ako sa world rankings,” explained the man nicknamed “Naruto.”
His inactivity during the global lockdown saw him unable to defend Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation minimumweight title that he won in 2019.
“Excited ako sa laban na ito at makabawi, enthused Dante who has been training under the watchful eye of Florence Ferrer, former national team boxer, Southeast Games medalist, and known for training the first ever Filipina world boxing champion in Gretchen Abaniel.
He won’t find it easy against Azarcon, who is five years his junior and has a better overall record at 17-4-1. Furthermore, he is taller and has a slightly longer reach.
Azarcon, though, is coming off a loss to John Paul Gabunilas last March 19.
“Ang masasabi ko lang is pagbubutihin ko ang pag-ensayo at sa pagdating ng laban sa Agosto,” summed up Dante.
Dante will be co-headlining the August 7 event along with former Olympian Charly Suarez (11-0), who will defend his WBA Asia super featherweight belt against Marjohn Yap (30-16). Meanwhile, Allan Villanueva (11-2) and Al Toyogon (12-6-1) slug it out for the vacant WBF Asia Pacific lightweight championship.
*story courtesy philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines – "What is a pretty and educated girl like you doing in sweaty boxing gyms and trying to knock someone out?"
Rica Aquino has heard it before.
It’s a little more “complicated” than that.
Aquino graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of the Philippines and played with the Manila Symphony Orchestra for 10 years. She also taught music at Brent International School for six years.
Well, she still performs when the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra needs an extra musician and teaches music literature at the Philippine High School for the Arts.
But when Aquino is outside the performance hall and classroom, she’s a professional boxer.
“I have been fascinated with fighting sports (even as a child) but as a child playing the violin and as a professional musician, I was restricted in terms of the sports I wanted to do,” Rica related. “So I took up combat sports when I was an adult already and after I had resigned from the orchestra.”
Now, as a 39-year old, Aquino is looking to make her mark in professional boxing.
“I love the competitive aspect of the sport, the discipline, and of course, the risk and thrill of competing.”
Boxing is actually her third sport as she previously took up Muay Thai where she was a National Games silver medalist. She then took up mixed martial arts under the famed Team Lakay of Mark Sangiao.
On August 7, Aquino (0-0-1) will take part in her second professional fight at UKC Annihilation at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.
She will square off against a familiar foe from the past in Erika Ballen, who she first tangled with in 2017 as an amateur.
“We faced each other in 2017 and now, five years later, things have changed,” said Aquino, who won that encounter via first round technical knockout. “I’m excited to see how much we have changed and developed.”
Rica previously fought Indian boxer Deepika Tiwari, who brought her 1-1-2 record to the ring against the Filipina. The fight ended in a draw.
“The fight card in August is amazing,” enthused Aquino. “I am honored to be fighting with my idols Charly Suarez and my teammate Lito Dante. Some of the other boxers are also my friends so I am excited for this card.”
“I have been training hard for this fight as women’s fights are few in this country. I will give it my best and try to get that first professional win.”
Bukidnon's Lorenz Ladrada resumed from a 2 year hiatus in early 2021, only to enjoy the busiest of years, winning 4 of his 5 matches, and pleasingly, showing constant improvements with each outing.
His consistency has been rewarded with a fight in Australia against one of that country's best super featherweight prospects, the very "Deadly" Dana Coolwell. The Aussie is one of those beautiful indigenous fighters, really fast hands, lots of clever volume, and blessed with intuitive skills and movement! And similar to Ladrada, each time we see Coolwell he just gets better and better. His last match was a narrow points loss for a world youth title that many believe he won.
This is a really interesting fight!
Coolwell is 2 to 3 weight classes above Ladrada, who also happens to be the much shorter boxer.
But the Aussie bout will be on the "middle ground " of featherweight, and as you can see from today's picture, Ladrada will strip very strongly at this weight. Dana Coolwell is tall and still growing, so it remains to be seen if he can bring his usual energy and pop to this world title undercard.
This is one of best undercards in Australia this year, and Ladrada v Coolwell is the main support to the world cruiser title between Mairis Briedis and Jai Opetaia.
Action coming from the Gold Coast July 2nd.
GO LADRADA !!!
Bukidnon's Lorenz "Cerberus" Ladrada ventures to Australia to face outstanding prospect Dana Coolwell at the Gold Coast on July 2nd.
On what is a night showcasing some of of Australia's best talent, Ladrada fights on the main undercard to a cracking world title Cruiserweight showdown between Mairis Briedis and Jai Opetaia.
Dana Coolwell is a natural super featherweight, and Ladrada a super bantam, yet the Aussie match will be held on middle ground of featherweight !
Whilst Coolwell will hold a height and reach advantage, what will be key is whether he can maintain his outstanding workrate at this lower weight class. If down on energy, he faces a tough night at the office with the Philippines' Lorenz Ladrada !!
FORMER Olympian Charly Suarez returns to the ring on Aug. 7 to defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia super featherweight belt against what should be one of his toughest opponent to date, veteran Marjohn Yap, in the main event of UKC Tiger - “Annihilation” at the Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Center in Parañaque City.
The 33-year-old Suarez hopes to get a world ranking and an impressive win over an experienced former regional champion like Yap could boost him up the super-featherweight ladder.
Suarez started the year 2022 with a 12th-round technical knockout of prospect Tomjune Mangubat to win the vacant WBA Asia super-featherweight strap in Parañaque City last March. He followed it up with a unanimous decision win over tough Junny Salogaol last June 10 in Bohol.
Yap, on the other hand, is on a three-fight slump, fighting in the US and Dubai.
The 33-year-old Yap lost to one-time world title challenger Angelo Leo, undefeated American up-and-comer Angel Alejandro and unbeaten Cuban prospect Jadier Herrera.
Before his short campaign in the US, Yap had an impressive seven-year stint in Japan, where he won the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) bantamweight belt and went 12-5. He won against the likes of former interim WBA minimumweight champion Juan Jose Landaeta and three-time world title challenger Hiroyuki Kudaka.
Suarez is 11-0 with seven knockouts, while Yap is 30-16 with 15 knockouts.
Also featured in the same card are two World Boxing Foundation (WBF) regional bouts.
Clyde Azarcon (17-4-1, 6 KOs) fights against battle-scarred veteran Lito Dante (18-11-4, 10 KOs) for the vacant WBF International minimumweight strap, while Allan Villanueva (11-2, 8 KOs) slugs it out with Al Toyogon (12-6-1, 8 KOs) for the vacant WBF Asia Pacific lightweight belt.
Also booked in the undercard is Vietnamese Van Hai Nguyen (2-0, 1 KO) taking on fellow unbeaten prospect Jerald Into (4-0, 4 KOs).
*story courtesy SunStar
*photo: Suarez and Vietnam's Nguyen Van Hai
With three Championship title matches in one event, UKC Tiger ANNIHILATION brings to you triple-header championship matches with 18 undercard bouts!
Featuring the title defense of WBA Asia Super featherweight champion Charly "King's Warrior" Suarez, as well as two vacant championship matches for the WBF International Minimumweight title and the WBF Asia Pacific Lightweight title.
All of these must-watch fights are set to take place at the Grand Ballroom, Elorde Sports Complex, Sucat, Paranaque City on August 7th.
One of the most interesting bouts at ANNIHILATION UKC will feature the appearance of Vietnam's Nguyen Van Hai.
Hai is regarded as the most experienced "multiple forms" fighter in Vietnam, whether it be with gloves, kicks or sticks!
Despite not having competed as a boxer in a long time, Hai has the muscle memory to fight any size, and at any time. The 59kg fighter was listed to fight Jino Rodrigo at 64kg as recently as March, but was unable to fulfill due to planes not flying.
This time around, he is pitched against the very promising and unbeaten southpaw Jerald Into at 61kg, a fighter that achieved 4 KO in his wins thus far. Into obviously has power, but impressively, sets everything up with a nice jab and is very clever at precise shot selection.
Nguyen Van Hai is well known in Vietnam for sparring westerners literally 30kg heavier than himself, so its fair to presume that nothing daunts this man, and his clash with Into will be one of the highlight bouts on Sunday August 7th.
There were lots of promising fighters at last night's show in Bohol, spearheaded by victories by local Virgel Vitor and Davao's Charly Suarez in the co-main events.
Rhonvex Capuloy is definitely one to keep on the watch list, scoring a stoppage win with a body shot in the second round.
Perhaps the most competitive contest of the night was between Joseph Sumabong and Zandy Padiran, with Sumabong prevailing with a points win.
This was high quality work from both fighters, and whilst Sumabong deserved the decision with some artful strikes, Zandy Padiran was ultra impressive. It is almost impossible to believe that these two fighters only have four wins between them, as they both showed signs of being way more experienced. Definitely put a watch on these two, they are both excellent.
Charly Suarez was in training mode with a shutout win over a tough and resilient Junny Salogaol in Bohol last night.
The King's Warrior was chasing some rounds in preparation for his upcoming title defense, and Salogaol did admirably to weather the storm and survive the 6 rounds. While it's fair to say that Suarez's opponent came to survive rather than compete, the plan worked, and the King's Warrior was able to dazzle the crowd with his footwork, hand speed and withering combinations.
WBA title defense is coming August 7th !
This will be a stacked show, and held in the Elorde Ballroom in Paranaque and must not be missed. It's possibly the last chance to see Charly Suarez to fight in front of his home crowd, so get there to cheer him on. LOUDLY!!!
Announcement on who will be the Suarez opponent, and the rest of the fight card coming soon.
FORMER Olympian Charly Suarez keeps himself busy in a six-round fight against journeyman Junny Salogaol on June 10 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
Suarez is coming off the biggest win of his career after stopping young prospect Tomjune Mangubat to win the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia super featherweight belt last March 12 in Paranaque City.
The 33-year-old Suarez is preparing for a title defense in August against a foreign opponent.
Salogaol, in the meantime, is a very experienced fighter that has elite opposition, the likes of Hiroaki Teshigawara and Joe Noynay.
He’s dropped his last four contests and is coming off a split decision loss against former regional champion Jessie Cris Rosales.
Suarez is 10-0 with seven knockouts, while Salogaol is 14-19-5 with 13 knockouts.
Virgel Vitor faces Jecker Buhawe in a six-round co-main event.
Vitor won three straight fights since losing to veteran Mark Anthony Geraldo. He’s coming off a unanimous decision win over Lorence Rosas last December.
Buhawe, on the other hand, is on a six-fight slump and is fresh from a second round knockout in the hands of Jun Blazo last April.
Vitor is 16-2 with nine knockouts, while Buhawe is 16-16-1 with 10 knockouts.
In the undercard, Danrick Sumabong (11-2, 8 KOs) locks horns with Royder Lloyd Borbon (6-12-1, 6 KOs); Rhonvex Capuloy (7-2, 4 KOs) fights Vicento Casido (6-4-1, 2 KOs); Joseph Sumabong (1-0, 1 KO) trades leathers with Zandy Padiran (3-3-1, 1 KO); Chris John Daan (1-0) is up against Cedie Noblefranca (0-7-1); and Richard Taculod makes his pro debut against Steve Noblefranca (1-4-1).
* story courtesy of SunStar
Fights start at 6pm
WATCH IT LIVE AT: https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Make sure you tune in tomorrow night for some fun fight action direct from the mystical island of Bohol.
All boxers made weight at a very relaxed event held earlier today.
Danrick Sumabong and Virgel Vitor are two of the better known fighters taking part in Friday's pro card, which will be preceded by some high octane amateur action.
Watch the fights on Elorde TV, and shared here live, from 6pm.
Junny Salogaol and Charly Suarez look ready to hit the blue water, and they will, but not until after tomorrow's big event on the picturesque Island of Bohol.
Both fighters weighed in at 132 for their bout on Friday evening, with Salogaol looking the bigger of the two.
Junny resumes from SD loss to Jessie Cris Rosales at super lightweight (140) and Suarez is a touch above his usual fight weight of 130.
Charly Suarez will defend his WBA title in Manila on August 7th, and the sojourn to Bohol is a great opportunity to help prepare for that match. It is expected that Suarez will be facing an unbeaten foreign boxer, with news on that coming soon.
Boxing fans, don't miss some top class fighters showing their stuff this Friday evening on the beautiful island of Bohol.
Rhonvex Capuloy, Virgel Vitor, Danrick Sumabong and none other than the King's Warrior Charly Suarez will take part in this fantastic provincial offering to boxing lovers.
The appearance of Philippines best boxer Charly Suarez is a huge treat for locals, as it is likely the last opportunity to seem him perform live. His bout will be a prelude to a WBA defense in Manila on August 7th, which will likely mark the champ's last local appearance for some time.
It is expected that Suarez will fight overseas in October, and again in Vietnam on December 11th, in pursuit of more titles and world rankings.
News on a Suarez opponent for August 7th in Manila is expected to break soon.
JonJon Estrada working with former WBO world champ Tomoki Kameda today in Osaka.
Kameda is known as "El Mexicanito" The Little Mexican, whilst Estrada has achieved cult status as "the Wolverine "
Based on the ring monikers, you know that their sparring was no place for the faint hearted!
Tomoki Kameda returns to the ring on July 30 against William Encarcion, and will look to add to his impressive resume of 38 wins and 20 knockouts.
The Philippines Estrada is likely to fight in Japan on July 23, carrying a record of 15 wins, 14 by sadistic stoppage!
Boxers need to keep busy!
Charly Suarez defends his WBA title in Manila on August 7th, but will take part in a provincial event this Friday to assist in his preparations for that task.
And because Bohol love their boxing!
Some great fighters will compete at the show, including local star Virgel Vitor (16 wins), Danrick Sumabong (11 wins) and Rhonvex Capuloy (7 wins).
This is a great opportunity for Suarez to get some rounds in before his Manila assignment on August 7th.
Expect a WBA title opponent to be named for the King's Warrior in coming days.
The true to life, modern day action hero himself, THE WOLVERINE, JonJon Estrada on the plane this morning and heading to Osaka.
Estrada won't be on holiday while he's there, he has the important job of preparing former world champ Tomoki Kameda (38 wins) for his upcoming bout with some torrid sparring sessions.
All we can say is, good luck Kameda, you're gunna need it!
Annihilation UKC is assembling an all star cast for Sunday August 7th!
We are going for an international flavour and have already secured Michael Pengue (Australia), Linn Sandstrom (Sweden) and the iconic Nguyễn Văn Hải (Vietnam) to come to Manila and mix it up with the Philippines fighters.
The biggest news is that Charly Suarez will defend his WBA belt, and we are very close to terms with a foreign opponent that claims he will halt the world title aspirations of the local star.
We say - bring it on!
This will be a MUST NOT MISS event, big news breaking soon on the full fight card!
Nobody does SELF BELIEF better than George "Ferocious" Kambosos.
And nobody disputes the ethereal skills of Devin "the Dream" Haney.
But as Kambosos bluntly puts it
"Haney will be ready for this fight, but I am ready to go to WAR!"
Great pic sums it up at today's media conference, courtesy of:
Vinny Nguyen photography
