Davao's Charly Suarez returned to Manila this week after a short stint in his native Davao. The King's Warrior is on a quick turnaround, after winning a warm up bout in Bohol in early July in preparation for his upcoming WBA title defense. The champ reunited this week with strategist and coach Delfin Boholst, who is based in Manila. Boholst has thus far proved to be a mentor of high calibre, and was himself a successful member of the Philippines national team.

Suarez was slated to fight no less than four outstanding foreign opponents for his Manila defense, with all withdrawing at the last moment for various reasons.

VSP Promotions are a huge fan of Mark John Yap, and when this boxer became available, he was immediately secured to match up with Suarez. Yap is arguably one of the best internationally performed  pinoy in recent years, playing headmaster to an extremely tough school in Japan. Between 2015 and 2018, he literally terrorized that country's best fighters, before returning to the Philippines for a Knockout victory in CDO. His recent "losses" have been last moment call ups against unbeaten foreign opponents, often in unsuitable weight class.

And for those who think that Yap is past tense, THINK AGAIN, and check his most recent effort in Dubai against unbeaten Cuban Jadier Hererra.

Yap took this match at two weeks notice, jumped a weight class, and floored Hererra with a body shot. Hererra is a Cuban national champ, and world youth semi finalist, and had a massive 5 inches height advantage on Mark John Yap.

Coach Delfin Boholst is enthusiastic about the challenge ahead.

"We are really honored, and looking forward to the test against Yap. He is definitely the most experienced pro we have faced so far, and he has been a warrior for the Philippines against top fighters overseas. We do not underestimate the talents of this man, and we are preparing to see the very best of Mark John Yap in August".

"As for Suarez team, the job is never finished. We always look to improve, and we will always be prepared for any opponent. We are not looking past Mark John Yap,  but going forward, we would love to fight Liam Wilson of Australia. We would also love the chance to rematch world champ Joe Codrington, it's one we are very excited for !"

Suarez v Yap will fight for the WBA Asia title in Paranaque Manila on Sunday August 7th.

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