Mark John Yap

Mark John Yap

The Journey Man

Lightweight, 135 lbs (61 kg)

Age :

33


Height :

168

cm


Stance :

Orthodox


Region :

Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental


Country :

Philippines


Record : PRO DEBUT


Record :

34

Wins

(

17

KO)

/

19

Loss

/

0

Draws

Mark John Yap is one of the Philippines premier boxers, and arguably one of their best internationally performed in recent times. In the five years prior to the pandemic, Yap literally tore some of Japan’s best fighters to shreds, and picked up three OPBF titles in the process. He has recorded 31 wins as a professional. Amazing considering the caliber of opposition that he has confronted during his incredible career.

This is a vastly experienced boxing star who most recently overcame Papua New Guinea champion Junior Raka in dominating fashion, and will be using this exhibition bout the keep his weapons sharp for a likely bout in Manila in January.

Don’t be surprised to see the Journey Man back in Vietnam in 2023 for a big fight.

Mark John Yap

In VSP Promotions

Mark John Yap

In the news

THIS ONE REALLY SUCKS !!
February 5, 2025

THIS ONE REALLY SUCKS !!

Bigtime disappointed that this match between old dog Mark John Yap and up and coming star Alexander Fredrikkson failed to meet the approval of GAB.

VSP had already run the story that what appeared to be a mismatch on paper - Yap with 34 wins up against Fredrikkson with only1 win would very likely turn out to be the fight of the night !

The deeds of Mark John Yap are well known. 
But how about this kid who is one of the shining prospects of Omega Cebu. 

Alexander Fredrikkson has been competing since he was 13 years of age, and has already amassed a super impressive record that will likely give him plenty of success as a higher level professional. 
It certainly places him well in advance of your typical early stage fighter !

Consider this :
Fredrikkson went 178-7 in amateur fights. 
He was a 6x national champion, and was ranked #3 European, #5 ranked in the world juniors at his peak.

His only fight as a professional lasted literally seconds into a first round demolition job.

Now regulators like GAB have an important role to play, especially when it comes to the safety of the sport’s competitors. 
But is an inexperienced or debut boxer safe in the ring with Alexander Fredrikkson ?

I say NO !!
Bring on Mark John Yap !!!!
TWO YEARS AGO ALREADY !!
November 17, 2024

TWO YEARS AGO ALREADY !!

Bit of nostalgia here, but this FORTUNES OF WAR was an extremely fun event (despite the many dramas) and well worth revisiting. And you will see that there are lot's of familiar names on this historic fight card.

The Vietnam 🇻🇳 team was spearheaded by Dinh Hong Quân, a guy that had been on a winning run and was defending an IBF Title, but he was having lots of trouble with his weight in the lead up. He even collapsed at one stage and had to be resuscitated at one point !
We had top young prospects Lê Hoàng Hiep and Phan Minh Quân, who fought out of their skins against international pro boxers with more than 70 wins between them ! 
Nguyễn Văn Hải is obviously a legend on the local scene but had been inactive, so he was a bit of a "query" inclusion - yet he produced a memorable performance that culminated in two dramatic knockdowns.
But even more amazing was the debut of another Vietnam kid Thai Hoang Huy - this guy had never even boxed (he was a muay thai student that loved the idea of being a boxer !) And he went in with an opponent that had 14 knockouts in 15 wins - BIG BALLS !!
Suffice to say, the Vietnam 🇻🇳 team had a great experience and a lot of fun at this show - it was held at the beautiful Grand Ho Tram Resort in the coastal area of Vung Tau.

The visiting international team?
Well - some crazy talent on that side of the fence !

Philippines 🇵🇭 - Charly Suarez, Mark John Yap, Arnel Baconaje, Jetro Pabustan and Jon Jon Estrada. 
These guys share plaudits as multiple national and regional title holders, with the unbeaten Suarez currently on the precipice of a world title.

Indonesia 🇮🇩 - Paisal Panjaitan - a really top unbeaten prospect who is now #2 in his country.
Defry Palulu - an Indonesia #2 and WBC belt holder.

South Korea 🇰🇷 - Chan Ho Song - an unbeaten 12-0 guy with blazing hands and a World Youth champ.

Thailand 🇹🇭 - Anuson Thonglueang - a top youth prospect with only one loss in 14 bouts, and who currently sits at #2 rated Welterweight in Thailand. 

Thanks for making this FORTUNES OF WAR a very memorable event boys, you put on a thrilling and entertaining show for everyone that was lucky enough to be there to see it.
VSP wish you continued luck and enjoyment in your boxing adventures ahead.

PS. the main event between Dinh Hong Quân 🇭🇰 and Arnel Baconaje 🇵🇭 was watched by more than 2 million people online ! 

https://youtu.be/wtvhUrz5EVg?si=wFMeYF-L41LBBD7p
WHEN THE WAR IS OVER IT'S TIME TO EAT !
August 18, 2024

WHEN THE WAR IS OVER IT'S TIME TO EAT !

Mark John Yap and Jerald Into fought themselves to a standstill in stifling hot conditions in Surigao del Sur on Thursday night.
The two fighters turned on an all action performance in their pursuit of the WBC Asia title, and both were near collapsed on their stools at round 8.
Fast forward two hours, and despite a few aches and pains, the protagonists had recovered enough to take this shot in the food market which was buzzing for fiesta in Cantilan. 
And it's a great reminder that true professionals are total warriors inside the ropes, and total gentleman outside ! 
Congratulations to Jerald Into for another superb performance - you are making improvements in every fight. 
And big kudos to Mark John Yap for taking on challenges like this. 
Jumping a weight class or two to fight a big guy like Jerald Into is no joke. 
But even more newsworthy is that Yap had to rush back to CDO to welcome the birth of his baby daughter Claudia the very next day. 
Now that is great timing indeed!
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs Yap on your new addition !
YAP FIGHTS FOR WBC CROWN AUGUST 15TH
August 12, 2024

YAP FIGHTS FOR WBC CROWN AUGUST 15TH

VSP and Elorde team boy Marjohn Yap faces unbeaten prospect Jerald Into for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia lightweight belt in the main event of Manny Pacquiao’s “Blow-by-Blow” boxing show at the Cantilan Municipal Gymnasium in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.

At 35 years old and with a 17-year pro career, Yap is still a very credible and dangerous fighter. He won four of his last five fights.

Yap is coming off a unanimous decision win over fellow journeyman Monico Laurente last year.

The 24-year-old Into, on the other hand, is a fast-rising prospect who’s been impressive in his five-year pro career.

He’ll be facing his stiffest test against the experienced Yap.

Into is fresh from a second-round stoppage of veteran Jhon Gemino last March 23, 2024.

Yap is 34-18 with 17 knocksouts, while Into is 10-0 with eight kayos.

Meanwhile, knockout artist Fernando Tagpuno Jr. (8-3, 8 KOs) takes on undefeated Jing Aguan (6-0, 4 KOs) for the Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) featherweight belt and Roslan Eco (11-3, 7 KOs) locks horns with Jayson Brillo (8-2-1, 7 KOs) in the featured fights.

In the undercard, Crisalito Beltran (6-0, 5 KOs) trades leathers with Roger Ocum (4-0, 3 KOs), Jesarial Ancajas (3-0, 1 KO) goes up against Paolo Fortun (3-0, 1 KO), Randy Palma (2-0, 2 KOs) exchanges blows with Nigerian-Japanese JJ Ologun (5-0, 4 KOs), Nico Salado (2-0-1, 1 KO) faces Ricky Cristobal (3-2, 1 KO), Niño Cardoza (3-2) clashes with Hermon Remoroza (2-1, 2 KOs), Ken Danila (2-0, 2 KOs) battles Jayson But-ay (2-0, 1 KO), Benjo Neri (3-2, 1 KO) fights vs. Mark Sabang (2-1-1, 1 KO), Jingie Labtic (1-1, 1 KO) faces Rodrigo Virtudazo (0-1), Sunday Lacar goes up against Elmar Tiempo, and John Ferl Buer (1-0, 1 KO) opens the show against Jurie Micho Evangelista. / EKA

*story courtesy of SunStar Philippines 

#vspboxing #VSPPromotions #elordegym #vsppro
YAP AND NGAKA BOTH WANTING WBF PRIZE
March 17, 2024

YAP AND NGAKA BOTH WANTING WBF PRIZE

The countdown is on !
The Philippines' Mark John Yap and Botswana's Moabi Ngaka will be banging it out in 10 days time to decide the World Boxing Foundation International title.
And both countries are supremely confident of capturing the prestigious prize !

Those in the Yap camp say that this is the lightest they have seen the Journey Man prior to a big fight, and that his training has seen the experienced warrior ascend to new levels.
Moabi Ngaka is famed for his cardio, and has been reeling off 20km runs in amongst a torrid twice daily training schedule of sparring multiple partners at each session. 
This will very definitely be a battle of Mark John Yap's experience and power versus the speed, movement and endurance of the younger and taller Moabi Ngaka. 
But as they say, two dogs - one bone !!
So who you got ????

RUMBLE IN THE OKAVANGO 
Maun National Stadium Botswana 
Saturday March 30th 

#rumbleintheokavango #elordetv #vspboxing #Webthethao #BOXINGBIDABEST #VSPPromotions #1xbet
RACE IN BOTSWANA
March 9, 2024

RACE IN BOTSWANA

🇵🇭Mark John "The journey man" Yap 34-18 (Elorde ) vs 🇧🇼Moabi Ngaka 3-1-1 of Botswana
🏆 Super featherweight 10 rounds
📅March 30, 2024

Good luck Yap! 👊

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PHILIPPINES SET FOR AN AFRICAN SAFARI
March 10, 2024

PHILIPPINES SET FOR AN AFRICAN SAFARI

Three weeks out and no signs of nerves, the Elorde team of Mark John Yap, Arnel Baconaje, JonJon Estrada and Jetro Pabustan (trainer) discuss articles of war for the RUMBLE IN THE OKAVANGO on March 30th. 
The event will match many of Africa and Asia's best boxers against one another in Maun, Botswana - a location that is the gateway to the iconic Okavango Delta. 
All three pinoy have significant tasks ahead.
JonJon Estrada takes on South African champion Jeff Magagane in the featherweight class.
Arnel Baconaje meets Steven Bagwasi, arguably the best boxer P4P in Botswana. 
Mark John Yap appears in the main event - a WBF International title match against local star Moabi Ngaka. 
The three Philippines 🇵🇭 boxers will be part of an Asian Team that includes China 🇨🇳, India 🇮🇳 and Vietnam 🇻🇳. 

#rumbleintheokavango #elordetv #vspboxing #Webthethao #VSPPromotions #elordegym #elorde
NGAKA TAUNTS MARK YAP TO GO TO WAR
February 29, 2024

NGAKA TAUNTS MARK YAP TO GO TO WAR

Botswana’s Moabi "The Eagle" Ngaka " is a man well versed with the habitat of lions, and he will need to draw on all that hometown knowledge on March 30th when he steps into the ring with the Philippines' Mark John Yap. 
The two boxers will contest the World Boxing Foundation International title - a main event contest over 10 rounds to decide the Super Featherweight champion.
And the task for Ngaka is daunting to say the least !

Despite being a talented member of the national team in Botswana, he has literally had to jump at the very limited pro opportunities that have come his way, amassing a 3-1 record. And if you include his bouts not listed in BoxRec, he is already 7-1. 
There is no doubt that Moabi Ngaka has the makings of quality international boxer. 
But against Mark John Yap - REALLY ? 

It's just impossible to see that he has the experience to go with a man that has 17 years in the pro ranks, had an unbeaten run of 10 wins in Japan over 3 years where he tore some of their very best to shreds. Yap picked up three OPBF titles in a winning run that was finally ended in a points loss to world rated #2 Takuma Inoue.

But here's the interesting footnote - Moabi Ngaka specifically asked for the task ! There were a number of easier opponents that the African boxer could have taken, but he chose the Philippines Journey Man instead. 

"I want Mark John Yap !! He is a warrior, so am I - so lets GO TO WAR ! 
I'm not here to play around, I train hard, and I fight harder. I want to test myself with real fighters, and they don't come any more real than Yap."

Those close to the Botswana boxer share his belief, and say he is ripe to pull off a big upset against his Philippines rival. Ngaka is renowned for his cardio and loose movement in the ring, and they are of the opinion that Yap will be air swinging on old legs in later rounds.

"I want everyone to tune in on March 30th - I will say that this will be a war, and I will drop Mark Yap. Maybe more than once. They will all be saying that the EAGLE HAS LANDED."

RUMBLE IN THE OKAVANGO 
Maun National Stadium Botswana, Africa 
Saturday March 30th 

#rumbleintheokavango #elordetv #vspboxing #Webthethao #VSPPromotions #elordegym #elorde
MARK VS MOABI
February 21, 2024

MARK VS MOABI

MARK JOHN YAP 🇵🇭 PHILIPPINES versus 
MOABI NGAKA 🇧🇼 BOTSWANA 

World Boxing Foundation International title 130lb 
Maun National Stadium, Maun Botswana 
Saturday March 30th 

#rumbleintheokavango #vsppromotions #vspboxing ##elordegym #ElordeTV #WebTheThao
"MARK YAP WILL DROP. THIS IS WAR !"
February 19, 2024

"MARK YAP WILL DROP. THIS IS WAR !"

The main event boxer that will face the Philippines' Mark John Yap has made the bold prediction that he will drop his counterpart at least once in next month's headliner.
This is a view that's endorsed by many in Africa that think Yap will age overnight, and that he doesn't have the speed or legs to go with his younger opponent. 

"Africa is different man. It's really hot here, we are used to it. And we have lots to deal with every day, fighting is what we love, and to have old men come to our backyard and beat us ? C'mon man, that just not gonna happen. 
Yah eish we are lions and we hungry !
Yap is a good fighter, but he won't be good against me. But respect - I know he will try hard, he will do his best to make it good for the people watching"

Moabi Ngaka heads a team of 11 boxers from the African nations of Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe to fight in Maun on March 30th. 
Mark John Yap and Moabi Ngaka will compete for the World Boxing Foundation title at 130lb. 

RUMBLE IN THE OKAVANGO 
Maun Stadium Botswana Africa 
Saturday March 30th 

#rumbleintheokavango #vspboxing #Webthethao #VSPPromotions #elordegym #elorde
YAP PUTTING MILES IN THE LEGS FOR AFRICA
February 4, 2024

YAP PUTTING MILES IN THE LEGS FOR AFRICA

African boxers are famed for their athleticism, their cat like reflexes, but even moreso, their crazy endurance.
Their boxers have great lungs, which makes them ever so hard to beat in longer fights.
And Mark John Yap heads to Botswana on March 30th for a leg sapping 10 round classic with local star Moabi Ngaka. 
Ngaka is fabled for his cardio, and rises at 4am to knock off 20km road runs before the sun beats hard. 
Well two can play at that game !
The "Journey Man" Mark John Yap competed in the Cagayan de Oro "marathon" earlier today, landing a top five finish in the 10km road race. And the good news is, he was doing his best work at the finish. 
Yap will spearhead a top international team in Botswana Africa next month, and is adament that he will have the legs to go with a younger and hungry Moabi Ngaka. 
Ngaka has already raised eyebrows stating he will drop Yap, and make a statement win that will shock Asia.
But dropping Yap will be no easy feat !
Mark John Yap has 34 wins on his resume, with his only losses in recent years being against unbeaten and world rated opponents. Often these were bouts taken at extremely short notice, or out of his weight class. He also has plenty of firepower of his own, sending 17 opponents to the canvas.
The war of words has only just begun !

RUMBLE IN THE OKAVANGO  
Saturday March 30th Maun Stadium 

#rumbleintheokavango #vietnamboxingorganization #vspboxing #Webthethao #VSPPromotions
MARK JOHN YAP CONTINUES THE "JOURNEY"
January 25, 2024

MARK JOHN YAP CONTINUES THE "JOURNEY"

Big news breaking soon on the next fight for Mark John Yap THE JOURNEY MAN !!

It's BIG, and you will be surprised where he is headed !
THERE AIN'T NO STOPPING NOW !!
December 18, 2023

THERE AIN'T NO STOPPING NOW !!

It's fight day !
UNSTOPPABLE Ultimate Knockout Challenge 
Live from the Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque 
Action starts at 1pm.
ESTRADA AND YAP ARE UNSTOPPABLE
December 16, 2023

ESTRADA AND YAP ARE UNSTOPPABLE

UNSTOPPABLE Ultimate Knockout Challenge coming this Monday in Parañaque Manila, live from the Flash Grand Ballroom at the Elorde Sports Centre. 

The fight list could very well be the best this year, and certainly a great way to finish it :

Esneth Domingo VS 
Michael Bravo 

Carl Jammes Martin VS 
Chaiwat Buatkrathok 

Jon Jon Estrada VS 
Jhon Gemino 

Presco Carcosia VS 
Alvin Medura 

Mike Plania VS 
Daniel Nicolas 

Arnel Baconaje VS 
JR Magboo 

Mark John Yap VS 
Monico Laurente 

Enrique Magsalin VS 
Vergilio Silvano 

Gabriel Santisima VS 
Arjhay Recto 

Melvin Manangquil VS 
Royder Lloyd Borbon 

Christian Gagarin VS 
Zillo Duyogan 

David Santisima VS 
Gabriel Bajada 

Kiyoto Narukami VS 
Christian Tiburon 

×
MARK JOHN YAP READY TO GO SNAP SNAP
December 13, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP READY TO GO SNAP SNAP

Vietnam and VSP visitor from the Philippines Mark John Yap is set to finish 2023 the way it started - with a BANG !
Yap defeated the tough Leonardo Doronio by knockout in January, then took time out for the birth of his first child Yuri. 
Despite putting on some weight, Yap came to Vietnam and performed an exhibition against national team boxer Nguyễn Hà Minh, and though looking rusty, he dropped his classy opponent multiple times in the final round for an impressive win. 
Vietnam hosted Mark John Yap once more in July, when he headed to Ho Tram and bested Hasan Sikdar  - once more by knockout. 
The VSP sponsored boxer returns to the ring next Monday on a mammoth card to be held at the Elorde Sports Centre in Parañaque Manila.  And looking at the shape he is in, another knockout would certainly not surprise. 
Mark John Yap ranks with Charly Suarez as amongst the very best foreign boxers to ever come to Vietnam, and we really hope to see him here again in 2024.
YAP TAKES A JOURNEY TO WBC GLORY
September 26, 2023

YAP TAKES A JOURNEY TO WBC GLORY

Mark John Yap has arrived in Manila, en route to Bangkok, where he fights for the WBC Asia title this Saturday night.

Yap will make an audacious bid at the belt, jumping a weight class to Lightweight to take on champion Apichet Petchmanee who boasts a 15 win 1 loss record.

MARK JOHN YAP v APICHET PETCHMANEE
September 15, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP v APICHET PETCHMANEE

WBC ASIA LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

It's Philippines meets Thailand

Watch the Journey Man hits the road once more and will jump in weight in a bold plot to overthrow champion Apichet Petchmanee 15-1.

Saturday September 30th in  Bangkok Thailand.

YAP BROTHERS IN ARMS FOR WBC TITLE
September 14, 2023

YAP BROTHERS IN ARMS FOR WBC TITLE

Mindanao mauler Mark John Yap has been offered the opportunity to add another title to his collection at very short notice, and has enlisted some family help before he heads to Manila. A 3x OPBF champion at 118lb in Japan, Yap is set to make an audacious bid to win the WBC Asia Lightweight title (at 135lb !) in Bangkok at the end of this month. Despite the very short time to prepare, his brother has stepped in to fast track his training for the impending WBC event. But brother Alberto Yap jr is no stranger to the sport of hard knocks  ! The  CDO local is a former amateur star, having even won the Philippines national youth title in a past life  ! Mark John Yap has really proved to be a renaissance man in recent times, and despite having to compete above his normal weight class this month, he is expected to be a huge chance to secure more silverware for the Philippines ! Yap takes on the outstanding Thai champion Apichet Petchmanee, a boxer who boasts a 15-1 record.

MARK JOHN YAP IN WBC ASIA TITLE BID
September 6, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP IN WBC ASIA TITLE BID

Breaking news is the announcement that Philippines Mark John Yap will fight in Bangkok later this month for the WBC Lightweight crown.

Cagayan de Oro product Yap will challenge Thailand champion Apichet Petchmanee (15-1) for the belt that he secured back in late 2022. Petchmanee has been very dominant at home, and suffered his lone points loss abroad at Korakuen Hall against the outstanding Japanese boxer Katsuya Yasuda (10-0)

Mark John Yap has been a revelation since fighting Charly Suarez in Manila one year ago. He had previously done his best work at Bantamweight and was contemplating retirement, but rose to meet Suarez at 130lb.

Despite losing that contest, Yap looked in great touch, and is unbeaten in 4 subsequent fights.

He has defied the stigma of increasing weight, but Petchmanee looms as his first serious test at 135lb.

Mark John Yap v Apichet Petchmanee

WBC ASIA TITLE

September 30th  Bangkok, Thailand

MARK JOHN YAP -  FULL FIGHT (VIETNAM)
July 25, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP -  FULL FIGHT (VIETNAM)

**Courtesy of Cocky Buffalo Promotions

Cagayan de Oro son Mark John Yap dominates before a third round stoppage over Bangladesh boxer Hasan Sikdar.

Elorde boxer Yap was originally scheduled to fight a high level opponent here at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino, but injuries and other fight card changes meant that featherweight Sikdar stepped up at short notice.

Great job by the Bangladesh boxer to survive early, but Yap's relaxed ring control had his rival constantly on the back foot and under a lot of pressure.

Watch for the change of gears in round three when Trainer Jetro Pabustan tells Yap to put the foot down on the accelerator and put an end to it.

ENJOY  !

https://youtu.be/cJvFDRfgDeQ

#cockybuffalopromotions #vbo #proboxing #vietnamboxing

MARK JOHN YAP STUNS IN VIETNAM
July 15, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP STUNS IN VIETNAM

The Philippines Mark John Yap wins with a third round stoppage.

MARK JOHN YAP MAKES WEIGHT
July 14, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP MAKES WEIGHT

Philippines Mark "the Journey Man" Yap weighed just inside the 61kg Lightweight limit at today's Vietnam weigh in.

Yap will fight at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino tomorrow night against Hasan Sikder of Bangladesh. He appears on a big international card featuring nine countries, with the two main events showcasing Vietnam champions Nguyễn Văn Hải and Sam Minh Phát.

https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions/videos/2286202895100626

GAB HEADING TO THE GRAND HO TRAM
July 13, 2023

GAB HEADING TO THE GRAND HO TRAM

There is a big international event in Vietnam this Saturday night, and the Philippines will be proudly represented by a killer by the name of Mark John Yap.

The Vietnam show will also be iconic in the regard of top boxing countries meeting there to discuss the sport and forge cooperation agreements.

GAB Chairman Richard Clarin is flying out this morning, flanked by entourage Jacky and Rex.

The photographer is well known Philippines film star and model Jetro Pabustan.

VSP wishes you all a safe flight and highly successful trip.

WE'RE HEADED TO THE GRAND HO TRAM
July 12, 2023

WE'RE HEADED TO THE GRAND HO TRAM

Former opponents Mark John Yap and Junior Raka   are now united with a common goal  - to seek and destroy foreign opponents this Saturday night in Vietnam.

The Philippines and Papua New Guinea guns will appear at a big international event to be held at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino in Vũng Tàu.

Their matches will be watched by bosses of Asia's top boxing commissions, including Richard Clarin and some team members from the Games and Amusement Board in the Philippines.

#vspboxing #TheGrandHoTramStrip #cockybuffalo #cockybuffalopromotions #VSPPromotions #boxingvietnam

VIETNAM GET READY FOR THE YAP ATTACK !
July 8, 2023

VIETNAM GET READY FOR THE YAP ATTACK !

VIETNAM GET READY FOR THE YAP ATTACK !

WBO GLOBAL AT THE GRAND HO TRAM

Sat 6:00 PM | July 15, 2023

BOUT 5 : SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT - 59 KG-8R

MARK JOHN YAP

VS

HASAN SIKDAR

#CockyBuffaloPromotions #CockyBuffalo #TheGrandHoTramStrip #Proboxing #VBO #VTVcab #vspboxing #VSPPromotions #boxingvietnam

THE "YAP ATTACK" BACK IN VIETNAM
July 6, 2023

THE "YAP ATTACK" BACK IN VIETNAM

THE "YAP ATTACK" BACK IN VIETNAM

Philippines fighter Mark John Yap was a recent visitor to VSP,  headlining our May event against a future star named Nguyễn Ha Minh.

That was Yap's first hit out since scoring a knockout win in Manila in January, and despite signs of ring rust, all the telltale signs of a very dangerous man were on show.

The Mindanao menace returns to Vietnam next week, and he has mayhem on his mind.

Do not miss seeing this great fighter in Vũng Tàu next week - there will be blood !

WBO GLOBAL AT THE GRAND HO TRAM

Sat 6:00 PM | July 15, 2023

BOUT 5 : SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT - 59 KG-8R

MARK JOHN YAP

VS

HASAN SIKDAR

#CockyBuffaloPromotions #CockyBuffalo #TheGrandHoTramStrip #Proboxing #VBO #VTVcab #vspboxing #boxingvietnam #VSPPromotions

YAP CONTINUES THE "JOURNEY" IN VIETNAM
July 2, 2023

YAP CONTINUES THE "JOURNEY" IN VIETNAM

Mark John Yap has proved to be one of the best performed pinoys on the international circuit in recent years, and plans to add to his imposing record on the road in Vietnam this month.

The boxer affectionately dubbed "The Journey Man", and more recently as "Fat Yap", appears on a big show at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino, amongst a strong lineup of fighters from many different countries.

Yap was impressive in winning in Manila in January, then followed up with a three month break to welcome the birth of his first child Yuri. He has slowly worked back into fight shape, and performed in an exhibition bout in Ho Chi Minh City last month.

And it was trademark Yap !

Despite getting off to a slow start, Mark John Yap proved too physical for national youth boxer Nguyễn Hà Minh, dropping him twice in the final round.

Yap will be looking for an emphatic showing on July 15th, before eyeing off bigger matches later this year.

POSTCARDS FROM THE GRAND HO TRAM
June 29, 2023

POSTCARDS FROM THE GRAND HO TRAM

Some snapshots from the December event in Vietnam. Some great fights that night.

Big event coming this July 15th.

Mark John Yap will be back, also Nguyễn Văn Hải and a special appearance from Papua New Guinea  hard man Junior Kauko Raka.

MARK JOHN YAP IN MANILA WORKOUT
June 28, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP IN MANILA WORKOUT

MIndanao's boxing legend Mark John Yap is showing no signs of slowing, and will be back in the ring again at a big international event in Vietnam next month.

Yap considered retirement after returning from Japan, which was shortly followed by the pandemic - but was coaxed to lace up one more time in a WBA Title match with Charly Suarez.

His performance was outstanding,  and he followed it up with two quality wins shortly after.

The Journey Man was on a short break since January, after welcoming the birth of baby daughter Yuri, and he put on some kilos in that time.

Yap has been on a six week training camp, and competed in an exhibition bout last month with Vietnam youth team member Nguyễn Hà Minh. Despite looking "rusty" early in the match, he dropped his opponent twice in the final round to etch an impressive victory.

Having just recently arriving in Manila, Yap has been under the tutelage of Jetro Pabustan, who put him through a pads session today.

Mark John Yap will fight at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino in Vietnam on Saturday July 15th. You can watch the match here live.

https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions/videos/3542723195972770

DEADLY DUO TO TAKE VIETNAM BY STORM
June 24, 2023

DEADLY DUO TO TAKE VIETNAM BY STORM

Former combatants Mark John Yap and Junior Kauko Raka will meet again in July next month, but this time as friends - not foes !!

Yap and Raka shared the ring in Manila in late 2022, where the Papua New Guinea embraced the ominous task on just a few weeks notice. It was a great fight, and both boxers showed the sort of doggedness which will make them compulsory viewing in Vietnam.

July 15th sees the duo take on top rated foreigners in the super featherweight division.

These two stars will spearhead a big international show at the Grand Ho Tram in Vũng Tàu, and is made possible by Mr. Sang Bum Kim and our friends at Cocky Buffalo.

YAP READY TO TAKE THE SHOW WORLDWIDE
June 20, 2023

YAP READY TO TAKE THE SHOW WORLDWIDE

Mark John Yap is heading from Cagayan de Oro bound for Manila tonight, ahead of a fight date listed in Vietnam on July 15th.

Yap will do some intense sparring in Manila in preparation for his appearance on an all-international boxer event, which will take place at the Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino on the coastal strip of Vung Tau.

The Mindanao boxer commonly known as the Journey Man, the Yap Attack, and even the Fat Yap, will fight a subcontinent boxer optimistically dubbed The Killer !

Full fight card coming soon.

MARK JOHN YAP  - BIG NEWS COMING SOON
June 8, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP  - BIG NEWS COMING SOON

Vietnam  - here we come !

The Yap Attack and Head Coach Jetro Pabustan are headed to Ho Tram Vietnam this July, as they look to reinforce the stocks of Mark John Yap on the world scene.

It is expected that the Philippines star will appear on an all international event, and will fight a young top rated fighter from the Middle East.

Familiar faces to VSP followers, Nguyễn Văn Hải and Junior Kauko Raka, will also compete on the Cocky Buffalo show.

Mark John Yap will return to Manila from CDO for sparring in 10 days time, on the back of an impressive exhibition performance in Ho Chi Minh City late last month.

More news breaking soon.

YAP SHOWS CLASS AT VSP PRO IN VIETNAM
June 1, 2023

YAP SHOWS CLASS AT VSP PRO IN VIETNAM

The Philippines Mark John Yap shows his poise and experience in his excellent win over Vietnam's national team prospect Nguyễn Hà Minh.

WE DONE SPARRING  !
May 31, 2023

WE DONE SPARRING !

Boss Alejandro Belonguel watches two of his prize students in sparring today at VSP.

Doan Hieu and Mark John Yap were impressive winners on Saturday at VSP PRO, yet found the energy to get back in the ring today for some friendly rounds.

The Philippines visitor Yap heads home tomorrow night, but will return to Vietnam on July 15th for a big pro event in Ho Tram.

MARK JOHN YAP STUNS IN VIETNAM WIN
May 28, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP STUNS IN VIETNAM WIN

Mindanao's Mark John Yap wound back the clock in Ho Chi Minh City tonight, with a brutal display over national team prospect Nguyễn Hà Minh.

Yap was returning from a couple of months break from the sport, celebrating the birth of his first daughter Yuri early this year. It was noted at the weigh-in for the Lightweight 61kg clash, that Yap looked a little soft next to his taller and ripped Vietnam opponent.

The Journey Man was given a warm reception by the crowd, who were divided as to how a pro veteran would match up with the slick Vietnam boxer in a highly paced 4 round format.

Nguyễn Hà Minh is only 20 years of age, but is a highly touted member of the Vietnam team,

He is tall, and boxes with beautiful range, has fast hands, and he seamlessly angles between stances to land counters with ridiculous ease.

The first two rounds were arguably won by the local star. The Philippines Yap pressed constantly, but his timing and distance were a little off, and Minh often punished his enterprise with counters.

Despite being outlanded, Yap was undeterred, and always looked significantly dangerous.

Cracks started to appear in the armour of the Vietnam star in the third, as Yap began to find his range, and the momentum shifted noticeably. The Journey Man was walking through Minh's efforts with impunity, and was really chopping his rival to the body. Yap was relentless, and went "old school" brutal in the final round, where he dropped his Vietnam opponent with sadistic attacks to the torso. Nguyễn Hà Minh stoicism saw him meet the final bell, yet had it been a longer bout, the stoppage was perilously near.

Mark John Yap was simply devastating tonight, and produced such a dominant performance on foreign soil, that he was hailed as the winner by unanimous decision.

It was a credible showing by hot national team member Nguyễn Hà Minh, and he acknowledged that Yap's strength and experience overwhelmed him in the home stretch. He will benefit a lot from his encounter with a hardened professional.

But the big news is - YAP IS BACK  !  

The evergreen killer from Cagayan de Oro will return to the ring in a big, soon to be announced fight, this coming July.

FIGHT 7: Nguyễn Hà Minh v Mark John Yap
May 27, 2023

FIGHT 7: Nguyễn Hà Minh v Mark John Yap

Trận đấu chính của sự kiện tối nay  VSP PRO #4  ngày 27/5/2023  "Chưa bao giờ cháy đến vậy "

Trong trận đấu tới đây, Mark John Yap đến từ Philippines sẽ đối đầu với võ sĩ Nguyễn Hà Minh đến từ Việt Nam là một trận đấu đầy kịch tính và hấp dẫn. Cả hai võ sĩ đều có kinh nghiệm và kỹ thuật tốt.

Võ sĩ Mark John Yap là một trong những võ sĩ quyền Anh của Philippines. Anh đã có nhiều chiến thắng ấn tượng trong sự nghiệp của mình. Yap là một đối thủ khó nhai cho những ai đối đầu với anh ấy, anh ta có kình nghiệm, sức mạnh, tốc độ, lẫn kĩ thuật. Mạnh mẽ đến mức nhiều người gọi anh là " Tin Xấu " vì nếu bạn so găng cùng anh ta thì đó là tin xấu cho bạn.

Về Nguyễn Hà Minh đến từ Việt Nam cũng là một võ sĩ quyền Anh, một tuyển thủ quốc gia. Anh đã có nhiều trận đấu thành công và được đánh giá cao về kỹ thuật và sự thông minh. Anh ta sẽ sử dụng chiến thuật nào để có thể đối đầu với hàng loạt đòn tấn công của Yap ?  

Hãy cùng đến và dùng món " khai vị " là 6 trận đấu tuyệt vời của chúng tôi, và rồi là " món chính " trận đấu thứ 7. Ai sẽ là người chiến thắng trong trận đấu này vẫn còn là dấu hỏi lớn. Hãy để hai võ sĩ trả lời câu hỏi này vào tối nay.  

------------------------------------------------------------------------

đến 147 đường Nguyễn Du, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, TP Hồ Chí Minh, để có thể tận mắt xem các trận đấu của sự kiện này nhé

Khán giả cũng có thể xem trực tuyến tại VTV Cab, youtube VSP Boxing, hoặc Facebook VSP Boxing.

VIETNAM BRACES ITSELF FOR THE YAP ATTACK
May 21, 2023

VIETNAM BRACES ITSELF FOR THE YAP ATTACK

Elorde's Mark John Yap headlines at VSP PRO next Saturday night in Ho Chi Minh City.

VIETNAM WELCOMES BACK MARK JOHN YAP
May 20, 2023

VIETNAM WELCOMES BACK MARK JOHN YAP

Get ready for the YAP ATTACK  !!

Philippines Mark John Yap heads to Ho Chi Minh City to take on Vietnam national team young gun Nguyễn Ha Minh.

Watch all the action here live from :

Vietnam      6pm

Philippines 7pm

Australia     9pm

VSP PRO IS BACK IN HO CHI MINH CITY
May 18, 2023

VSP PRO IS BACK IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Nguyễn Ha Minh - Vietnam national team 60kg

Mark John Yap -  remorseless and  sadistic killer

Where there's smoke there's fire  !!!!!!!

Live sports entertainment event

Saturday May 27th   Starts 6pm

VSP Boxing Gym

147 Đ. Nguyễn Du, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

YAP CUT FROM DIFFERENT CLOTH
May 17, 2023

YAP CUT FROM DIFFERENT CLOTH

Cagayan de Oro star Mark John Yap has seen just about everything in a professional career dating back to 2007.

The career traverses 16 years, multiple weight classes and countries, and 32 wins that include many prestigious regional honors such as 3 OPBF straps.

But what has characterized Yap, and remains omnipresent, is that the guy is at the core, a surgical serial killer.

He knows how to inflict damage - and he excels at the task !

Mark John Yap ventures to Ho Chi Minh City next Saturday, where he takes on Vietnam national team star Nguyễn Ha Minh.

Minh is a heavier weight class boxer, but you can be sure, this will make precious little difference to Yap.

Brutality is his game !

VSP PRO  Live sports entertainment event

Saturday May 27th   Starts 6pm

VSP Boxing Gym

147 Đ. Nguyễn Du, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

NGUYỄN VĂN DUONG BACK IN THE SADDLE!
May 1, 2023

NGUYỄN VĂN DUONG BACK IN THE SADDLE!

Philippines Mark John Yap heads to Vietnam next month to tackle the very deadly Nguyễn Văn Duong.

Yap is a winner of 32 bouts and is Philippines #2 behind Charly Suarez.

Nguyễn Văn Duong is Vietnam's first Olympics representative since 1988. He lost in the round of 16 to the Mongolian pro who damaged Ryan Garcia in sparring for Gervonta Davis.

VSP PRO @ VSP Boxing Gym HCMC

Saturday May 27th

Vietnam Champion NGUYỄN VĂN DUONG takes on Philippines Mark John Yap in Saigon - May 2023
April 26, 2023

Vietnam Champion NGUYỄN VĂN DUONG takes on Philippines Mark John Yap in Saigon - May 2023

Vietnam's best boxer Nguyễn Văn Duong will meet Philippines champion Mark John Yap in an exhibition bout at VSP Gym in HCMC on May 27th.

The Vietnam star will likely be in excellent fitness for the proposed match, after havingthe benefits competing at the SEA Games in early May.

Philippines killer Mark John Yap will visit Vietnam  for a training camp at VSP Gym, in preparation for a big fight this coming July. The winner of an incredible 32 professional bouts, Yap is a 3x OPBF champion in Japan, a country where he was unbeaten for three years prior to the pandemic. Mark John Yap is a dangerous task for the Vietnam fighter. His most recent win was in January, where he jumped two weight divisions and savagely knocked out the very durable Leonardo Doronio.

VIETNAM TO EXPERIENCE THE YAP ATTACK
April 6, 2023

VIETNAM TO EXPERIENCE THE YAP ATTACK

Mark John Yap makes a guest appearance in Vietnam next month, when he introduces local champion and Olympian Nguyễn Văn Duong to his unique brand of violence.

SAY WHAT ?  MARK JOHN YAP IN VIETNAM ?
April 3, 2023

SAY WHAT ? MARK JOHN YAP IN VIETNAM ?

DUONG TO BATTLE PHILIPPINES CHAMP ?

Vietnam's premier fighter Nguyễn Văn Duong hasn't seen much ring time since the Olympics, and will make a return for the SEA Games in early May. But his lack of recent competition has many wondering if the Bac Ninh boxer still has what it takes to fight at the highest level.

Philippines champion Mark John Yap will visit Vietnam in May for a training camp, and former 3X OPBF titleholder is open to working with the local talent while he is here.

A winner of 32 professional fights, Yap tore the heart out of Japan's feared Bantamweight division,  going unbeaten in 10 fights over a 3 year period. His most recent fight was in January of this year, where he jumped two weight classes and knocked out former Manny Pacquiao sparring mate Leonardo Doronio.

Asked whether he would be open to an exhibition bout whilst he is in Vietnam, potentially against a killer like Nguyễn Văn Duong, the Philippines star smiled and said :

" Sure, why not, it sounds like a lot of fun ! Let's make it happen !! "

MARK JOHN YAP BACK TO SCHOOL
March 8, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP BACK TO SCHOOL

Cagayan de Oro fight legend Mark John Yap had a busy start to the new year.

Yap finished 2022 with a torrid exhibition bout in Ho Tram Vietnam, followed up shortly after with an explosive win in Manila against hard man Leonardo Doronio. But amongst the close scheduling of fights, he also experienced the blessing of the birth of his baby daughter Yuri.

The Yap family took some much needed "down time" and this week, the Mindanao star has resumed light training again.

It is expected that fans will see Mark John Yap back in the ring perhaps late April or early May.

Can't wait  !!!

THE YAP DOG IS BITING IN 2O23
February 9, 2023

THE YAP DOG IS BITING IN 2O23

Mark John Yap opened his new year account in stunning fashion, scoring a stoppage win over what appeared to be a very good version of Philippines Lightweight Leonardo Doronio.

Unable to secure a suitable 130 opponent for his first hitout of the year, Yap opted to jump a weight class and get a physical exam with the vastly experienced and durable Doronio.

It was very noticeable at the weigh-in, that aside from being the much larger boxer, Leonardo Doronio was in the best physical shape that he has been in for a very long time.

And he performed very well, while it lasted, and we look forward to seeing Doronio back again this year to see what he can produce.

But for Mark John Yap, it really was a patient yet lethal execution of a necessary task, and certainly showed shades of the brutality that he inflicted on Japan's best fighters prior to the pandemic.

Watch the full fight here, and you will see this dog has got a bite worse than his bark.

Yap Yap !

THE WARRIORS
January 31, 2023

THE WARRIORS

Leonardo Doronio and Mark John Yap were the two most experienced boxers to grace the ring at REVOLUTION yesterday.

Both boxers looked in great shape, and it was very definitely the best version of Doronio we have seen in recent fights.

He pumped out skillful jabs that forced Yap to change position in the early rounds, and looked very comfortable in defense. Doronio also looked more dynamic than he has in a long while, and always looked dangerous. Based on yesterday's performance, Leonardo Doronio has a lot more wins in store.

Mark John Yap, superlatives often fall short, but his skills and killer were again to the fore.

Watch carefully how he set up that hook.

Bravo to Yap - bring on 2023 !

YOU CAN'T PUT A PRICE TAG ON KNOWLEDGE
January 29, 2023

YOU CAN'T PUT A PRICE TAG ON KNOWLEDGE

With near 100 professional fights between them, Leonardo Doronio and Mark John Yap qualify as the two most experienced performers at tomorrow's REVOLUTION event in Parañaque.

"Toto" Doronio has chalked up 18 wins, and was formerly a main sparring partner to boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. He was an impressive winner against Jimmy Borbon, before showing all his ring guile in dealing with a very offensive Arnel Baconaje.

Mark John Yap's deeds in Japan prior to the pandemic are legendary. It's accurate to say that he shredded some of that country's very best fighters in perhaps their strongest weight class.

His return to the Philippines with excellent showings against Charly Suarez and Junior Kauko Raka were ominous signs that foreshadow a big 2O23.

These boys are quality, and the 135 works in favour of Doronio. Don’t miss this tomorrow.

UKC REVOLUTION 2O23

Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila

Monday January 30th

Latest news

FIGHT 2: Jetro Pabustan v Le Hoang Hiep
December 1, 2022

FIGHT 2: Jetro Pabustan v Le Hoang Hiep

MEET OUR FORTUNES OF WAR FIGHTERS !

FIGHT 2: Jetro Pabustan v Le Hoang Hiep

LE HOANG HIEP  Debut

22 yrs old / Orthodox / Young Blood / 162cm / 55kg Super Bantamweight

Nam Dinh, Vietnam / Matrix Boxing HCMC

Young Blood, Thug Life, Saigon Psycho, Street Vigga - Russian born Hiep goes by many names, but they all point to a central truth. This young Viet is equal parts crazy brave and crazy mad ! But he can fight too !

Competing with grown men in amateur tournaments when just a teen, Le Hoang Hiep showed loads of potential, but unfortunately the pandemic and the closure of all Vietnam gyms halted that potential growth. Temporarily at least !

VSP put out advertisements looking for young Viet prospects looking to gain experience against  visiting pros, and Hiep was one of the very first to respond. Despite being only a true 51kg Flyweight, Hiep begged for the Bantamweight clash with Philippines Jetro Pabustan.

“Get me that bitch Pabustan, he will be mine”!. And so the job was awarded to Hiep !

Prior to the pandemic, Le Hoang Hiep showed that he has the makings of a good pro.

He boasts plenty of speed and power, and he also showed good timing in high level amateur bouts that he contested. And the guy is super tough.!

If there was to be a query on Hiep in this bout, it would be to do with his jump of three weight classes and his ability to maintain workrate against the heavier Philippines boxer. Pabustan.is well known for his fitness, and as Hiep only commenced training recently, 4 rounds will seem an eternity against the bigger Jetro Pabustan.

JETRO PABUSTAN  31 wins

32 yrs old / Southpaw / Silent Operator / 168cm / 55kg Super Bantamweight

Malapatan, Sarangani, Philippines / VSP Elorde Manila

Jetro Pabustan is one of the most experienced fighters appearing at the Fortunes of War in Ho Tram. The clever southpaw is known as the Silent Operator, and when you watch him at work, it’s no surprise that this technician has racked up 31 wins in his career so far. With a professional resume dating back to 2008, Pabustan suffered only one defeat in his first 29 bouts, an amazing feat considering he was fighting everyone!

The Silent Operator hails from Malapatan , Sarangani, but has fought for most of his career based in Cagayan de Oro. A talented southpaw from the start, his style has always been steeped in good fundamentals – touch jabs, deft counters, and point scoring against opponents that get a bit ragged. This template saw him get to a WBO world bantamweight title in 2016, one that he unfortunately lost to the legendary Thai Panya Uthok by technical decision. Ironically, this title was later avenged by another quality pinoy named Marlon Tapales. The very next year, Jetro Pabustan ventured to Japan to claim the WBO Asia Pacific title, accounting for the highly rated Tatsuya Takahashi. When it appeared that his career was in another upswing, the talented CDO fighter seemingly vanished from the landscape, fighting only three times in the next 3 years.

The Silent Operator resumed in May to beat the outstanding and dangerous Bryan Tamayo in Manila. He followed that effort with a last moment trip to the United States to take on the world top 20 fighter Tramaine Williams. Whilst being on the receiving end of  a narrow loss, many that watched this fight were convinced that Pabustan had done enough to get his hand raised.

Jetro Pabustan will look to erase that disappointment and make an emphatic statement here in Vietnam.

FIGHT 1: Thai Hoang Huy v JonJon Estrada
November 30, 2022

FIGHT 1: Thai Hoang Huy v JonJon Estrada

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 !

SUAREZ GOES SOUTH FOR IBF ASIA SHOWDOWN
November 29, 2022

SUAREZ GOES SOUTH FOR IBF ASIA SHOWDOWN

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

PALULU IN GRUELLING SESSIONS FOR SUAREZ
November 28, 2022

PALULU IN GRUELLING SESSIONS FOR SUAREZ

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

PHILIPPINES - YOU HAVE A NEW CHAMP !
November 26, 2022

PHILIPPINES - YOU HAVE A NEW CHAMP !

Jules Victoriano turns the lights out on Sachin Dekwal !

Elorde's Jules Victoriano scored a stunning stoppage win in Colombo last night, icing champion Sachin Dekwal and taking his WBC Asia Continentsl belt into the bargain.

The southpaw Dekwal had boxed beautifully in the first 6 rounds, showing great hand speed and adept back foot counters.

But Victoriano pushed the action in round 7, connecting  with Sachin Dekwal as he was backed against the ropes. After being dropped with a hook, the champion regained his feet, but it was only momentarily, as "Victorious" ruthlessly finished off his victim.

This was a great win by Victoriano, and a perfect statement made after suffering the narrowest of defeats to Vietnam's Dinh Hong Quan for an IBF title recently.

Arnel "the Silencer" Baconaje will be looking to avenge that defeat on December 10.

THINGS ARE STARTING TO HEAT UP !
November 26, 2022

THINGS ARE STARTING TO HEAT UP !

THINGS ARE STARTING TO HEAT UP !

Dinh Hong Quân (Viet) v Arnel Baconaje (Phil)

12 rounds  IBF Asia Lightweight championship

The main event bout

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino Vietnam

Saturday December 10

YOUNG BLOOD "JUST WANNA PUNCH ON!"
November 25, 2022

YOUNG BLOOD "JUST WANNA PUNCH ON!"

Saigon street cred meets the boxing ring !

Le Hoang Hiep  aka thug life aka young blood returns to boxing FINALLY after a pandemic enforced holiday.

This kid was only a teenager beating up on grown men before Vietnam closed down in 2020, and when he heard Jetro Pabustan was coming in December, he begged for the assignment.

"But Hiep, Pabustan is an internationally performed and dangerous professional. He's won 31 fights, won regional titles, and even fought in a WBO World Championship. And to make things worse, he's two or three weight classes up above you !"

Young Blood responded :

"I don't care who it is.

Tell that mtfk I just wanna punch on ! Young Blood will fight anyone if the dollars are there!"

Enough said !

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino Vietnam

Saturday December 10

THE HANOI HITMAN COMES OUT TO PLAY
November 25, 2022

THE HANOI HITMAN COMES OUT TO PLAY

And this boy plays hard !

Nguyễn Văn Hải returns to the ring at Fortunes of War to take on the unbeaten Indonesian "Geronimo" Paisal Panjaitan.

Hải resumed from a long break from the sport in Manila last August, and was outpointed by exciting prospect Jerald Into.

It was a creditable performance, yet short of the Hanoi hard man's best work, and you can be asdured we will see a vastly improved fighter next month in Ho Tram.

"My fight in Manila was fun, but it taught me important lessons. Indonesia’s man is a very good young boxer, so this time, I must play it very hard to try for victory. Very excited!"  commented the Hanoi Hitman.

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino Vietnam

Saturday December 10

Dinh Hong Quan was given the secret by Manny Pacquiao
November 25, 2022

Dinh Hong Quan was given the secret by Manny Pacquiao

Dinh Hong Quan (left) trains with legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao (centre) – Photo: NVCC

Share with Youth Online About his experience in scrims with superstar Manny Pacquiao, boxer Dinh Hong Quan said: “I am lucky to have met Pacquiao. He is a model of hard work to succeed in boxing, as well as an example of rising up in boxing. life.

Professionally, being trained with an expert boxer helps me to learn, practice and improve my abilities to prepare well for the upcoming matches. I won’t let people down.”

When asked about the secret he learned from the Filipino boxing legend, Hong Quan 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”.

On December 10, Dinh Hong Quan will defend the IBF Asian lightweight championship, within the framework of the IBF WBO Title Matches “Fortunes of War” event.

Quan’s opponent will be Arnel Baconaje, a Filipino, born in 1988 and has a record of 15 victories, including 11 knockouts after 20 fights. Currently, Arnel also has a thorough preparation when training with the famous fighter “Japanese monster” Naoya Inoue.

(from article: Vietnam Posts)

FORTUNES OF WAR FIGHT CARD
November 25, 2022

FORTUNES OF WAR FIGHT CARD

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

THE KOREAN KID KNOWN AS "PURGE BOY"
November 24, 2022

THE KOREAN KID KNOWN AS "PURGE BOY"

Maybe the best young prospect in Korean boxing, but definitely the proud owner of a killer ring name, Chan-Ho Song, popularly known as Purge Boy, is Vietnam bound !

Currently training in Gen San, Purge Boy has been mixing with the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Vietnam champion Dinh Hong Quân and yes, even Pablito Canada !

Chan-Ho Song will head to the Fortunes of War event to defend his WBO Oriental Youth super lightweight title against the hard punching Thai Anuson "BoomBoom" Thonglueang.

Song is unbeaten in 8 bouts, whilst his opponent has been an absolute revelation, destroying 12 fighters in a row after losing his debut. The ring name BoomBoom says it all, and this Thai has knocked out 9 of his victims.

This will be a cracking youth title, and with Thonglueang at 18 years, and Song at 19, the sky is the limit for these two young firebrands.

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino

Saturday December 10

INDONESIA BOYS ABOUT TO ROCK VIETNAM  !
November 24, 2022

INDONESIA BOYS ABOUT TO ROCK VIETNAM !

The Fortunes of War will introduce some of Asia's best fighters to Vietnam,  and be advised, Indonesia are sending their "A" TEAM !

Paisal Panjaitan, coach and manager Armin Tan,and Defry Palulu formed an intimidating triumvirate pictured after yesterday's training.

And the team are pumped for bold showings at The Grand Ho Tram.

Paisal Panjaitan has been boxing less than 5 years, yet has already chalked up three impressive wins in his short time in boxing. "Geronimo" is in stark contrast to his Vietnam opponent Nguyễn Văn Hải, a legendary fighter who is adept in multiple

fight forms, and has dedicated most of his life to martial arts.

Defry Palulu is likely the best performed Indonesian boxer since the legendary Chris John, and he has amassed 25 wins and a WBA Asia title in his superb career. The southpaw with the ominous ring name of "the Unseen Hammer" will tackle Philippines quicksilver Charly Suarez in the main undercard of the night.

Vietnam staged events such as Fortunes of War offer the fans a great opportunity to see the best fighting the best, but also give everyone a glimpse of the different styles and faces that international boxers bring, and VSP extends a warm welcome to the talented and hard working Indonesian team.

Thank you for your support Indonesia, you add much needed dimension and colour to our event, and we wish you truly great performances.

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino

Saturday December 10

"VIETNAM TIGERS - IT'S HUNTING SEASON !"
November 23, 2022

"VIETNAM TIGERS - IT'S HUNTING SEASON !"

Five Philippines stars are heading to Vietnam for the iconic Fortunes of War event at The Grand Ho Tram, and these boys aren't skipping ABS DAY !

Victory8 world team member Claudevan Sese and boxer Joseph Omana joined Jetro Pabustan and Mark John Yap at today's workout, and these two are planning  on putting on something special in Vietnam next month.

Pabustan will tackle the former Russian gang member Le Hoang Hiep, whilst the Journey Man Mark John Yap has an all action match up with Phan Minh Quân, an excellent local prospect that had won the Ho Chi Minh City youth title before the pandemic.

Pabustan and Yap will be accompanied by JonJon Estrada, Arnel Baconaje and Charly Suarez making this team  the strongest Philippines representation to ever descend upon foreign shores.

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino

Saturday December 10

THE BIGGEST FIGHT IN VIETNAM THIS YEAR !
November 24, 2022

THE BIGGEST FIGHT IN VIETNAM THIS YEAR !

THE BIGGEST FIGHT IN VIETNAM THIS YEAR !

This is the main event !

Vietnam champion Dinh Hong Quân goes toe to toe with the very lethal puncher from the Philippines  - Arnel Baconaje.

WILL SUAREZ LET THE HANDS GO IN VIETNAM ?
November 22, 2022

WILL SUAREZ LET THE HANDS GO IN VIETNAM ?

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.

PABUSTAN LOOKING FOR A SEA CHANGE
November 22, 2022

PABUSTAN LOOKING FOR A SEA CHANGE

Philippines have a strong representation in Vietnam on December 10, and Jetro Pabustan will take on the feisty Le Hoang Hiep in what is destined to be a crazy action packed fight at the beachside resort of The Grand HoTram. The Vietnam boxer has a reputation as being unhinged, and in spite of jumping two weight classes, is confident that he can handle the much bigger pinoy boxer.

But for the well traveled Pabustan,  he's seen and heard it all before !

Jetro Pabustan is one of the most experienced fighters appearing at the Fortunes of War in Ho Tram. The clever southpaw is known as the Silent Operator, and when you watch him at work, it’s no surprise that this technician has racked up 31 wins in his career so far. With a professional resume dating back to 2008, Pabustan suffered only one defeat in his first 29 bouts, an amazing feat considering he was fighting everyone!

The Silent Operator hails from Malapatan , Sarangani, but has fought for most of his career based in Cagayan de Oro. A talented southpaw from the start, his style has always been steeped in good fundamentals – touch jabs, deft counters, and point scoring against opponents that get a bit ragged. This template saw him get to a WBO world bantamweight title in 2016, one that he unfortunately lost to the legendary Thai Panya Uthok by technical decision. Ironically, this title was later avenged by another quality pinoy named Marlon Tapales. The very next year, Jetro Pabustan ventured to Japan to claim the WBO Asia Pacific title, accounting for the highly rated Tatsuya Takahashi. When it appeared that his career was in another upswing, the talented CDO fighter seemingly vanished from the landscape, fighting only three times in the next 3 years.

The Silent Operator resumed in May to beat the outstanding and dangerous Bryan Tamayo in Manila. He followed that effort with a last moment trip to the United States to take on the world top 20 fighter Tramaine Williams. Whilst being on the receiving end of  a narrow loss, many that watched this fight were convinced that Pabustan had done enough to get his hand raised.

Jetro Pabustan v Le Hoang Hiep

4 rounds  Bantamweight 55kg

THE GRAND HO TRAM RESORT AND CASINO

Saturday December 10

THOSE THAT DARE TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE
November 21, 2022

THOSE THAT DARE TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE

With Fortunes of War only weeks away we thought we'd check in with these Vietnam Tigers and see how they are looking in their preparations.

The answer: AMAZING  !

These three young prospects are daring to dream big, and will be fighting professional stars from the Philippines on December 10.

They are all on steep learning paths, and it will be a significant task just to survive their battles in Ho Tram.

(Thee princes from left)

Le Hoang Hiep fights Jetro Pabustan.

Phan Minh Quân fights Mark John Yap.

Thai Hoang Huy fights JonJon Estrada.

The boys are in super shape already and are almost at their assigned fighting weights.

Good luck to our Vietnam  warriors!

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino Vietnam

Saturday December 10

NGUYỄN VĂN HẢI LOOKS FOR REDEMPTION
November 20, 2022

NGUYỄN VĂN HẢI LOOKS FOR REDEMPTION

Hanoi boxer Nguyễn Văn Hải competed in his first match in almost 3 years this past August. In what was viewed as a welcome back contest in Manila for Hai, he came away with a points loss, and a bagful of "what if" scenarios on his performance. The end result was a steely resolve to make amends for that defeat as soon as possible.

Nguyễn Văn Hải is very likely the most experienced mixed fight form exponent in Vietnam, and he returns to his love for boxing on December 10 at the Fortunes of War show in Ho Tram.

Hai was a highly decorated amateur in younger days, having won multiple national titles and achieving medals at the SEA Games. In spite of those successes, the revered Hanoi legend has had precious few chances to box in recent years.

Hai was intent on embarking on a pro career back in 2019, and signed with VSP to pursue that ambition. The pandemic put the brakes on those plans, and unfortunately, Hai did not see any ring time until August of this year.

Nguyễn Văn Hải ventured to Manila to take on rangy southpaw prospect Jerald Into, and despite incurring a points loss, it was a decent display for a boxer with lots of ring rust. The Vietnam fighter certainly showed many of the trademark moves of his amateur days, but his distance, timing and punch volume were below the required level. But he actually looked very good, and it will no doubt be a vastly improved, and perhaps vengeful, boxer that returns to the ring at The Grand Ho Tram on December 10.

This boxer dubbed  "the Hanoi Hitman" will look to reverse that loss in Manila, and he will be determined to teach his whiz kid Indonesian rival some veteran tricks of the trade !

THREE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ONE NIGHT !
November 19, 2022

THREE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ONE NIGHT !

The biggest belt matches are coming to The Grand Ho Tram this December !

Dinh Hong Quân defends his IBF Lightweight crown against the Philippines lethal Arnel Baconaje in what will go down as a fight for tge ages. This one is as close to a 50/50 as you will ever get !

Indonesia’s best Defry Palulu heads to Ho Tram to take on very likely the best technical boxer that the Philippines has ever produced  - the quicksilver Charly Suarez. But in spite of his unbeaten record, there are doubters that suggest he doesn't have the power to make the same impact that Manny Pacquiao has made on the sport. Defry Palulu is a former WBC champ, and Suarez the WBA King, so both camps are justified in their confidence in securing the IBF 130lb belt.

And what about this one for a torrid clash ?

19 year old Chan-Ho Song from South Korea takes on 18 year old Anuson Thonglueang for the WBO Oriental Youth Super Lightweight title in an 8 round bout where both boxers aim to destroy the other. The Thai has had 10 bouts this year, and has literally decapitated his opposition.

And Chan-Ho Song, who is unbeaten in 8 fights, is certainly living up to his ring name of "Purge Boy" !

Three classic championship bouts, and four other hell fire contests, so who wants some ?

WHO'S COMING TO THE GRAND HO TRAM RESORT VIETNAM ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 10 ?

If you can't get there, don't panic, you can watch all the action here live !

THE GRAND HO TRAM CHASING GREATNESS
November 19, 2022

THE GRAND HO TRAM CHASING GREATNESS

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

QUAN: "BACONAJE WON'T GO THE DISTANCE"
November 18, 2022

QUAN: "BACONAJE WON'T GO THE DISTANCE"

Vietnam's defending IBF Lightweight champion Dinh Hong Quân is already in great shape for his impending clash with Arnel Baconaje, and has plans to make it an early night.

"I had to lose a lot of weight way too fast for my last fight with Jules Victoriano, and I must admit he was a very tough opponent. I feel in way better shape this time, my camp has been good, and being able to train with a legend like Manny Pacquiao has helped me a lot.

A lot of people say it was a very close fight with Philippines last time, and it was, but most did not know that I had no sparring before that match. Everybody will see a far better Dinh Hong Quân this time, and I already know that I will hurt Arnel Baconaje.

It's a very good match, I am excited for it. I am very happy to have the challenge of stopping a top fighter like Baconaje in front of my home country. "

Dinh Hong Quân v Arnel Baconaje

12 rounds  IBF Asia Lightweight title

THE GRAND HO TRAM RESORT VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

FORTUNES OF WAR COMING TO VIETNAM
November 17, 2022

FORTUNES OF WAR COMING TO VIETNAM

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

ANOTHER EPIC CLASH AT THE HO TRAM
November 17, 2022

ANOTHER EPIC CLASH AT THE HO TRAM

South Korea meets Thailand in what is sure to be a firefight in the super lightweight 140lb category.

Chan Ho Song is a star on the rise, and could very easily develop into the best pro that South Korea has produced in recent years. At only 19 years of age, he has already chalked up 8 straight wins, and tellingly, has improved out of sight every time that he has entered the ring. This boy is very different to the traditional dour, gritty Korean style that you are maybe familiar with.

Song is fast, has a high workrate, nice footwork,  and really works some clever angles. He is definitely durable, and he is developing some power to go with his accurate hands. This is a certainly a boxer to watch for the future -  he will be top level !

Anuson Thonglueang has already created some media attention in Thailand,  where he has put together 12 wins with only one loss in extra quick time. Similar to his South Korean counterpart, he is a dynamic all action fighter, and he really knows how to be effective inside the ropes.

Whilst his opponents have been lesser calibre than Song, he has dispatched them convincingly, and with real menace ! Anuson Thonglueang as obliterated 9 of his 12 victims by knockout, so Chan Ho Song will need to be careful of engaging in a trading battle with this dangerous Thai.

Chan Ho Song and Anuson Thonglueang will lock horns for the WBO Oriental Youth title.

Chan Ho Song v Anuson Thonglueang

8 rounds  WBO Oriental Youth Super Lightweight

THE GRAND HO TRAM RESORT VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

VIETNAM TIGERS READY FOR HO TRAM RUMBLE
November 15, 2022

VIETNAM TIGERS READY FOR HO TRAM RUMBLE

Nguyễn Văn Hải is very likely the most experienced  mixed fight form exponent in Vietnam, and he returns to his love for boxing on December 10 at the Fortunes of War show in Ho Tram.

Hai was a highly decorated amateur in younger days, but has had precious few chances to box in recent years. He was intent on embarking on a pro career back in 2019, and signed with VSP to pursue that ambition. The pandemic put the brakes on those plans, and Hai did not see ring time until August of this year.

Nguyễn Văn Hải ventured to Manila to take on rangy southpaw prospect Jerald Into, and despite a points loss, it was a decent display for a boxer with lots of ring rust.

The boxer dubbed the Hanoi Hitman will look to build on that loss, and will be joined at The Grand Ho Tram by four other Vietnam fighters.

Dinh Hong Quân will contest the main event, while novice prospects Pham Minh Quân, Le Hoang Hiep  and Thai Hoang Huy will take on top class Philippines boxers in the undercard bouts.

Indonesia’s Paisal Panjaitan creates an exquisite and intriguing match up with Vietnam's Nguyễn Văn Hải.  At face value, their fight stats are remarkably similar, and both like to box out of the orthodox stance. But that's where the similarity ends.

Nguyễn Văn Hải has been immersed in "fighting" for more than 20 years, and has been a high level amateur.  In contrast, Paisal Panjaitan has been boxing for less than 5 years, and is clearly still learning the trade. That said, it's transparent that he has improved markedly with each performance,  and his energy levels will obviously prove a challenge to his Vietnam opponent. Panjaitan is tough too!

Unbeaten in 3 fights, he absorbed punishment yet won each contest convincingly.

This Vietnam v Indonesia match up will be over 4 rounds, so expect to see fireworks in this one, as both these talented fighters will be looking to impose their will.

Really looking forward to this one !

Nguyễn Văn Hải v Paisal Panjaitan

4 rounds  Lightweight  135lb

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

THE GRAND HO TRAM JUST GOT HOTTER !!!
November 14, 2022

THE GRAND HO TRAM JUST GOT HOTTER !!!

THE GRAND HO TRAM JUST GOT HOTTER !!!

Saturday December 10   Fortunes of War !

DOES IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS ?
November 14, 2022

DOES IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS ?

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

VIETNAM v PHILIPPINES FOR THE IBF CROWN
November 14, 2022

VIETNAM v PHILIPPINES FOR THE IBF CROWN

Dinh Hong Quan is gaining the reputation as one of Vietnam's most improved and fearless fighters.

On December 10, the man revered as the Black Hawk, will defend his IBF title on home soil against one of Asia's best at 126-130lb - Philippines' very own Arnel Baconaje.

This will the third defense for the Vietnam champion, and admirably, he has taken on quality opposition each time. The Black Hawk originally won the IBF belt on foreign soil against the very experienced Korean Dong Hee Kim, dispatching his opponent with a showreel left hook !

Since then he has defended against emerging pinoy boxers Delmar Pellio and Jules Victoriano, both of whom enjoyed physical batlles with the Vietnam boxer.

Arnel Baconaje represents another rise in class for Quân, and there is no doubt that at 130, the Philippines man known as "The Silencer" would start an overwhelming betting favourite. But this battle will be at 135lb,  and will be held in Dinh Hong Quân's backyard.

It's Vietnam v Philippines  its Black Hawk v The Silencer  and its the IBF Asia title on the line !

Dinh Hong Quân v Arnel Baconaje

12 rounds  IBF Asia Lightweight title

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

THE UNSEEN HAMMER TO HAUNT SUAREZ
November 13, 2022

THE UNSEEN HAMMER TO HAUNT SUAREZ

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

NGUYỄN VĂN HẢI v PAISAL PANJAITAN (IDN)
November 12, 2022

NGUYỄN VĂN HẢI v PAISAL PANJAITAN (IDN)

4 rounds  Lightweight 61kg

Vietnam legend Nguyễn Văn Hải will take on hot unbeaten Indonesian boxer Paisal Panjaitan  (3-0) at the beachside venue of The Grand Ho Tram next month.

Hai resumed from a very long break for a points loss to the promising Jerald Into, but is sure to be in devastating shape for this Vietnam bout.

Paisal Panjaitan has scored one knockout and two easy points victories in his three wins, and will be looking to make a statement in his first international bout.

HUGE FIGHT !

Action live from The Grand Ho Tram Strip Vietnam

Saturday December 10

SUAREZ ARMY COMING FOR DEFRY PALULU  !!
November 11, 2022

SUAREZ ARMY COMING FOR DEFRY PALULU !!

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

SILENCE IS GOLDEN AT THE GRAND HO TRAM
November 11, 2022

SILENCE IS GOLDEN AT THE GRAND HO TRAM

December is the month where all the best known boxers in Vietnam will head to Hanoi to compete in the national sports championships.

So how do you find Vietnam prospects that are willing to fight, when all the best known boxers have headed north for the festival?

VSP Promotions recently advertised that three of the Philippines top professional fighters will come to VSP Gym next month, and are also offering to participate in 4 round bouts at Ho Tram on December 10 against any Vietnam boxer brave enough to put their hand up!

So the call from VSP went out :

"We are looking for Vietnam Tigers who are willing to jump in with these professional killers from the Philippines  - JonJon Estrada, Mark John Yap and Jetro Pabustan."

We had so many that wanted to test themselves, and despite their lack of experience, there were three brave Vietnam boys who's enthusiasm and appetite for adventure shone through.

Le Hoang Hiep was one of the most fearless, and he begged for the match with Jetro Pabustan. Despite being a 51kg Flyweight and devoid of recent fights, the 22 year old Gorilla was desperate  for action, and said "I'll start training from today if you give me a shot at the Silent Operator!"

And so the match was made, "Young Blood" Le Hoang Hiep will have his date with destiny when he meets Jetro Pabustan at The Grand Ho Tram Vietnam on December 10.

Congratulations

young man, but a word of warning, be careful of what you wish for.

As they say SILENCE IS GOLDEN!

THE SILENCER TO SHOOT BLACK HAWK DOWN !
November 10, 2022

THE SILENCER TO SHOOT BLACK HAWK DOWN !

Arnel "the Silencer" Baconaje is Vietnam bound, and he has only one objective on his mind.

To defeat the man known as the "Black Hawk", Vietnam's Lightweight champion Dinh Hong Quan, and return to his native Philippines wearing his IBF belt.

Cocky Buffalo prospect Quan has successfully defended the IBF belt twice already, and whilst they have been hard fought bouts against quality pinoys, it is also fair to say that the young Vietnam boxer is still making technical improvements with each challenge.

He is also getting bigger and stronger.

But the Silencer has no interest in any of that !

As its equally fair to say that he is far more experienced boxer than the two previous opponents of Dinh Hong Quan, and is more definitely more skilful at landing meaningful punches. The Philippines boxer from Iloilo has landed 11 knockouts in his 15 wins.

This is a classic main event, where based on experience, the Philippines Arnel Banconaje is the man to beat and would start a solid favorite.

But you can't rule out the Black Hawk, as he just keeps improving and rising to each new challenge.

If you're a Vietnam fan and haven't seen Baconaje before, check out some of his bag work from late last week. Crisp and precise.

He will be looking to clip the wings of the Black Hawk on December 10.

Arnel Baconaje v Dinh Hong Quan

MAIN EVENT

12 rounds  IBF Asia Lightweight Championship

The Grand Ho Tram Strip Vung Tau Vietnam

Saturday December 10

VIETNAM:  ARE YOU READY FOR THE YAP ATTACK?
November 8, 2022

VIETNAM: ARE YOU READY FOR THE YAP ATTACK?

Mark John Yap takes his ethereal boxing skills to Vietnam on December 10 when he takes on former youth champion Pham Minh Quân.

Quân is one of many quality young fighters that train with Matrix Gym in Ho Chi Minh City, and has taken on an exciting challenge to test his game against one of the Philippines best.

The Journeyman has been in sublime form of late, performing superbly in a WBA Asia match with Charly Suarez, and followed that up with a strong win over tough Papua New Guinea boxer Junior Kauko Raka.

Pham Minh Quân v Mark John Yap

4 rounds  Super Featherweight 59kg  Exhibition

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

HO TRAM CALLING FOR "YOUNG BLOOD"
November 8, 2022

HO TRAM CALLING FOR "YOUNG BLOOD"

He's part Russki, part Gorilla, and Ho Chi Minh City's street thug Le Hoang Hiep is headed for The Grand Ho Tram this December.

Hiep will compete in an exhibition match with top Philippines' bantamweight Jetro Pabustan, and "Young Blood" is looking forward to the opportunity.

When asked about the task of taking on an internationally performed boxer with 31 wins and a 4kg weight advantage, the Thug Life inspired character was unrestrained in his typically psycho style:

"Tell that boy I'm sending him home to his momma in a zipped bodybag!"

Wow - confidence is definitely KING !

Jetro Pabustan v Le Hoang Hiep

4 rounds  Bantamweight exhibition bout

The Grand Ho Tram Strip Vung Tau Vietnam

Saturday December 10

CHARLY SUAREZ (13-0) v DEFRY PALULU (25-2)
November 7, 2022

CHARLY SUAREZ (13-0) v DEFRY PALULU (25-2)

@ 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

THE BEST OF THE PHILIPPINES !!!
November 6, 2022

THE BEST OF THE PHILIPPINES !!!

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

SUAREZ TAKES ON PALULU DEC 10 IN VIETNAM
November 6, 2022

SUAREZ TAKES ON PALULU DEC 10 IN VIETNAM

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.

D'HAMMER STALKED BY A KILLER !
November 5, 2022

D'HAMMER STALKED BY A KILLER !

Quality match up at 130 between RoyRoy Sumugat and Ivor "the Killer" Lastrilla.

The Killer showed enterprise and even dominace early in this match, with Big Roy Sumugat keeping a cool head and probing for opportunities as the fight progressed.

D'Hammer was really composed and strong at the end of this one, and showed he has plenty more great performances to come. Lastrilla was impressive in parts of this contest to, he sets up some combinations on southpaw Sumugat that were really thoughtful.

This Sumugat v Lastrilla match up was really good to watch !

"THE BOXING MECCA OF ASIA"
November 5, 2022

"THE BOXING MECCA OF ASIA"

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.

PALULU v SUAREZ @ THE GRAND HO TRAM
November 4, 2022

PALULU v SUAREZ @ THE GRAND HO TRAM

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 !

THE NIGHTMARE RETURNS !
November 3, 2022

THE NIGHTMARE RETURNS !

Many great bouts at the BATTLEFIELD, and there were also some stand out performances by boxers that were on the wrong side of the judges scorecards. Eduardo Mancito resumed from a break, and looked in outstanding shape for his match with hot Lightweight prospect Jerald Into.

Mancito had some significant issues with the height and range of Into, and started to solve these to a degree late in the match. The Nightmare  did some good work in this encounter, and will no doubt be vastly improved by meeting a shorter opponent and back in his usual weight class for his next assignment.

SUAREZ v MAGALI - BEST OF THE BEST
November 2, 2022

SUAREZ v MAGALI - BEST OF THE BEST

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.

INDO CHAMP SIGNS TO FIGHT SUAREZ DEC 10
November 3, 2022

INDO CHAMP SIGNS TO FIGHT SUAREZ DEC 10

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 !

NGUYEN VAN HAI v PAISAL PANJAITAN
November 1, 2022

NGUYEN VAN HAI v PAISAL PANJAITAN

https://thethao.vn/vo-thuat/boxing/nguyen-van-hai-chuan-bi-dau-vo-si-indonesia-bat-bai-tt59326.html?fbclid=IwAR0GX0CHB_aJLNjvf98kGrKaoLvqecAkZ_KRBSM-3iQZ0GUhbiAnxZB48Mw

DINH HONG QUAN v ARNEL BACONAJE
November 1, 2022

DINH HONG QUAN v ARNEL BACONAJE

DINH HONG QUAN v ARNEL BACONAJE

IBF Asia Lightweight title

LIVE FROM THE GRAND HO TRAM VIETNAM

Saturday December 10


SANDSTROM WINS WBA INTERCONTINENTAL
October 30, 2022

SANDSTROM WINS WBA INTERCONTINENTAL

Congrats to Victory8 fighter Linn Sandström, who was successful in her WBA assault in York Hall London just moments ago. The Swedish boxer first appeared as a novice performer in Vietnam at Victory8 in 2018, where she challenged national champion Nguyễn Thi Tam at Nguyễn Du Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City.

Sandstrom has since forged a pro career and showed continued improvement, winning in Australia, the Philippines, Costa Rica and tonight's bout in England. Her WBA win over Croatian Sara Marjanovic was Linn Sandström's 7th in the paid ranks, and she's just getting started !

GO SANDSTORM!

DINH HONG QUAN TO FACE BACONAJE DEC 10
October 28, 2022

DINH HONG QUAN TO FACE BACONAJE DEC 10

Vietnam's Lightweight champion Dinh Hong Quan will face Philippines Arnel Baconaje at the Grand Ho Tram Strip for the IBF title on December 10. This will be as significant a main event as the country has ever seen, where incumbent champion Dinh Hong Quan (9-1) faces his sternest test to date against the skilful pinoy boxer.

The Vietnam rising star has the size advantage, yet Baconaje has bowled over some of the Philippines' biggest and best scoring, 11 knockouts in his 15 wins to date.This is a massive main event with both fighters having the genuine attributes to claim the IBF prize.

Dinh Hong Quan will join the Manny Pacquiao training camp in preparation for his December assignment, whilst Baconaje is currently in Japan working with pound for pound star Naoya Inoue. The match between Dinh Hong Quan and Arnel Baconaje will take place at The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam on Saturday December 10th.

Fight card and ticket information coming soon!

THE UNSEEN HAMMER!
October 28, 2022

THE UNSEEN HAMMER!

Have to love the ring name! Defry Palulu is Indonesia’s best fighter and is IBF approved.

He has a 25 win and 2 loss record and was a WBC regional champion before the pandemic robbed him of that title. So he's not happy!