Age :
26
Height :
163
cm
Stance :
Orthodox
Region :
Carmen, Cotabato (del Norte)
Country :
Philippines
Record : PRO DEBUT
Record :
15
Wins
(
9
KO)
/
2
Loss
/
1
Draws
Ronnie “Jong Jong” Baldonado will take on Carl Jammes Martin for the WBA Asia title in Manila on Saturday March 12. The Mindanao fighter boasts a superb record of 15 wins and 2 losses, and returns to the ring for the first time since late 2019. The solidly built Baldonado has a wealth of experience against varied styles of opponents, including international fights in China and Japan. Winning on the road in China is never easy, but Jong Jong made sure his efforts were not in vain, by knocking out his two opponents in Beijing!
Ronnie Baldonado jumps in weight class to take the Wonder Boy challenge, but the strong orthodox fighter looks a nice foil to Martin’s southpaw magic. He lacks nothing in the power department either, having put 9 of his previous victim’s to the sword. Baldonado will come to Manila all guns blazing, and he certainly won’t be fazed by the reputation of Carl Jammes Martin, nor his unbeaten record!
Expect fireworks here, as Baldonado will have the self belief that he will be the first to put this Wonder Boy on his butt!
Philippines Ronnie Baldonado just made weight for his Inoue Fulton undercard bout in Japan.
Ronnie Baldonado 53.3kg 16-4
Yoshiki Takei 53.9kg 6-0
Best of luck to both fighters.
Ronnie Baldonado and trainer Jetro Pabustan have touched down in Tokyo in advance of Tuesday night's mega clash between Naoya Inoue and Stephen Fulton.
Baldonado, who many remember for giving Wonder Boy Carl Jammes Martin a torrid battle, takes on unbeaten Yoshiki Takei (6-0)
Takei is a bona fide killer - all 6 wins have come by knockout, but Baldonado is a mad dog with plenty of firepower of his own.
The match will take place at Ariake Arena in "the Monster" Inoue's hometown of Yokohama.
SAY WELCOME TO THE NEW KIDS IN TOWN
The hard hitting Ronnie Baldonado ushers in some young blood fresh onto the Manila boxing scene !
Junny Bugas- 105lbs (wearing red), Michael Orano-122lbs (abs+tatts), and Noel Emata-135lbs
are all new to the Jetro Pabustan stable - and are ones to keep an eye out for in the future.
As for Ronnie, well he has plans of his own. This mad dog will be fighting in Japan this coming July against the unbeaten Yoshiki Takei.
This has all the makings of a spectacular main event.
Ronnie "Jong Jong" Baldonado has been training like a demon in Manila, and is promising a torrid welcome for visiting Mindanao boxer - Sanman's Ben Mananquil.
Mananquil, who is reverently known as "The Nightmare" has looked great in two outings since the pandemic, with a 4th round stoppage win over Crison Omayao, before losing to unbeaten South African star Phumelele Cafu, who was rated #11 in the world. The Nightmare did some good work early in that match, but it's fair to say that he was stylistically unsuited to his fellow southpaw opponent, and he is likely to have the ideal dance partner in Baldonado.
But this kid Baldonado is excitement plus, a skilled boxer that really knows how to turn up the heat on opponents.
Jong Jong has got great hands, lots of firepower, and you just know he has a real talent for putting butts on the canvas.
Just think back to his clash with hot prospect Carl Jammes Martin, who had lots of issues with this firebrand, and met the floor in the early stages of their battle.
Ronnie Baldonado is back to his proper weight class for this main event clash, and if his blazing fists get their way, the Nightmare maybe heading the way of his heralded rival Ben Mananquil.
UKC REVOLUTION
Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
GREAT FIGHT.
Gotta love this match up !
This is the main event at UKC REVOLUTION.
Ronnie "Jong Jong" Baldonado is bringing those magical hands to Manila for a fire fight with Sanman's Ben Mananquil.
Mananquil aka The Nightmare has looked great in two outings since the pandemic, with a 4th round stoppage win over Crison Omayao, before losing to unbeaten South African star Phumelele Cafu, who was rated #11 in the world. The Nightmare did some good work early in that match, but it's fair to say that he was stylistically unsuited to his fellow southpaw opponent, and he is likely to have the ideal dance partner in Baldonado.
And this kid Baldonado, well he just brings it !
He's got great hands, lots of firepower, and you just know he has the love of putting opponents on the canvas.
UKC REVOLUTION
Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
GREAT FIGHT.
Fighters are jumping from the rooftops to join the biggest and best fight show to launch the new year - UKC REVOLUTION in Parañaque on Monday January 30th.
The Elorde team already have a super strong line up that are planning on being there.
Check out these killers, from right to left:
Giovanni Escaner, Ronnie Baldonado, Ali Canega, Donald Laurejas,
Clarence, Breboneria, Jetro Pabustan, Baby Boy Almacen, Jason Buenaobra, Malfred Majadas, Roberto Gonzales
THAT'S A MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF TALENT RIGHT THERE !
Best of luck boys ! Happy New Year !
Full fight card coming soon.
The REVOLUTION has certainly gained momentum, with many of the Philippines' best looking to compete at the season opener.
Clarence Breboneria, Jetro Pabustan and Ronnie Baldonado are three of the confirmed starters, and based on today's picture, look well on track for fan pleasing performances later this month.
UKC REVOLUTION
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday January 30th
The REVOLUTION is officially in full swing, with news that ace bantamweight Ronnie Baldonado will be joining the card on January 30th.
The Mindanao boxer known as JongJong is one of the most exciting strikers in the Philippines, yet has been in relatve obscurity since 2019 due to inactivity.
It's almost ironic that he finally returned in 2022 to two losses, but the merit in the performances provides insight that 2023 will showcase the best version of Baldonado yet seen !
Ronnie Baldonado returned after a 3 year break, jumped weight classes, and took on one of the Philippines most promising fighters Carl Jammes Martin. It's fair to say that JongJong dominated the early stages of that match, even putting Wonder Boy on his butt, before tiring late in the contest. It was a fantastic comeback performance by Baldonado, and was followed up by a points loss in Japan to hot prospect Sho Ishida, a winner of 31 bouts.
2023 provides a fresh start for Baldonado, who at only 26, and having experienced a 3 years break from the sport, is an improving young fighter that is extremely compelling to watch.
So expect to see Ronnie Baldonado turn up on January 30th with all guns blazing !
More updates on the REVOLUTION fight card coming soon.
Lorenz Ladrada is one of the many talented Mindanao fighters to compete in Manila in recent events.
The participation of visitor fighters to Luzon, amidst the difficulties the Elorde team encountered to even create events during lockdown, definitely deserves special mention.
At TIGER 2O22, Tomjune Mangubat, Charly Suarez, and Ronnie Baldonado formed three parts of the two headline fights - all Mindanao boys.
Lorenz "Cerberus" Ladrada is a proud son of the mountains, hailing from Malitbog Bukidnon, so it is fantastic to see his family and friends get behind his journey, and even receive a salutation from the mayor.
Well done to Lorenz Ladrada and all the fighters that have managed to keep the faith and stay competitive in these hard times.
One of the best fights you will see all year!
Ronnie Baldonado puts on a truly TIGER performance, giving the Wonder Boy his biggest career challenge so far.
The prize?
A WBA Asia belt and a world ranking. This fight was hellfire (as predicted !) and Martin showed huge composure, determination, and fitness to redress the first half of the fight.
The performance of Baldonado was phenomenal, and he will be a big star for Philippines boxing.
Can't wait to see what's next for Carl Jammes Martin ! Very impressive !
The "Wonder Boy" Carl Jammes Martin about to commence his ring walk for his WBA Asia assignment with Ronnie Baldonado.
The young boxing prodigy and recent Probellum signing, advanced to 19 and 0 (16 KO) with his gritty title win.
The fight between Baldonado and Martin was a classic, with Martin overcoming an early setback, only to work back into the contest and regain ascendency later in the bout.
Big kudos to Ronnie Baldonado, he was outstanding, and he made this another memorable bout for Wonder Boy and the fans.
Carl Jammes Martin pulls a Knockout in round 11 from a dominant Ronnie Baldonado in a classic.
Baldonado knocked down Wonder Boy in the second, and dominated till the mid stages, where a resurgent Martin edged back. In the end it was Martin's fitness that prevailed, against a totally exhausted Baldonado.
EPIC FIGHT!
The Wild Man Jino Rodrigo making international guests Linn Sandstrom and Jada feel welcome. When not a tour guide, the boisterous Rodrigo doubles as a boxer, and expect his clash with Roberto Gonzales to be one of the best of the day.
Can Jino get lucky two days in a row?
The three title fights all weighed in without problem, and all six boxers looked in magnificent shape.
Suarez v Mangubat WBA Asia title
Martin v Baldonado WBA Asia and RP title
Ligas v Biendima RP title
15 great fights Read all about them here:
https://www.vsppromotions.com//promotions/tiger-2022
Igorot quicksilver Carl Jammes Martin and Davao's Ronnie Baldonado made weight and are pumped for tomorrow's WBA Asia and Philippines national title match.
Naysayers were saying Baldonado will be too small for Wonder Boy. WRONG !!!
We already advised that Baldonado will bring the heat tomorrow, and he giving the local star Martin plenty to worry about.
DO NOT MISS THIS !
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!
Read about all tomorrow's fighters:
https://www.vsppromotions.com//promotions/tiger-2022
Ronnie "Jong Jong" Baldonado and Michael "Hot'n Spicy" Dasmarinas have the rounds in the bank, and are super confident to put on blazing displays in Manila next Saturday.
Baldonado is a powerhouse bantam moving up to challenge the unbeaten Carl Jammes Martin for the WBA Asia strap. Whilst being a big admirer of the precocious Wonder Boy, the punching wizard Baldonado puts it bluntly
"He can't beat me, so his winning streak will be over!"
Michael Dasmarinas had an unfortunate no contest at his most recent, when the durable Ernie Saulong received an accidental head gash. The classy Dasmarinas will ensure no repeat of that, when he meets total "pain in the ass "opponent Danny Tampipi, a southpaw renowned as both durable and awkward. Wanna know more?
Read about Baldonado, Dasmarinas, and all your other TIGER 2O22 UKC fighters here:
https://www.vsppromotions.com//promotions/tiger-2022
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
WATCH IT HERE LIVE
Just confirmed!!
Ronnie “Jong Jong” Baldonado will take on Carl Jammes Martin for the WBA Asia title in Manila on Saturday March 12. The Mindanao fighter boasts a superb record of 15 wins and 2 losses, and returns to the ring for the first time since late 2019. The solidly built Baldonado has a wealth of experience against varied styles of opponents, including international fights in China and Japan. Winning on the road in China is never easy, but Jong Jong made sure his efforts were not in vain, by knocking out his two opponents in Beijing!
Ronnie Baldonado jumps in weight class to take the Wonder Boy challenge, but the strong orthodox fighter looks a nice foil to Martin’s southpaw magic. He lacks nothing in the power department either, having put 9 of his previous victim’s to the sword. Baldonado will come to Manila all guns blazing, and he certainly won’t be fazed by the reputation of Carl Jammes Martin, nor his unbeaten record!
Expect fireworks here, as Baldonado will have the self belief that he will be the first to put this Wonder Boy on his butt!
Great fight!!
CARL JAMMES MARTIN v RONNIE BALDONADO
WBA Asia Super bantamweight title
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, manila
Saturday March 12
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!!
Big thrill to see "the Ferocious" Carlo Magali back in the ring at Sunday’s BATTLEFIELD. Carlo is one of the most rugged fighters in Philippines boxing, and he turned out in career best shape for his stoush with Charly Suarez in the main event.
Magali started very strongly and in fact edged Suarez in round 3, but it became obvious that the King's Warrior was not going to risk trading with the battle hardened warrior.The match up turned out to be stylistically wrong for Magali, but he certainly showed the physical menace that would really hurt a less lateral opponent than Suarez. We really look forward to The Ferocious appearing again soon, and watching him bust up whatever is in front of him!
*story courtesy Daily Tribune
Utilizing his all-around skills, Rio Olympics veteran Charly Suarez kept his unbeaten record intact with a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision win over rugged Carlo Magali over the weekend in Sucat, Parañaque. Suarez was defending the World Boxing Association super-featherweight title and likewise vying for the Philippine crown and easily got the job done by earning scores of 119-109 (twice) and 118-110 on the judges’ scorecards.
The crowd at the Flash Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Center rallied behind Magali but Suarez had no trouble keeping his foe at bay with shots fired from long range. The victory raised Suarez’s record to 13-0 with seven knockouts and the Magali conquest put him on line for a quick return to the ring on 10 December in Vietnam.
“We are fast-tracking his climb to the world ratings,” Suarez’s chief trainer and longtime national team pal Delfin Boholst. Charly’s ripe (for a title shot) because of his age and his wealth of experience (fighting in the amateur ranks),” Boholst added. Though already 34, Suarez has fought extensively and once faced Vasyl Lomachenko, now regarded as one of the world’s finest fighters.
Hot on the heels of Charly Suarez's clinical WBA and National title win yesterday, the champion's focus now moves to his next assignment. The King's Warrior has been approached to fight in Vietnam in December, and the Philippines' most "ducked" fighter is looking to take his first international scalp on foreign soil.
It seems at this stage, the US, Australia and Japan have stamped Suarez papers as "too dangerous", and given his amateur and pro record, this is hardly surprising! So the search is on for top quality guns that are ready to be lit up by Suarez.
One name that interestingly resurfaced recently was that of a fighter who apparently still holds an opinion on the Philippines star. Charly Suarez was recently made subject of a “call out” by Indonesia’s #1 fighter Defry Palulu, a hard hitter with a 25 and 2 record.
Palulu is classed as one of his country’s best since the mighty Chris John, and the heavy handed southpaw was meant to defend his WBC regional belt against Suarez back in 2020, a match that was cancelled due to the pandemic. At the time Palulu was confident of dismantling the fledgling pro Suarez, and to this day, he still remains optimistic about the task:
Charly Suarez has done very well in his career so far, but I feel I am now a stronger fighter than i was back in 2020, and I just know he hasn’t yet fought someone of my ability. I am hearing that he is the best in Asia at 130, some say even in the world, but I know that I have the power to hurt him and slow his fast hands. "I have been in with many "amateur style" boxers before, and it always ends the same way for them!” warned the man aptly tagged “the Unseen Hammer” !!
Defry Palulu is unbeaten in three fights since returning from the pandemic, and has experienced only one loss in the last 9 years - a split decision loss that he later avenged. VSP Promotions will look into this guy - if the quotes are real, and he's ready to walk the walk, this could be interesting!
Champion Philippines boxer Mark John Yap and Team Raka trainer Ephraim Montoru meet after the historic bout between PNG and Philippines.
What was the topic they discussed? " Mark, which one in your opinion is better?
The San Miguel or riding the Red Horse? "was Ephraim's opener !
Papua New Guinea's very popular Junior Kauko Raka enjoys a meal with other competing boxers after yesterday's huge BATTLEFIELD card in Parañaque Manila.
Raka put on a stoic display in a cracking undercard fight with Philippines champion Mark John Yap.
Junior Raka pressured Yap throughout, winning the admiration of the crowd.
This was the first match for the PNG PRODIGY in almost two years, so expect to see a vastly improved fighter in future bouts.
And our advice is that anyone that is thinking of facing Raka ,?
WATCH OUT ! You are in for one hell of a fight!
PNG PRODIGY IS ON THE MARCH !
Despite a slow start, RoyRoy Sumugat wore down a very good looking Ivor Lastrilla.
Lastrilla appeared to outbox Sumugat in the opening sequence, and he looked to be in career best form. He definitely created problems for RoyRoy, and there are wins in store for this smart boxer without doubt. But it was Sumugat to the fore in latter rounds, with his accuracy and nice combination punching earning him the stoppage.
After the gunshots have fallen silent, and the smoke has cleared !
Huge performances tonight from Mark John Yap and Junior Kauko Raka.
Yap showed all his boxing skills and put an exclamation mark on why he has been a multiple title holder. This "Journeyman" has a lot left in the tank, and he looks invigorated at 130lb.
Raka was a junkyard dog, constantly pressing the champion Yap onto the back foot. Junior Raka showed understandable signs of ring rust, but it was a wholehearted display that won the plaudits of Philippines fans, and was sure to make PNG proud.
Make no mistake, Raka will derive huge benefit from tonight's performance and he will be a menace to top fighters in the division.
Top quality bout. Bravo !
Eddie Alcoba jr Wins by KO
Romeo Tenorio Wins by UD
"The Ferocious" Carlo Magali looking absolutely shredded at the BATTLEFIELD weigh in just moments ago.
National champion Magali takes on the unbeaten freak talent King's Warrior Charly Suarez in a bout which will decide both RP and WBA Asia titles.
Both fighters weighed in within the Super Featherweight limit at 129 pounds.
Action takes place tomorrow at the Elorde Sports Centre in Parañaque.
The Philippines’ Charly Suarez will headline a huge card in Manila this Sunday, when he defends his regional WBA belt agsinst national champion Carlo Magali.
Suarez is without peer in Philippines boxing right now, and arguably sits with Naoya Inoue as the most technically gifted fighter in all of Asia,
The Davao native sits unbeaten at 12 and 0, and such has been his dominance against quality local opposition, he has scored 7 knockouts so far in his pro career.
Carlo Magali will be another solid test for Suarez. A winner of 25 fights, Magali has a very awkward and resilient style that has upset more heavily favoured opponents. Blessed with a great chin and thudding power, the man that has earned the ring name “The Ferocious” is regarded as a killer in his homeland, and in the literal sense.
National champion Magali had an historic battle with Australia’s top 130 Davey Browne a few years back, and such was the bludgeoning that Magali delivered, the unbeaten Aussie lost his life as a result of his injuries.
Carlo Magali comes into Sunday’s match in career best condition, as reported by his camp, so it will be interesting to see if he can subdue the freakish Suarez in any way.
Charly Suarez will be looking to put on another electric display in Sunday’s WBA title defense, and is eyeing off bigger bouts in future. News just broken is that he will head to HO Tram Vietnam on December 10 and look to win the IBF belt, against a soon to be named opponent. The unbeaten boxer will be focussed on world top 10 fights in 2023, and with wins over world champs Oscar Valdez and Joe Cordina in the amateurs, he has every reason to have claims to the throne now that Shakur Stevenson has departed.
“I will fight anyone, anywhere !” beamed the ever smiling Suarez.
BATTLEFIELD: SUAREZ V MAGALI
How to watch:
VSP Promotions Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions
What time?
US East Coast 6am
US West Coast 3am
UK 11am
Vietnam 5pm
Philippines 6pm
Australia and PNG 9pm
Papua New Guinea's boxing star Junior Kauko Raka touched down in Manila late last night, but the Prodigy Team are already in the Elorde Gym early this morning.
Junior Kauko Raka went through a light workout, ably assisted by trainers Nelson John and Ephraim Montoru.
Despite the fact that the harder preparation has already been done, Raka will work in the gym this week to ensure he is on track for Saturdays weigh in.
Raka will compete in the 59kg Super Featherweight class (130lb) against Philippines international star Mark John Yap.
Papua New Guinea's Junior Kauko Raka ready and waiting to embark on his Philippines adventure at Port Moresby Airport. Raka will take on one of the Philippines greatest - Mark John "The Journeyman" Yap in what is guaranteed to be no place for the faint hearted.
Yap is the winner of 30 bouts, and tore some of Japan's best fighters to shreds in accumulating three OPBF championship belts. In contrast, Junior Kauko Raka has 2 pro wins, yet has as many as 7 knockout wins in "unofficial" contests.
This potential match up is already shaping as a red hot bonfire NOBODY IN THE PHILIPPINES WANTED TO FIGHT MARK JOHN YAP!
But Junior Raka jumped at the chance to fight him "GIVE YAP TO ME!" Great stuff! So excited to see these two greats!
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila, Sunday October 23rd
BE THERE, OR WATCH IT LIVE !
The great man Martin Beni put Papua New Guinea's boxing on the map back in the 1970's when he was successful against many of Australia's best fighters. Beni went on to beat an Australian and Commonwealth Lightweight champion, and at his peak, was rated in the top 30 fighters in the world at that weight.
On Sunday October 23rd, Junior Kauko Raka continues the PNG proud tradition of love of sports and boxing, when he takes on a formidable task in the shape of Mark John Yap. The Journeyman is one of the Philippines best, with 30 professional wins and 3 OPBF titles on his resume.
Says Raka on the topic of national hero Martin Beni:
"Martin lived his life around the boxing ring and while it was shocking and sad to see him pass in front of us; he was someone that remained true to the sport all the way to his last day.
When I joined boxing, I would always hear stories of Martin Beni and how he fought some of the best fighters in Australia and I’m so honoured to have met and worked alongside him.
I grew as a boxer with Martin ever since I started as an amateur in 2009.
There was a lot of struggle with boxing when I joined but despite all the politics and issues with who was in charge of the sport, he always remained true to the sport.
Before I turned professional, he would come around for some of my fights and talk to me and give me advice on what I was doing wrong.
One thing that I would always remember him by was his belief in me.
I made him a promise that I would win an internationally recognised title. I came close to fulfilling that promise but it wasn’t to be. I will keep pursuing that promise with the time I have left in my career."
Junior Kauko Raka v Mark John Yap
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday October 23rd
RoyRoy Sumugat v Ivor Lastrilla
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday October 23rd
Be there or watch it here live !
Great to see Papua New Guinea embracing boxing and recognising the achievements of athletes like Junior Kauko Raka.
Big thanks to the Pang family and Northern Property Valuers for assisting the PNG PRODIGY Junior Raka on his journey to the Philippines, and his big fight with Pinoy star Mark John Yap.
Manila Lightweight DEADLY Daffy Dempo is back in action next Sunday with a highly anticipated bout with fellow Manila boxer Jonniel Laurente.
This will be the first match for the popular boxer since 2019, when Dempo comprehensively outscored Danny Manosa. Prior to that, DEADLY was involved in a drawn bout with the wild man Jino Rodrigo, who also appears on this card.
Daffy Dempo v Jonniel Laurente
8 rounds Lightweight 132lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday October 23rd
Palawan boxer Jahzeel Trinidad aims to keep his unbeaten record (6 wins) intact when he tackles JC Francisco (8 wins) next week.
This will be his toughest test so far, but this high energy boxer known as "Lion Hearted" has all the right tools to make it a thriller with the more experienced Francisco.
Jahzeel Trinidad v JC Francisco
8 rounds Flyweight 112lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Nguyễn Văn Duong and Brazil's outstanding Esquiva Falcao are just two of the big names taking part in the "friendly" at Cocky Buffalo gym in Ho Chi Minh City today.
Falcao was a silver medallist winner at the 2012 Olympics, and has since gone on an unbeaten 30 fight winning streak as a pro. The world #14 will spar Vietnam Lightweight champ Dinh Hong Quan as part of today's exhibition.
DInh Hong Quan, Nguyễn Văn Duong, Vu Thanh Dat and many others joining Brazilian champ Esquiva Falcao in a friendly sparring day today at Cocky Buffalo gym in District 7 HCMC today.
Papua New Guinea's Junior Kauko Raka offers to go toe to toe with Cagayan de Oro's outstanding boxer Mark John Yap.
Junior Kauko Raka v Mark John Yap
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Expect things to get crazy !
Ali Cañega v Jerwin Mejes
8 rounds Super Lightweight 140lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Mr. Heart Throb is BACK, and he is aiming to leave a long trail broken hearts, starting this October 23rd!!
Claudevan Sese v Albert Alcoy
6 rounds Super Bantamweight 122lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Mark John Yap v Junior Kauko Raka
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
COUNTDOWN for Suarez v Magali
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Papua New Guinea's hard man Junior Kauko Raka responded to recent suggestions that Mark John Yap would put an exclamation mark on their clash by going for the knockout. Whilst Yap, and perhaps the whole of the Philippines, know what potential dangers the PNG Prodigy brings to the ring, they are also aware that the safest plan is to get him out of there as soon as possible.
The scheduled 8 round fight will take place in just over two weeks from now, and Raka had this to say:
"Knockout ? Well let's see!
We won't be running like ring girls, and I'm ready to fight toe to toe, so he won't have to go looking for me. We will see who stays standing!"
Spoken in true Warrior spirit!
PNG's Raka has experienced only one loss in 10 bouts, a points decision at the hands of top flight pinoy Roldan Aldea in a WBA title match. The powerful Port Moresby boxer has scored 7 knockouts along a path of destruction, and notably, is yet to be dropped.
This will be a compelling match up, with "The Journeyman" Mark John Yap starting a warm favourite, but likely to experience a torrid time with his PNG foe.
D'HAMMER HAS BLUE SKYS IN HIS SIGHTS
RoyRoy Sumugat v Ivor Lastrilla
8 rounds Lightweight 135lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
The Journeyman Mark John Yap is in training in Manila, and has promised to be at his destructive best this month when he contests the main undercard match prior to the giant Charly Suarez v Carlo Magali clash.
Yap is slated to fight Papua New Guinea's premier boxer Junior Kauko Raka, and is philosophical, despite suffering 4 losses on the trot. But the defeats need to be examined more closely and put in perspective !
Three of these losses were at the hands of top class unbeaten foreign opponents, where matching was done at the very last moment to ensure making weight would prove extremely difficult. Nonetheless, Yap produced really good touches in each of these bouts, and actually dropped the unbeaten Cuban Jadier Hererra whilst incurring a points loss.
Mark John Yap prepared in the altitude of Baguio prior to his August stoush with Charly Suarez, and the hard work showed. It was an impressive performance by the Journeyman, and it is really doubtful that any local other than the freakish Suarez could have repelled him that day.
Yap did his early preparation in Cagayan de Oro for his date with Raka, and is now in Manila being mentored by Elorde's Jetro Pabustan. He has a pragmatic view on his impending battle:
“If I’ll have the opportunity to knock him out, then I’ll knock him out,” said Yap.
“If he’s tough, then I’ll try to do my best and dominate him.”
If he's tough ? Well, one thing we know about the PNG Prodigy Junior Raka is that he's carved from granite, and has skills, so this should be a thriller !
And for the Journeyman, you just know that this international star will produce something special this month and even more, the best is yet to come !
Mark John Yap v Junior Raka (PNG)
8 rounds Super Featherweight 59kg
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
This great pic was from the Reboot show way back in February 2021, and it was a major accomplishment by Mam Cucuy Elorde to pull it off!
Charly Suarez had been inactive (as were all local pinoy fighters) and the pandemic was proving to be a terrible time for many boxers who could not return home, and even worse, having a daily battle to feed themselves and their families.
VSP asked Mam Cucuy if it was possible to create a show so that Charly Suarez could resume his career. Despite all odds, she put together a great card that also unearthed another big talent - the Wolverine JonJon Estrada!
The event was aptly named Reboot "New Beginning" ,and even though there were only 5 bouts, and the boxers had to endure a "quarantine bubble", it was a lot of fun and marked the start of boxing again in the Philippines.
Boxers that starred at THE BEGINNING :
The Wolverine JonJon Estrada
King's Warrior Charly Suarez
Cerberus Lorenz Ladrada
Remon "Bad Bad" Basas
Ali "Carnage" Cañega
Apocalypse Glenn Bismanos
The Sniper Ben Ligas
The Bull Alphoe Dagayloan
The Prince Andrew Laurio
Ranny "the Cleaner" Quizo
