JonJon Estrada is surely the Philippines’ most popular and iconic fighter!
The Wolverine JonJon Estrada is unleashed again this December, taking his superhero persona and hammer like fists to The Grand Ho Tram.
Estrada, known as "the Wolverine", has achieved cult status courtesy of his "don't die wondering" fighting style.
JonJon Estrada has perfected a low, stalking attack that has opponents constantly retreating, often to a violent demise. His record of 14 knockouts from his 15 wins paints a stark picture, as does his ominous bludgeoning of those that go toe to toe. The Wolverine had a blistering 2021, winning his last three bouts with stoppages that would get most men arrested ! And he carried that menace into 2022. And now it is Vietnam's turn !
Australian trainer Tony Del Vecchio sung the praises of JonJon Estrada recently :
" I love the pinoy style, they are always very physical, combative and exciting. They turn up to entertain, and to hurt. I have seen some big hitters in the Philippines, but I swear, this guy JonJon Estrada is the scariest puncher I have seen ! Man, the guy has a serious chin too, I saw him fight Suarez, and what can I say, I'm a big fan!"
The Wolverine is as complicated as he is simple. To defeat him, you need to avoid being knocked out. Sounds simple enough !
The Wolverine heads to the Esforta Arena Hachioji in Tokyo today, pitted against hot young local prospect Kai Watanabe (9-1).
The Japanese bout will see Estrada jump up a weight class to Super Featherweight, so Watanabe will prove a "Tall" order.
JonJon Estrada is one of the toughest and hardest hitters in Philippines boxing, so he should have his share of fun in there despite the ominous task.
Pablito Canada and JonJon Estrada make great fights, and Saturday's was no different.
Minus the little kerfuffle near the end, where both boys were getting frustrated, and it was a really good contest with plenty of to and fro.
JonJon Estrada is known for his power, and although he showed more patience than usual in the longer duration 10 round bout, he still found time for some signature Wolverine moves.
Ladies and gentlemen - I give you, the very deadly lead left hook !
"I'm the best at what I do, but what I do, IS NOT VERY NICE!" - Wolverine
Can JonJon Estrada overcome the Tornado that is Pablito Canada?
5 days to wait!
ESTRADA v CANADA 4
JonJon Estrada, Jino Rodrigo, and Enrique Magsalin headline a great card at Angono Gym this weekend. That's some serious firepower right there !!
3 days to go
ENGKWENTRO ng mga
KAMAO sa ANGONO
Angono Gym, Angono, Rizal
Sabado, Mayo 27, 2023 3:00 pm
Pablito Canada has found the Wolverine to be his kryptonite in their previous three meetings.
In each match, Pablito Canada has looked the winner at various stages, only to fall victim to the relentless punishment of JonJon Estrada.
Canada says we will see a very different game plan and result this Saturday.
Great fight AGAIN !! Estrada Canada #4
"I'm the best at what I do, but what I do, IS NOT VERY NICE!" - Wolverine
Can JonJon Estrada overcome the Tornado that is Pablito Canada?
5 days to wait!
ESTRADA v CANADA 4
We got Canada v Estrada #2 coming tomorrow !
Their first clash was fight of the year, and it's on again, as Pablito Canada and JonJon Estrada made weight just moments ago.
These two killers go at it in a "no place for the faint hearted" featherweight war tomorrow in Parañaque City.
Both fighters approach tomorrow's clash brimming with confidence, having executed stoppage wins at their most recent appearances.
The Wolverine JonJon Estrada is especially adept in this department, and some would say an expert.
He has put opponents to the canvas in 14 of his 15 victories !! Ouch !!
UKC REVOLUTION 2O23
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
Jonjon Estrada does fight week better than most.
He also does remorseless acts of violence pretty damn well too.
14 Knockouts in his 15 wins sends a frightening message as to how he likes to get the job done.
Blunt force trauma and maniacal bludgeoning !
This is the life of the Wolverine.
JonJon Estrada v Pablito Canada
6 rounds Featherweight 126lb
UKC REVOLUTION 2O23
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
Manila's Pablito Canada had a career record that included a run of losses, but all against the big dogs, and they were bouts where he was responsible for some great performances.
So when he faced JonJon Estrada, he knew he was facing a dangerous yet flawed fighter, and it was a match that he was super confident of winning.
Estrada v Canada was a slugfest, and in spite of Pablito reversing his fortunes and putting the Wolverine in trouble, he ultimately fell for the trap of going toe to toe with a knockout artist.
Canada was quick to make amends, travelling to the backyard of hot Mindanao prospect Michael Casama, and stopping the unbeaten boxer in the 8th round.
Pablito Canada now turns his eyes to the Wolverine, and feels he has unfinished business with the man with two fists of iron.
This will be a mega fight.
Both boxers are predicting an early night for their opponent.
Pablito Canada v JonJon Estrada
6 rounds Featherweight 126lb
UKC REVOLUTION 2O23
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions/videos/1240692073325093/
JonJon Estrada meets Pablito Canada for the second time at UKC REVOLUTION 2O23 next Monday.
Their first fight was one of the most exciting of the year, with Canada dropped multiple times, and Estrada significantly wobbled. To make things even more interesting, Pablito Canada has rebounded since with an outstanding knockout win over the previously unbeaten Michael Casama. Canada has chased Estrada to avenge their initial meeting, and is confident of reversing the result.
The Wolverine has achieved cult like status because of his stalking predatory style, and his remorseless bludgeoning of opponents. His record of 14 knockouts in 15 wins bellows a cautionary tale.
So JonJon, any words to your opponent before your upcoming match ?
"Yes. Wear a crash helmet !"
Nice advice Mr. Estrada.
UKC REVOLUTION 2023
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions/videos/5770077586363099
The closest thing Manila has to a modern day super hero is right now on a blood lust, and he is counting the days for his ring return at UKC REVOLUTION 2023 at the end of this month.
The Wolverine is back, and is already in what appears to be menacing shape, all set to face a previous and very determined foe - Pablito Canada.
Canada pulled off an outstanding knockout performance last start against the unbeaten Michael Casama, and is confident about repeating the dose with JonJon Estrada. The tall and rangy fighter considered himself unlucky when he previously tackled the Wolverine, and has been desperate to make amends ever since.
JonJon Estrada remains unimpressed by the rejuvenated Pablito Canada.
"I have trained hard to make it a great fight, and I will be doing my very best to win."
It could be argued that Canada was the victim of the wrong game plan when these two featherweights met previously.
In what was likely the "fight of the year", Pablito Canada decided to go toe to toe rather than box with the shorter Estrada. This proved to be his undoing, despite the fact that he undoubtedly has power, as he emphasized with the Casama stoppage.
So are we likely to see another trench warfare between Estrada and Canada ?
"I will come forward because that is my style. I love to bang, and if Pablito wants to also, it's perfect with me !
I promise to make the match exciting for the fans, and I love to make the big knockouts. Everyone will see the Wolverine in the ring very soon. I'm ready to hunt and kill!" offered the quietly spoken, but brooding JonJon Estrada.
Hard to imagine this one going the distance - Pablito Canada and JonJon Estrada are both predicting KNOCKOUT.
Don't miss this one, its possibly the bout of the day.
UKC REVOLUTION 2023
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
January 30 locked in.
And so is one of the Philippines' most chaotic fighters of all time - the man who wrote the book
"DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES"
Yes it's THE WOLVERINE JonJon Estrada
Full fight card coming soon.
JonJon Estrada is set for a January 30 return to the ring, after a dominant performance in Vietnam earlier this month.
News on an opponent and January fight card coming soon.
Opening bout action between the merciless Wolverine JonJon Estrada and Muay Thai champ "Nak Su" Thai Hoang Huy.
Estrada brings his trademark violence to Vietnam!
JonJon Estrada enjoys the flowers and trophy moments after experiencing his first time victory in Vietnam. The Wolverine debuted in the only way he knows how - with a stoppage win, over local Muay Thai fighter Thai Hoang Huy. Estrada appeared very relaxed in the opening round, yet dropped his Vietnam opponent with a two punch combo. He then closed the show in the 4th round with Thai Hoang Huy unable to answer the Wolverine's beserk attack while pinned to the ropes.
FORTUNES OF WAR FIGHT REPLAYS
All the action from 7 great bouts at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino :
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS
Thai Hoang Huy 57.2kg (Vietnam)
JonJon Estrada 56.9kg (Philippines)
Jetro Pabustan, JonJon Estrada and Mark John Yap looking impossibly handsome and ready for Fortunes of War this morning in Ho Tram.
GIRLS - TAKE A TICKET AND WAIT YOUR TURN !
Vietnam Tiger Thai Hoang Huy meets his hero "The Wolverine" Jonjon Estrada for the first time today.
Vietnam and Philippines are great competitors, and today's friends will be fierce combatants at FORTUNES OF WAR this Saturday at The Grand Ho Tram Resort.
THREE WISE MONKEYS SPEAK NO EVIL
Deeds speak louder than words, and these three killers plan to do their talking in the ring this Saturday night at FORTUNES OF WAR in Ho Tram Vietnam.
Jetro Pabustan, JonJon Estrada and Mark John Yap enjoy a healthy meal and will leave for The Grand Ho Tram later today.
The trio have promised fight fans they will bring all guns loaded and put on a display that fight fans will never forget.
FORTUNES OF WAR
The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino
Saturday December 10
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!
Jonjon Estrada was recently ranked #1 in the Philippines for Featherweight division. Listen to his experience and what he thinks about Vietnam and the upcoming fight.
The Wolverine is in stone cold menacing form at today's media day !
JonJon Estrada confirmed at today's interview that there will be no mercy coming for his Vietnam opponent :
"The Wolverine is ready to go BESERK !"
JonJon Estrada v Thai Hoang Huy
4 rounds Featherweight 57kg
FORTUNES OF WAR
The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino
Saturday December 10
Live from 6pm Vietnam 7pm Philippines
Jetro Pabustan, Arnel Baconaje, Aljum Pelesio, Toto Laurente and JonJon Estrada are pictured at VSP Boxing Gym today with Mr. Sang Bum Kim.
Mr. Kim is the owner of Cocky Buffalo Gym and is the head promoter for the Fortunes of War event to be held at The Grand Ho Tram Resort next Saturday.
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
MEET OUR FORTUNES OF WAR FIGHTERS !
FIGHT 1 Thai Hoang Huy v JonJon Estrada
THAI HOANG HUY Debut
26 yrs old / Orthodox / Nak Su / 170cm / 57kg Featherweight
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam / Maxkado Gym HCMC
When talking about the fabled Vietnamese Tiger fighting spirit, they surely must have based the narrative around Thai Hoang Huy !
This former HCMC Muay Thai champion fell in love with boxing only in recent times, and will make his debut against an absolute killer named JonJon Estrada - a man who has created absolute carnage in just about every fight he contests.
Estrada has scored 15 wins as a professional and owns THE BEST knockout stats in the featherweight division - 14 of his victims have been put to sleep !
And Thai Hoang Huy has NEVER even competed in a boxing match !
His ring name is Nak Su, which naturally enough,means WARRIOR. .
So what are the upsides for this apparently “out of his depth” upstart Nak Su ?
Huy is big and strong, and has a hardened body and resolve from his years of Muay Thai. He is also very agile and athletic, and he likely holds a speed advantage over the Philippines’ Estrada.
Thai Hoang Huy is very aware of his assignment.against Estrada, and has studied the aggressive crouching style of his opponent, and the angles at which he leverages his biggest and most hurtful punches. He is confident that he has the game plan to subdue the destructive Wolverine., and he is looking forward to the challenge.
Huy is clearly the least experienced of these Vietnam debutants, and he has the most dangerous task, but if he can avoid knockout, then he certainly has the athletic prowess to have good moments in this match. It will clearly create huge interest to see how a Muay Thai champion fares with an absolute knockout artist in the boxing arena.
JONJON ESTRADA 15 wins
33 yrs old / Orthodox / Wolverine / 165cm / 57kg Featherweight
San Andres, Quezon, Philippines / VSP Elorde Gym Manila
JonJon Estrada is surely the Philippines’ most popular and iconic fighter!
The Wolverine JonJon Estrada is unleashed again this December, taking his superhero persona and hammer like fists to The Grand Ho Tram.
Estrada, known as "the Wolverine", has achieved cult status courtesy of his "don't die wondering" fighting style.
JonJon Estrada has perfected a low, stalking attack that has opponents constantly retreating, often to a violent demise. His record of 14 knockouts from his 15 wins paints a stark picture, as does his ominous bludgeoning of those that go toe to toe. The Wolverine had a blistering 2021, winning his last three bouts with stoppages that would get most men arrested ! And he carried that menace into 2022. And now it is Vietnam's turn !
Australian trainer Tony Del Vecchio sung the praises of JonJon Estrada recently :
" I love the pinoy style, they are always very physical, combative and exciting. They turn up to entertain, and to hurt. I have seen some big hitters in the Philippines, but I swear, this guy JonJon Estrada is the scariest puncher I have seen ! Man, the guy has a serious chin too, I saw him fight Suarez, and what can I say, I'm a big fan!"
The Wolverine is as complicated as he is simple. To defeat him, you need to avoid being knocked out. Sounds simple enough !
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 !
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
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.
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
JonJon Estrada and Yushi Fujita make weight in Osaka Japan earlier today.
Fujita is a tall and rangy fighter with 9 wins, and like most of his countrymen, is strong and durable.
But Estrada carries the Equalizer, that being the sleeping pills he confidently holds in both hands, and owning a long history of violence, having "slept" 14 opponents in his 15 wins !
This is a great match up because Fujita likes to trade, and this may play directly into the sharpened claws of the man known as THE WOLVERINE !
Cris Ganoza, JonJon Estrada and Roland Jay Biendima at Ninoy Aquino Airport pictured early this morning, and bound for Osaka Japan.All three Elorde boys will fight this Sunday, but at two different events.Cris Ganoza meets unbeaten Goki Kobayashi on the same card as Roland Biendima, who matches up with Tetsuro Ohashi.Meanwhile, in another part of Osaka, if they are hearing blood curdling screams, you will know why!The Wolverine JonJon Estrada goes to war with Yushi Fujita, and this will be EPIC! Fujita loves to trade, and has the style that really plays into the hands of the Philippines cult hero and KO specialist Estrada. This will definitely be an action fan's dream fight, and a very clear example of, you get to live or die by the sword !Great match up but predicting a Wolverine victory in Osaka !
Yes! Saturday is work day too! These three Elorde boys are busy honing the skills and building bone and muscle. Jules Victoriano just returned from Vietnam, where he had a huge encounter with local lightweight champ Dinh Hong Quan.
Cris Ganoza and the Wolverine have exciting times ahead, and will venture to Japan this month. Ganoza takes on unbeaten Goki Kobayashi, whilst Estrada looks to put the claws into Yushi Fujita.
WATCH OUT JAPAN!
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
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.
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!
Big thrill to see "the Ferocious" Carlo Magali back in the ring at Sunday’s BATTLEFIELD. Carlo is one of the most rugged fighters in Philippines boxing, and he turned out in career best shape for his stoush with Charly Suarez in the main event.
Magali started very strongly and in fact edged Suarez in round 3, but it became obvious that the King's Warrior was not going to risk trading with the battle hardened warrior.The match up turned out to be stylistically wrong for Magali, but he certainly showed the physical menace that would really hurt a less lateral opponent than Suarez. We really look forward to The Ferocious appearing again soon, and watching him bust up whatever is in front of him!
*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.
Hot on the heels of Charly Suarez's clinical WBA and National title win yesterday, the champion's focus now moves to his next assignment. The King's Warrior has been approached to fight in Vietnam in December, and the Philippines' most "ducked" fighter is looking to take his first international scalp on foreign soil.
It seems at this stage, the US, Australia and Japan have stamped Suarez papers as "too dangerous", and given his amateur and pro record, this is hardly surprising! So the search is on for top quality guns that are ready to be lit up by Suarez.
One name that interestingly resurfaced recently was that of a fighter who apparently still holds an opinion on the Philippines star. Charly Suarez was recently made subject of a “call out” by Indonesia’s #1 fighter Defry Palulu, a hard hitter with a 25 and 2 record.
Palulu is classed as one of his country’s best since the mighty Chris John, and the heavy handed southpaw was meant to defend his WBC regional belt against Suarez back in 2020, a match that was cancelled due to the pandemic. At the time Palulu was confident of dismantling the fledgling pro Suarez, and to this day, he still remains optimistic about the task:
Charly Suarez has done very well in his career so far, but I feel I am now a stronger fighter than i was back in 2020, and I just know he hasn’t yet fought someone of my ability. I am hearing that he is the best in Asia at 130, some say even in the world, but I know that I have the power to hurt him and slow his fast hands. "I have been in with many "amateur style" boxers before, and it always ends the same way for them!” warned the man aptly tagged “the Unseen Hammer” !!
Defry Palulu is unbeaten in three fights since returning from the pandemic, and has experienced only one loss in the last 9 years - a split decision loss that he later avenged. VSP Promotions will look into this guy - if the quotes are real, and he's ready to walk the walk, this could be interesting!
Champion Philippines boxer Mark John Yap and Team Raka trainer Ephraim Montoru meet after the historic bout between PNG and Philippines.
What was the topic they discussed? " Mark, which one in your opinion is better?
The San Miguel or riding the Red Horse? "was Ephraim's opener !
Papua New Guinea's very popular Junior Kauko Raka enjoys a meal with other competing boxers after yesterday's huge BATTLEFIELD card in Parañaque Manila.
Raka put on a stoic display in a cracking undercard fight with Philippines champion Mark John Yap.
Junior Raka pressured Yap throughout, winning the admiration of the crowd.
This was the first match for the PNG PRODIGY in almost two years, so expect to see a vastly improved fighter in future bouts.
And our advice is that anyone that is thinking of facing Raka ,?
WATCH OUT ! You are in for one hell of a fight!
PNG PRODIGY IS ON THE MARCH !
Despite a slow start, RoyRoy Sumugat wore down a very good looking Ivor Lastrilla.
Lastrilla appeared to outbox Sumugat in the opening sequence, and he looked to be in career best form. He definitely created problems for RoyRoy, and there are wins in store for this smart boxer without doubt. But it was Sumugat to the fore in latter rounds, with his accuracy and nice combination punching earning him the stoppage.
After the gunshots have fallen silent, and the smoke has cleared !
Huge performances tonight from Mark John Yap and Junior Kauko Raka.
Yap showed all his boxing skills and put an exclamation mark on why he has been a multiple title holder. This "Journeyman" has a lot left in the tank, and he looks invigorated at 130lb.
Raka was a junkyard dog, constantly pressing the champion Yap onto the back foot. Junior Raka showed understandable signs of ring rust, but it was a wholehearted display that won the plaudits of Philippines fans, and was sure to make PNG proud.
Make no mistake, Raka will derive huge benefit from tonight's performance and he will be a menace to top fighters in the division.
Top quality bout. Bravo !
Eddie Alcoba jr Wins by KO
Romeo Tenorio Wins by UD
"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
Papua New Guinea's boxing star Junior Kauko Raka touched down in Manila late last night, but the Prodigy Team are already in the Elorde Gym early this morning.
Junior Kauko Raka went through a light workout, ably assisted by trainers Nelson John and Ephraim Montoru.
Despite the fact that the harder preparation has already been done, Raka will work in the gym this week to ensure he is on track for Saturdays weigh in.
Raka will compete in the 59kg Super Featherweight class (130lb) against Philippines international star Mark John Yap.
Papua New Guinea's Junior Kauko Raka ready and waiting to embark on his Philippines adventure at Port Moresby Airport. Raka will take on one of the Philippines greatest - Mark John "The Journeyman" Yap in what is guaranteed to be no place for the faint hearted.
Yap is the winner of 30 bouts, and tore some of Japan's best fighters to shreds in accumulating three OPBF championship belts. In contrast, Junior Kauko Raka has 2 pro wins, yet has as many as 7 knockout wins in "unofficial" contests.
This potential match up is already shaping as a red hot bonfire NOBODY IN THE PHILIPPINES WANTED TO FIGHT MARK JOHN YAP!
But Junior Raka jumped at the chance to fight him "GIVE YAP TO ME!" Great stuff! So excited to see these two greats!
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila, Sunday October 23rd
BE THERE, OR WATCH IT LIVE !
The great man Martin Beni put Papua New Guinea's boxing on the map back in the 1970's when he was successful against many of Australia's best fighters. Beni went on to beat an Australian and Commonwealth Lightweight champion, and at his peak, was rated in the top 30 fighters in the world at that weight.
On Sunday October 23rd, Junior Kauko Raka continues the PNG proud tradition of love of sports and boxing, when he takes on a formidable task in the shape of Mark John Yap. The Journeyman is one of the Philippines best, with 30 professional wins and 3 OPBF titles on his resume.
Says Raka on the topic of national hero Martin Beni:
"Martin lived his life around the boxing ring and while it was shocking and sad to see him pass in front of us; he was someone that remained true to the sport all the way to his last day.
When I joined boxing, I would always hear stories of Martin Beni and how he fought some of the best fighters in Australia and I’m so honoured to have met and worked alongside him.
I grew as a boxer with Martin ever since I started as an amateur in 2009.
There was a lot of struggle with boxing when I joined but despite all the politics and issues with who was in charge of the sport, he always remained true to the sport.
Before I turned professional, he would come around for some of my fights and talk to me and give me advice on what I was doing wrong.
One thing that I would always remember him by was his belief in me.
I made him a promise that I would win an internationally recognised title. I came close to fulfilling that promise but it wasn’t to be. I will keep pursuing that promise with the time I have left in my career."
Junior Kauko Raka v Mark John Yap
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday October 23rd
RoyRoy Sumugat v Ivor Lastrilla
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday October 23rd
Be there or watch it here live !
Great to see Papua New Guinea embracing boxing and recognising the achievements of athletes like Junior Kauko Raka.
Big thanks to the Pang family and Northern Property Valuers for assisting the PNG PRODIGY Junior Raka on his journey to the Philippines, and his big fight with Pinoy star Mark John Yap.
Manila Lightweight DEADLY Daffy Dempo is back in action next Sunday with a highly anticipated bout with fellow Manila boxer Jonniel Laurente.
This will be the first match for the popular boxer since 2019, when Dempo comprehensively outscored Danny Manosa. Prior to that, DEADLY was involved in a drawn bout with the wild man Jino Rodrigo, who also appears on this card.
Daffy Dempo v Jonniel Laurente
8 rounds Lightweight 132lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday October 23rd
Palawan boxer Jahzeel Trinidad aims to keep his unbeaten record (6 wins) intact when he tackles JC Francisco (8 wins) next week.
This will be his toughest test so far, but this high energy boxer known as "Lion Hearted" has all the right tools to make it a thriller with the more experienced Francisco.
Jahzeel Trinidad v JC Francisco
8 rounds Flyweight 112lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Nguyễn Văn Duong and Brazil's outstanding Esquiva Falcao are just two of the big names taking part in the "friendly" at Cocky Buffalo gym in Ho Chi Minh City today.
Falcao was a silver medallist winner at the 2012 Olympics, and has since gone on an unbeaten 30 fight winning streak as a pro. The world #14 will spar Vietnam Lightweight champ Dinh Hong Quan as part of today's exhibition.
DInh Hong Quan, Nguyễn Văn Duong, Vu Thanh Dat and many others joining Brazilian champ Esquiva Falcao in a friendly sparring day today at Cocky Buffalo gym in District 7 HCMC today.
Papua New Guinea's Junior Kauko Raka offers to go toe to toe with Cagayan de Oro's outstanding boxer Mark John Yap.
Junior Kauko Raka v Mark John Yap
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Expect things to get crazy !
Ali Cañega v Jerwin Mejes
8 rounds Super Lightweight 140lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Mr. Heart Throb is BACK, and he is aiming to leave a long trail broken hearts, starting this October 23rd!!
Claudevan Sese v Albert Alcoy
6 rounds Super Bantamweight 122lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Mark John Yap v Junior Kauko Raka
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
COUNTDOWN for Suarez v Magali
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Papua New Guinea's hard man Junior Kauko Raka responded to recent suggestions that Mark John Yap would put an exclamation mark on their clash by going for the knockout. Whilst Yap, and perhaps the whole of the Philippines, know what potential dangers the PNG Prodigy brings to the ring, they are also aware that the safest plan is to get him out of there as soon as possible.
The scheduled 8 round fight will take place in just over two weeks from now, and Raka had this to say:
"Knockout ? Well let's see!
We won't be running like ring girls, and I'm ready to fight toe to toe, so he won't have to go looking for me. We will see who stays standing!"
Spoken in true Warrior spirit!
PNG's Raka has experienced only one loss in 10 bouts, a points decision at the hands of top flight pinoy Roldan Aldea in a WBA title match. The powerful Port Moresby boxer has scored 7 knockouts along a path of destruction, and notably, is yet to be dropped.
This will be a compelling match up, with "The Journeyman" Mark John Yap starting a warm favourite, but likely to experience a torrid time with his PNG foe.
D'HAMMER HAS BLUE SKYS IN HIS SIGHTS
RoyRoy Sumugat v Ivor Lastrilla
8 rounds Lightweight 135lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
The Journeyman Mark John Yap is in training in Manila, and has promised to be at his destructive best this month when he contests the main undercard match prior to the giant Charly Suarez v Carlo Magali clash.
Yap is slated to fight Papua New Guinea's premier boxer Junior Kauko Raka, and is philosophical, despite suffering 4 losses on the trot. But the defeats need to be examined more closely and put in perspective !
Three of these losses were at the hands of top class unbeaten foreign opponents, where matching was done at the very last moment to ensure making weight would prove extremely difficult. Nonetheless, Yap produced really good touches in each of these bouts, and actually dropped the unbeaten Cuban Jadier Hererra whilst incurring a points loss.
Mark John Yap prepared in the altitude of Baguio prior to his August stoush with Charly Suarez, and the hard work showed. It was an impressive performance by the Journeyman, and it is really doubtful that any local other than the freakish Suarez could have repelled him that day.
Yap did his early preparation in Cagayan de Oro for his date with Raka, and is now in Manila being mentored by Elorde's Jetro Pabustan. He has a pragmatic view on his impending battle:
“If I’ll have the opportunity to knock him out, then I’ll knock him out,” said Yap.
“If he’s tough, then I’ll try to do my best and dominate him.”
If he's tough ? Well, one thing we know about the PNG Prodigy Junior Raka is that he's carved from granite, and has skills, so this should be a thriller !
And for the Journeyman, you just know that this international star will produce something special this month and even more, the best is yet to come !
Mark John Yap v Junior Raka (PNG)
8 rounds Super Featherweight 59kg
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