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 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.
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.
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.
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
**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 !
#cockybuffalopromotions #vbo #proboxing #vietnamboxing
The Philippines Mark John Yap wins with a third round stoppage.
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
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.
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 !
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
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
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.
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.
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
Sat 6:00 PM | July 15, 2023
BOUT 5 : SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT - 59 KG-8R
MARK JOHN YAP VS MOHON ALI
#CockyBuffaloPromotions #CockyBuffalo #TheGrandHoTramStrip #Proboxing #VBO #VTVcab #vspboxing #boxingvietnam #VSPPromotions #bangladeshboxing
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.
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.
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.
The Philippines Mark John Yap shows his poise and experience in his excellent win over Vietnam's national team prospect Nguyễn Hà Minh.
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.
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.
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.
Elorde's Mark John Yap headlines at VSP PRO next Saturday night in Ho Chi Minh City.
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
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
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
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'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.
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.
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 !! "
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 !!!
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 !
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 !
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
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!
Congratulations to the Philippines fighters that will be competing at the Grand Ho Tram in Vietnam on Saturday December 10. Arnel Baconaje and Charly will contest IBF titles in two of the main event matches.
Baconaje will take on incumbent lightweight champion Dinh Hong Quan, a Vietnam fighter that has recent history with pinoys Delmar Pellio and Jules Victoriano. Charly Suarez is expected to have a confirmed opponent soon.
Indonesia’s best fighter has given his take on the recent deeds of Charly Suarez, and also his prospects of matching up with the King's Warrior in the near future: "I am aware that I am on a shortlist of fighters for the IBF title in December with Suarez, but if he is serious about being world champ, then pick me - as I am his ticket !
From what I hear, nobody wants any part of Suarez - the Aussie, the Japan, and even I'm hearing American!And from what I see, I am the ONLY guy to call this amateur out, to expose him in the pro ranks.
But I will make a prediction, that based on what I have seen recently of Charly Suarez, not only will I damage his hopes of a world title, I will do some serious damage to his body also. The guy has zero power, so I don't see how he will compete with a top ten fighter "
Defry Palulu is a former WBC belt holder with a record of 25 and 2. He has encountered only one loss in the last 9 years, a controversial split decision defeat that he later avenged. Charly Suarez will contest the IBF Asia title at The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam on Saturday December 10th.
Big thrill to see "the Ferocious" Carlo Magali back in the ring at Sunday’s BATTLEFIELD. Carlo is one of the most rugged fighters in Philippines boxing, and he turned out in career best shape for his stoush with Charly Suarez in the main event.
Magali started very strongly and in fact edged Suarez in round 3, but it became obvious that the King's Warrior was not going to risk trading with the battle hardened warrior.The match up turned out to be stylistically wrong for Magali, but he certainly showed the physical menace that would really hurt a less lateral opponent than Suarez. We really look forward to The Ferocious appearing again soon, and watching him bust up whatever is in front of him!
*story courtesy Daily Tribune
Utilizing his all-around skills, Rio Olympics veteran Charly Suarez kept his unbeaten record intact with a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision win over rugged Carlo Magali over the weekend in Sucat, Parañaque. Suarez was defending the World Boxing Association super-featherweight title and likewise vying for the Philippine crown and easily got the job done by earning scores of 119-109 (twice) and 118-110 on the judges’ scorecards.
The crowd at the Flash Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Center rallied behind Magali but Suarez had no trouble keeping his foe at bay with shots fired from long range. The victory raised Suarez’s record to 13-0 with seven knockouts and the Magali conquest put him on line for a quick return to the ring on 10 December in Vietnam.
“We are fast-tracking his climb to the world ratings,” Suarez’s chief trainer and longtime national team pal Delfin Boholst. Charly’s ripe (for a title shot) because of his age and his wealth of experience (fighting in the amateur ranks),” Boholst added. Though already 34, Suarez has fought extensively and once faced Vasyl Lomachenko, now regarded as one of the world’s finest fighters.
Hot on the heels of Charly Suarez's clinical WBA and National title win yesterday, the champion's focus now moves to his next assignment. The King's Warrior has been approached to fight in Vietnam in December, and the Philippines' most "ducked" fighter is looking to take his first international scalp on foreign soil.
It seems at this stage, the US, Australia and Japan have stamped Suarez papers as "too dangerous", and given his amateur and pro record, this is hardly surprising! So the search is on for top quality guns that are ready to be lit up by Suarez.
One name that interestingly resurfaced recently was that of a fighter who apparently still holds an opinion on the Philippines star. Charly Suarez was recently made subject of a “call out” by Indonesia’s #1 fighter Defry Palulu, a hard hitter with a 25 and 2 record.
Palulu is classed as one of his country’s best since the mighty Chris John, and the heavy handed southpaw was meant to defend his WBC regional belt against Suarez back in 2020, a match that was cancelled due to the pandemic. At the time Palulu was confident of dismantling the fledgling pro Suarez, and to this day, he still remains optimistic about the task:
Charly Suarez has done very well in his career so far, but I feel I am now a stronger fighter than i was back in 2020, and I just know he hasn’t yet fought someone of my ability. I am hearing that he is the best in Asia at 130, some say even in the world, but I know that I have the power to hurt him and slow his fast hands. "I have been in with many "amateur style" boxers before, and it always ends the same way for them!” warned the man aptly tagged “the Unseen Hammer” !!
Defry Palulu is unbeaten in three fights since returning from the pandemic, and has experienced only one loss in the last 9 years - a split decision loss that he later avenged. VSP Promotions will look into this guy - if the quotes are real, and he's ready to walk the walk, this could be interesting!
Champion Philippines boxer Mark John Yap and Team Raka trainer Ephraim Montoru meet after the historic bout between PNG and Philippines.
What was the topic they discussed? " Mark, which one in your opinion is better?
The San Miguel or riding the Red Horse? "was Ephraim's opener !
Papua New Guinea's very popular Junior Kauko Raka enjoys a meal with other competing boxers after yesterday's huge BATTLEFIELD card in Parañaque Manila.
Raka put on a stoic display in a cracking undercard fight with Philippines champion Mark John Yap.
Junior Raka pressured Yap throughout, winning the admiration of the crowd.
This was the first match for the PNG PRODIGY in almost two years, so expect to see a vastly improved fighter in future bouts.
And our advice is that anyone that is thinking of facing Raka ,?
WATCH OUT ! You are in for one hell of a fight!
PNG PRODIGY IS ON THE MARCH !
Despite a slow start, RoyRoy Sumugat wore down a very good looking Ivor Lastrilla.
Lastrilla appeared to outbox Sumugat in the opening sequence, and he looked to be in career best form. He definitely created problems for RoyRoy, and there are wins in store for this smart boxer without doubt. But it was Sumugat to the fore in latter rounds, with his accuracy and nice combination punching earning him the stoppage.
After the gunshots have fallen silent, and the smoke has cleared !
Huge performances tonight from Mark John Yap and Junior Kauko Raka.
Yap showed all his boxing skills and put an exclamation mark on why he has been a multiple title holder. This "Journeyman" has a lot left in the tank, and he looks invigorated at 130lb.
Raka was a junkyard dog, constantly pressing the champion Yap onto the back foot. Junior Raka showed understandable signs of ring rust, but it was a wholehearted display that won the plaudits of Philippines fans, and was sure to make PNG proud.
Make no mistake, Raka will derive huge benefit from tonight's performance and he will be a menace to top fighters in the division.
Top quality bout. Bravo !
Eddie Alcoba jr Wins by KO
Romeo Tenorio Wins by UD
"The Ferocious" Carlo Magali looking absolutely shredded at the BATTLEFIELD weigh in just moments ago.
National champion Magali takes on the unbeaten freak talent King's Warrior Charly Suarez in a bout which will decide both RP and WBA Asia titles.
Both fighters weighed in within the Super Featherweight limit at 129 pounds.
Action takes place tomorrow at the Elorde Sports Centre in Parañaque.
The Philippines’ Charly Suarez will headline a huge card in Manila this Sunday, when he defends his regional WBA belt agsinst national champion Carlo Magali.
Suarez is without peer in Philippines boxing right now, and arguably sits with Naoya Inoue as the most technically gifted fighter in all of Asia,
The Davao native sits unbeaten at 12 and 0, and such has been his dominance against quality local opposition, he has scored 7 knockouts so far in his pro career.
Carlo Magali will be another solid test for Suarez. A winner of 25 fights, Magali has a very awkward and resilient style that has upset more heavily favoured opponents. Blessed with a great chin and thudding power, the man that has earned the ring name “The Ferocious” is regarded as a killer in his homeland, and in the literal sense.
National champion Magali had an historic battle with Australia’s top 130 Davey Browne a few years back, and such was the bludgeoning that Magali delivered, the unbeaten Aussie lost his life as a result of his injuries.
Carlo Magali comes into Sunday’s match in career best condition, as reported by his camp, so it will be interesting to see if he can subdue the freakish Suarez in any way.
Charly Suarez will be looking to put on another electric display in Sunday’s WBA title defense, and is eyeing off bigger bouts in future. News just broken is that he will head to HO Tram Vietnam on December 10 and look to win the IBF belt, against a soon to be named opponent. The unbeaten boxer will be focussed on world top 10 fights in 2023, and with wins over world champs Oscar Valdez and Joe Cordina in the amateurs, he has every reason to have claims to the throne now that Shakur Stevenson has departed.
“I will fight anyone, anywhere !” beamed the ever smiling Suarez.
BATTLEFIELD: SUAREZ V MAGALI
How to watch:
VSP Promotions Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions
What time?
US East Coast 6am
US West Coast 3am
UK 11am
Vietnam 5pm
Philippines 6pm
Australia and PNG 9pm
Papua New Guinea's boxing star Junior Kauko Raka touched down in Manila late last night, but the Prodigy Team are already in the Elorde Gym early this morning.
Junior Kauko Raka went through a light workout, ably assisted by trainers Nelson John and Ephraim Montoru.
Despite the fact that the harder preparation has already been done, Raka will work in the gym this week to ensure he is on track for Saturdays weigh in.
Raka will compete in the 59kg Super Featherweight class (130lb) against Philippines international star Mark John Yap.
Papua New Guinea's Junior Kauko Raka ready and waiting to embark on his Philippines adventure at Port Moresby Airport. Raka will take on one of the Philippines greatest - Mark John "The Journeyman" Yap in what is guaranteed to be no place for the faint hearted.
Yap is the winner of 30 bouts, and tore some of Japan's best fighters to shreds in accumulating three OPBF championship belts. In contrast, Junior Kauko Raka has 2 pro wins, yet has as many as 7 knockout wins in "unofficial" contests.
This potential match up is already shaping as a red hot bonfire NOBODY IN THE PHILIPPINES WANTED TO FIGHT MARK JOHN YAP!
But Junior Raka jumped at the chance to fight him "GIVE YAP TO ME!" Great stuff! So excited to see these two greats!
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila, Sunday October 23rd
BE THERE, OR WATCH IT LIVE !
The great man Martin Beni put Papua New Guinea's boxing on the map back in the 1970's when he was successful against many of Australia's best fighters. Beni went on to beat an Australian and Commonwealth Lightweight champion, and at his peak, was rated in the top 30 fighters in the world at that weight.
On Sunday October 23rd, Junior Kauko Raka continues the PNG proud tradition of love of sports and boxing, when he takes on a formidable task in the shape of Mark John Yap. The Journeyman is one of the Philippines best, with 30 professional wins and 3 OPBF titles on his resume.
Says Raka on the topic of national hero Martin Beni:
"Martin lived his life around the boxing ring and while it was shocking and sad to see him pass in front of us; he was someone that remained true to the sport all the way to his last day.
When I joined boxing, I would always hear stories of Martin Beni and how he fought some of the best fighters in Australia and I’m so honoured to have met and worked alongside him.
I grew as a boxer with Martin ever since I started as an amateur in 2009.
There was a lot of struggle with boxing when I joined but despite all the politics and issues with who was in charge of the sport, he always remained true to the sport.
Before I turned professional, he would come around for some of my fights and talk to me and give me advice on what I was doing wrong.
One thing that I would always remember him by was his belief in me.
I made him a promise that I would win an internationally recognised title. I came close to fulfilling that promise but it wasn’t to be. I will keep pursuing that promise with the time I have left in my career."
Junior Kauko Raka v Mark John Yap
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday October 23rd
RoyRoy Sumugat v Ivor Lastrilla
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday October 23rd
Be there or watch it here live !
Great to see Papua New Guinea embracing boxing and recognising the achievements of athletes like Junior Kauko Raka.
Big thanks to the Pang family and Northern Property Valuers for assisting the PNG PRODIGY Junior Raka on his journey to the Philippines, and his big fight with Pinoy star Mark John Yap.
Manila Lightweight DEADLY Daffy Dempo is back in action next Sunday with a highly anticipated bout with fellow Manila boxer Jonniel Laurente.
This will be the first match for the popular boxer since 2019, when Dempo comprehensively outscored Danny Manosa. Prior to that, DEADLY was involved in a drawn bout with the wild man Jino Rodrigo, who also appears on this card.
Daffy Dempo v Jonniel Laurente
8 rounds Lightweight 132lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday October 23rd
Palawan boxer Jahzeel Trinidad aims to keep his unbeaten record (6 wins) intact when he tackles JC Francisco (8 wins) next week.
This will be his toughest test so far, but this high energy boxer known as "Lion Hearted" has all the right tools to make it a thriller with the more experienced Francisco.
Jahzeel Trinidad v JC Francisco
8 rounds Flyweight 112lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Nguyễn Văn Duong and Brazil's outstanding Esquiva Falcao are just two of the big names taking part in the "friendly" at Cocky Buffalo gym in Ho Chi Minh City today.
Falcao was a silver medallist winner at the 2012 Olympics, and has since gone on an unbeaten 30 fight winning streak as a pro. The world #14 will spar Vietnam Lightweight champ Dinh Hong Quan as part of today's exhibition.
DInh Hong Quan, Nguyễn Văn Duong, Vu Thanh Dat and many others joining Brazilian champ Esquiva Falcao in a friendly sparring day today at Cocky Buffalo gym in District 7 HCMC today.
Papua New Guinea's Junior Kauko Raka offers to go toe to toe with Cagayan de Oro's outstanding boxer Mark John Yap.
Junior Kauko Raka v Mark John Yap
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Expect things to get crazy !
Ali Cañega v Jerwin Mejes
8 rounds Super Lightweight 140lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Mr. Heart Throb is BACK, and he is aiming to leave a long trail broken hearts, starting this October 23rd!!
Claudevan Sese v Albert Alcoy
6 rounds Super Bantamweight 122lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Mark John Yap v Junior Kauko Raka
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
COUNTDOWN for Suarez v Magali
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Papua New Guinea's hard man Junior Kauko Raka responded to recent suggestions that Mark John Yap would put an exclamation mark on their clash by going for the knockout. Whilst Yap, and perhaps the whole of the Philippines, know what potential dangers the PNG Prodigy brings to the ring, they are also aware that the safest plan is to get him out of there as soon as possible.
The scheduled 8 round fight will take place in just over two weeks from now, and Raka had this to say:
"Knockout ? Well let's see!
We won't be running like ring girls, and I'm ready to fight toe to toe, so he won't have to go looking for me. We will see who stays standing!"
Spoken in true Warrior spirit!
PNG's Raka has experienced only one loss in 10 bouts, a points decision at the hands of top flight pinoy Roldan Aldea in a WBA title match. The powerful Port Moresby boxer has scored 7 knockouts along a path of destruction, and notably, is yet to be dropped.
This will be a compelling match up, with "The Journeyman" Mark John Yap starting a warm favourite, but likely to experience a torrid time with his PNG foe.
