Great start of 2022 with double WBA Asia Championship title matches! Charly Suarez and Carl James Martin competes in Super Featherweight and Super Bantamweight respectively.
Elorde Sports Complex
,
March 12, 2022
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.
Mindanao's Aisah "D'Striker" Alico returned from a long lay off, and a jump in weight class, only to put on a great showing at TIGER 2O22 last week.
Alico matched up with visiting fighter Linn Sandstrom, and the pair were a welcome attraction at a big day of quality bouts.
Jestine "the Aceman" Tesoro and Palawan's Lorence Rosas contested perhaps the closest match of the day at TIGER 2O22 UKC, and it was a tribute to both fighters to keep it a chess match till the final bell.
Southpaw Rosas began the bout extremely well, and was a convincing round one winner. His angles and head movement gave Tesoro big problems again in round two, but late in the round, clever adjustments by the Aceman made it anybody's round. It was clear by the third, that 22 year old Tesoro had solved the Rosas puzzle, and they were big winning rounds for the young fighter.
So now Rosas was the one having problems, trying to manage the height and reach advantage of his rival. But round five, the Pride of Palawan showed his ring acumen, landing some great shots to charge back into the contest.
The final round was up for grabs, and whilst both boxers got a little ragged, it's fair to say Tesoro did a sufficient job to stick and move to pinch the contest.
This was a really interesting bout, and a great result for a fast improving Tesoro. Lorence Rosas has skills and experience, and can be an awkward fight for anybody. Just ask Mike Plania !
Really good signs here for Lorence Rosas, and for the Aceman, looking forward to seeing what he can produce in coming fights.
Big congrats to the "'King's Warrior" Charly Suarez for his iconic performance against Cebu star Tomjune Mangubat in the main event fight at TIGER 2O22.
The bout had the added prestige of a regional title, and the win by Suarez elevates him in the world rankings with the potential for bigger fights to come.
THANK YOU WBA ASIA - COOL BELT !!
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 !
Jason Buenaobra returned to the winners list with an outstanding win against a rampaging Remon Basas at TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge in Paranaque.
This match proved to be one of the best of the day, pitting Buenaobra southpaw skills and footwork against Basas relentless pressure and workrate.
These two fighters had a common previous foe in top Mindanao fighter Lorenz Ladrada,
and it was really pleasing to see the improvements that they had made since those battles. Basas looked relentlessly bullish and dangerous, and displayed enhanced foot speed in the bout.
This was a fine performance by Jason Buenaobra, he worked nicely off a backfoot jab, made clever angles, and mitigated the advances of Bad Bad Basas with classy point scoring touches.
Sweden's Linn Sandstrom and Mindanao's Aisah Alico put on a great show for the fans at TIGER 2O22. For Sandstrom, it was a valuable learning fight, and for the more experienced Alico, a chance to get much needed ring time after a pandemic enforced absence. Kudos to local girl Alico, whilst short on fitness, the Swedish fighter said that she hit a lot harder than any previous opponent !
We wish the Aussie based "Sandstorm" lots of luck in her future fights, and love to see her back again in the Philippines if she is passing by.
Charly Suarez puts on a masterful performance to win the WBA Asia title against outstanding prospect Tomjune Mangubat.
The win positions the Philippines best boxer now at 10 and 0, and he rockets into the world rankings.
So what's next?
WATCH THIS SPACE !
The very dapper and debonair Jaime Villanera Jr making sure visiting boxer Linn Sandstrom and team member Jada don't get lost in Manila.
When not auditioning for James Bond, Jaime doubles as a ring MC, and he earned his keep with a mega day at TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge on Saturday in Paranaque.
Linn Sandstrom had a successful visit, with a round 5 win over resuming Mindanao girl Aisah Alico.
Jada made herself useful also, showing her versatility as a ring card girl for the main WBA Asia bout between Charly Suarez and Tomjune Mangubat.
Well done team!
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.
Charly Suarez enjoying the after glow of a super day of fights at the TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge yesterday in Paranaque.
The King's Warrior played his part, winning an iconic and exciting WBA Asia title contest with freak Cebu warrior Tomjune Mangubat. It was a world class performance by the two combatants, and one that will have the world's best ducking the Philippines best fighter.
Today the champ was chilling with close friends and family of coach Delfin Boholst. And from the look of Charly's unmarked complexion, it seems coach Boholst had him pretty well trained in the art of defense !
Charly Suarez is without peer in Philippines boxing.
He put on a masterclass tonight against the best young prospect in the country to claim the WBA Asia title and put the world on notice.
Tomjune Mangubat was physically imposing, and perhaps won the first two rounds of tonight's bout.
But Suarez hands and feet were so quick, and accuracy so good, he constantly picked off an advancing Mangubat. In the end, a fatigued Mangubat was dropped in the final round, and the ref waved it off.
Suarez showed that he is far and away the best fighter in the country, and big credit to Mangubat, he was outstanding.
He will no doubt achieve big things in the future and be a star for the Philippines.
FIGHT OF THE YEAR CONTENDER
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!
Thats the way you want to see a champ defend his title!
Ben Ligas looked all class in a near shutout win over Roland Jay Biendima. The Elorde boxer looked balanced and in control and set up beautiful combos off his enviable jab.
Biendima was one tough SOB as expected, and landed some nice shots of his own. He definitely had Ligas hurt a couple of times in this quality national championship bout.
Great win on foreign soil by Linn Sandstrom against Mindanao girl Aisah Alico.
Despite showing caution, Sandstrom enjoyed the best of the action, and was the busier of the two boxers.
Aisah Alico looked comfortable Despite the fact she was largely in defensive mode, but was leveled with a decent Sandstrom body shot in the fifth round.
Nice win for the Swedish born Aussie Linn Sandstrom who says she LOVES THE PHILIPPINES !
Jonjon Estrada behind on the cards, and getting a boxing lesson from Mindanao's Jess Rhey Waminal, scores two crushing knockdowns to win the fight.
Jess Rhey Waminal looked all class, and was picking Estrada apart. He just needed to keep boxing to ensure victory.
Estrada now 15 wins 14 knockouts.
THE WOLVERINE !!! WOW !!
Has Michael Dasmarinas found a new home at featherweight ?
We hope so !
This is the strongest and most energetic that he has ever looked.
Danny Tampipi is a tough customer, and he has previously competed well with top fighters, and nobody has ever dominated him like Hot'n Spicy Dasmarinas did today!
Great performance by Arnel Baconaje to win by shutout over an extremely resilient Leonardo Doronio.
Baconaje landed more frequently, and also had the power ascendancy, over a bigger opponent. He also controlled the ring with excellent movement.
It was definitely an improved version of Doronio today, he looked fit and imposing. He just struggled with Baconaje's movement, and he will no doubt fare better with a less mobile opponent.
Another closely fought and compelling fight between the experienced Roberto Gonzales and improving youngster Jino Rodrigo.
After having a point deducted for a low blow, Gonzales rallied, but was stopped surprisingly late in the final round.
Gonzales put some great combinations together, but often gave points back due to being countered.
Rodrigo continues to grow.
An accidental head clash and a cut to Richard Pumicpic results in the fight being stopped in round 3.
ANOTHER TECHNICAL DRAW !
Pumicpic won the first two rounds, and landed some leaping left hooks, before a head bump in the second.
Canada looked great, big and physical, and this was shaping to be a real war!
Giovanni Escaner was class from the opening bell, and had opponent Albert Alcoy in trouble at the end of the first round. Escaner continued his good work in the second, forcing Alcoy to the corner, before landing an overhand shot to the temple, and closing the show.
Great showing by southpaw Jason Buenaobra, who dominated the ring position for most part, setting his combos up with slick and varied jabs, and quick feet shift to his right.
This again was an improved Basas, and whilst out maneuvered, he managed to corner Buenaobra at times and land heavy shots of his own. He kept his opponent thinking the entire fight, which was expected !
Lorence Rosas won the first round with good accuracy inside from southpaw stance. The much taller Tesoro started to find his range late in the second, to dominate the middle rounds. Lorence Rosas regrouped with a nice round five and a close final round.
Good fight both boys, and while a draw was fair, hard to argue with a Tesoro win.
Jonathan Almacen suffers a cut in round three and is unable to continue, forcing a technical draw.
Almacen won the first round, but the resuming Bentoso looked great in the second.
Shame, was looking like developing into q really interesting fight.
In a match where Majadas tried to land the heavier leather, and Antonio showed the higher skills and deft touches, the judges called it a DRAW!
Great fight, and a returning Antonio, maybe slightly unlucky on the scorecards.
Omega Cebu coach Julius Erving Junco didn’t mince words at yesterday’s press conference. He believes that former Olympian Charly Suarez can’t mix it with their star, and if he does, he will lose every round or even worse – be KNOCKED OUT!
TOMJUNE Mangubat looks to score a huge upset today, March 12, as he faces highly touted former Olympian Charly Suarez in a World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight title fight in the main event of “Ultimate Knockout Challenge: Tiger 2022” at The Flash Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Complex in Parañaque City, Metro Manila.
The 24-year-old Mangubat is coming in as an underdog against Suarez, who has been impressive in his career as a pro.
Mangubat, however, hopes to derail the Suarez hype train and hand him his first career defeat.
“That’s what we want for him to go toe-to-toe. We believe he’ll run. They will have a bigger chance of winning if it goes the distance because it’s their promotion,” Mangubat’s coach Julius Erving “Jinggoy” Junco told SunStar Cebu. “If possible (we’ll knock him out). We could also win all the rounds and show the judges that we’re in control.”
Mangubat tipped the scales at 129 pounds, while the 33-year-old Suarez weighed-in a pound lighter at 128 pounds.
The winner of the fight could break into the WBA super featherweight rankings and step closer at a world title shot.
Mangubat is 15-2-1 with 12 knockouts, while Suarez is 9-0 with six knockouts.
“Courtesy of SunStar”
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
Tomjune Mangubat 129
Charly Suarez 128
CHARLY SUAREZ v TOMJUNE MANGUBAT WBA ASIA TITLE Super Featherweight
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
WATCH IT LIVE AT: https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Read about all the fighters here:
https://www.vsppromotions.com//promotions/tiger-2022
Three of the very best fighters in the Philippines right now, hungry but still smiling!
Richard "the Beast "Pumicpic, Arnel "the Silencer" Baconaje, and the wild dog himself - JonJon "the Wolverine " Estrada are seated in wait for their turn on the scales.
BIG FIGHTS COMING TOMORROW !
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.
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
