related news

1/26/2023

UKC REVOLUTION 2023

Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila

Monday January 30th

1/19/2023

MARK JOHN YAP IS BACK IN TOWN

Top class international campaigner Mark John Yap has arrived in Manila, and his first stop, after Jollibee, was to meet up with old friends at Elorde Gym in Parañaque.

Yap was joined by sharpshooters Ronnie Baldonado and Jetro Pabustan in a gym session yesterday afternoon.

The three bisaya talking bad boys will be starring at UKC REVOLUTION 2023 at the end if this month.

UKC REVOLUTION 2023

Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila

Monday January 30th

1/18/2023

CHARLY SUAREZ FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT

Watch this space - big news breaking later today.

This is HUGE !!!!!!!

1/18/2023

CLAUDEVAN SESE ANSWERS THE CALL

Exciting news is that of the very late inclusion of super bantam prospect Claudevan Sese.

The fighter dubbed Mr. Heart Throb was called in to replace the classy Giovanni Escaner, who unfortunately withdrew with injury.

Despite the very short time to prepare, Claudevan was quick to seize the opportunity, and will face Batangas pug Rodel Sunquit.

Sese was one of a team of five Philippines fighters that made waves in Vietnam in late 2019 before the pandemic struck. That squad included Charly Suarez, Jenel Lausa, Virgel Vitor and Gretel De Paz, and Claudevan Sese was responsible for putting on one of the most exciting performances of the night. This promotional footage was taken just days prior to his Vietnam bout.

1/18/2023

"WE ARE COMING TO HUNT AND KILL !"

The closest thing Manila has to a modern day super hero is right now on a blood lust, and he is counting the days for his ring return at UKC REVOLUTION 2023 at the end of this month.

The Wolverine is back, and is already in what appears to be menacing shape, all set to face a previous and very determined foe - Pablito Canada.

Canada pulled off an outstanding knockout performance last start against the unbeaten Michael Casama, and is confident about repeating the dose with JonJon Estrada. The tall and rangy fighter considered himself unlucky when he previously tackled the Wolverine, and has been desperate to make amends ever since.

JonJon Estrada remains unimpressed by the rejuvenated Pablito Canada.

"I have trained hard to make it a great fight, and I will be doing my very best to win."

It could be argued that Canada was the victim of the wrong game plan when these two featherweights met previously.

In what was likely the "fight of the year", Pablito Canada decided to go toe to toe rather than box with the shorter Estrada. This proved to be his undoing, despite the fact that he undoubtedly has power, as he emphasized with the Casama stoppage.

So are we likely to see another trench warfare between Estrada and Canada ?

"I will come forward because that is my style. I love to bang, and if Pablito wants to also, it's perfect with me !

I promise to make the match exciting for the fans, and I love to make the big knockouts. Everyone will see the Wolverine in the ring very soon. I'm ready to hunt and kill!" offered the quietly spoken, but brooding JonJon Estrada.

Hard to imagine this one going the distance - Pablito Canada and JonJon Estrada are both predicting KNOCKOUT.

Don't miss this one, its possibly the bout of the day.

UKC REVOLUTION 2023

Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila

Monday January 30th

1/16/2023

ANOTHER YEAR - ANOTHER JOURNEY

Was it ever in doubt ?

YAP IS BACK !

Mark John Yap makes his eagerly awaited ring return at UKC REVOLUTION 2023 against former Manny Pacquiao sparring partner Leonardo Doronio.

Yap has the reputation as one of the Philippines' best internationally performed boxers of recent years, thus earning him The Journey Man tag, and he will be looking to embark his 2023 trip with a great performance at home.

The former bantamweight star has only recently made the super featherweight division his new home, yet will challenge Doronio at Lightweight, such is the difficulty in getting the Mindanao product decent competition in a season opener.

Mark John Yap produced a classy performance against Charly Suarez for the WBA Asia title, and endorsed that effort with an impressive win over Papua New Guinea's best Junior Kauko Raka.

Yap then ventured to Vietnam to compete at Fortunes of War, and looked good in a fast paced short format exhibition event.

Leonardo Doronio is a very experienced boxer, who will hold the advantage of being the slightly larger man. He posted good wins over Bryan Macamay and Jimmy Borbon, before a points loss to outstanding pinoy Arnel Baconaje. He will prove to be a great measure of where Mark John Yap is early in his 2023 adventure.

But the word is out - Yap is back !

January 30th marks the start of a new journey.

UKC REVOLUTION 2023

Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque Manila

Monday January 30th

1/16/2023

UKC REVOLUTION 2023 FULL FIGHT CARD

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1/13/2023

PABLITO CANADA REPEAT OR REVENGE ???

The last time JonJon Estrada met Pablito Canada, the short and violent exchange laid claims to being the most exciting fight of the year.

The Wolverine was at his bombastic best, dropping the rugged Canada three times in the opening round. Pablito did an amazing job to survive to the bell !

Round two started in similar fashion, with a beserk Wolverine trying to put his taller opponent to the sword. But then the tide turned.

Pablito Canada landed a killer shot wobbling Estrada, and in the blink of the eye, he had the aggressor wearing wobbly boots. Canada looked like stealing a victory from the jaws of defeat.

But then !

Estrada lands a supernatural body shot out of desperation, putting Canada down, and ending the seesawing exchange.

Canada was philosophical after the match, knowing how close he was to victory, and expressed his wish to do it all over one more time. He was sure if he had changed his tactics, the result could have been very different.

Pablito Canada recently ventured to Mindanao to take on the outstanding and unbeaten 8 and 0 Michael Casama. Redemption ? You bet !

The vengeful Canada knocked out his opponent in the 6th round, and immediately turned his attention to Manila.

"I want JonJon Estrada!"

Well Pablito, you have got your wish !

Expect Estrada v Canada #2 to be an epic!

UKC REVOLUTION 2023

Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque Manila

Monday January 30th

1/12/2023

WHEN YOUNG STARS COLLIDE

Plenty of good young prospects will be on show at REVOLUTION this month, and if you are looking for great fight action, you need go no further than Laurejas v Gajana.

These two unbeaten Lightweights had impressive starts to their careers last year, and are looking to carry on the good work on January 30th.

Donald Laurejas was a quality amateur before going pro late last year, scoring two tradesman like wins.

This 20 year old orthodox boxer is tall, and at 5 feet 10, he is learning to apply his range more effectively. The Elorde product with the ring name "Tough Guy" showed good patience in his first two wins, and based on the quality of his training partners, it's likely that Laurejas will show big improvement in his upcoming clash.

Jonathan Gajana at only 19 years of age still has the training wheels on, but has a ton of ability.

The Manila based orthodox debuted with a very stop start win against Eric Tolosa, but returned to the ring in August looking a different fighter. It was a much more dominant display from the opening bell, chopping up debutant Iresh Alejandre in the first round. It was only a glimpse of the boy known as Tan-Tan, but wow, he did look good !

Plenty of debate on who takes this one, as both these Lightweights have so much upside, and it will really be interesting to see if Gajana can storm the defensive fortress of Laurejas.

UKC 2023 REVOLUTION

Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque Manila

Monday January 30th

1/12/2023

THE BEST NEW YEAR'S PRESENT - EVER !!!

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.

1/12/2023

YES - WE EVEN WORK ON WEEKENDS !!

Jetro "the Silent Operator" Pabustan is looking sharp and ready to start the new year with a "BANG BANG" this month in Manila.

Jetro, a former regional belt holder and WBO world title contender, is working overtime and looking towards bigger opportunities in 2023.

"I know I can be a champion again, and I would love to get the chance to fight for a world strap once more.

I truly believe I am a better and stronger boxer than I was before. In 2O23, if any good offer comes I will be ready!"

UKC REVOLUTION

Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque Manila

Monday January 30th

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1/12/2023

MARJOHN TO SHOW THIS DOG AINT JUST YAP !

Cagayan de Oro and the hills of Bukidnon are fabled for producing some of the best fighters ever seen in the Philippines.

Mark John Yap has been an outstanding international performer in recent years, most particularly in the tough playgrounds of Japan where he won 8 on end and picked up three regional belts.

The CDO prodigy has been working hard over the new year (pictured here with another top boxer and CDO boy Joseph Ambo) in preparation for the UKC REVOLUTION event at the end of this month.

Yap put on an exemplary display to beat Papua New Guinea's best Junior Raka, before starring in an exhibition series in Vietnam in December. Lack of fight opportunities during COVID conspired against the Mindanao boxer, but it is rumoured that he is already in great shape for his first hit out for 2023.

And a word of advice for any upcoming opponents of Mark John Yap - this dog is a different breed, and the bite is way worse than the bark !

Yap Yap Snap Snap

UKC REVOLUTION

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila

Monday January 30th

1/6/2023

FULL HOUSE FOR UKC REVOLUTION JAN 30TH

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.

1/5/2023

ESCANER HEADS TO THE REVOLUTION

The “Little Giant” Giovanni Escaner made his long awaited return in March of last year, matched up with the experienced veteran Albert Alcoy. The bout marked a ring absence of more than 2.5 years for the locally based star, but he never missed a beat, and won with a dominant round two stoppage. The win was his first since he defeated the outstanding Renoel Pael in a thriller back in 2019.

The win over Pael, a winner of 23 fights, highlighted the level that Escaner had to worked to in his professional career. It also put him back on the winners’ list, after a previous loss to top American Joshua Greer ended in a dramatic stoppage loss. That blip punctuated a 10 match winning streak for the “Little Giant”.

The fight between top US prospect Joshua Greer and Giovanni Escaner must surely have been one of the most dramatic in 2019. Greer appeared to be sailing towards a world title. With only one loss on his resume, to the unbeaten Stephen Fulton, Greer was expected to make a statement in the Escaner fight. But things didn’t go to plan for the high flying American. Escaner dropped Greer in the third round, and it really looked as if he was going to be finished off by the Little Giant. To his credit, Greer regained his senses, and in a to and fro round, managed to stop Escaner in round 8. The action was frenetic, and it seemed obvious that the Philippines fighter perhaps only got caught in his effort to drop the American for a second time. To illustrate the closeness of the bout, the judges had scores of 67-66 and 67-65 when the referee called a halt.

Giovanni Escaner has been sparring in Manila in preparation for his appearance at REVOLUTION on January30th, and if the rumours are correct, the Little Giant is back bigger, badder, and better than ever!!!”

UKC REVOLUTION

Sunday January 30th

Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila

Full fight card coming soon.

1/5/2023

TROUBLE COMES IN THREES !

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

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1/3/2023

BALDONADO IS BACK TO THE FUTURE

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.

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1/2/2023

PABUSTAN JOINS HOT CARD FOR 2023 OPENER

Jetro Pabustan is the latest to lend his consummate fight talents to the Revolution event in Manila this January 30.

The high level Mindanao southpaw is eyeing off international challenges this year, and is well qualified to do so. A winner of 31 bouts, the Silent Operator has the distinction of being a regional belt winner and also WBO world title contender. Pabustan had two foreign assignments last year, and performed admirably in both.

In August, he dropped a highly debated points decision in the States to the top level Tramaine Williams, in a match where he appeared to outwork and outland the American.

More recently, Pabustan competed in an exhibition bout in Vietnam against cult fugure Le Hoang Hiep, and in a really entertaining contest, he looked good in the unfamiliar four round format.

Jetro Pabustan was last seen in Manila winning against top prospect Brian Tamayo, and it will be great to see him kick off his 2O23 campaign on the classy Revolution card on January 30th.

REVOLUTION full fight card announcement coming soon.

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1/2/2023

BE READY FOR THE NEW YEAR'S REVOLUTION !

January 30 locked in.

And so is one of the Philippines' most chaotic fighters of all time - the man who wrote the book

"DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES"

Yes it's THE WOLVERINE JonJon Estrada

Full fight card coming soon.

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Latest blog posts

November 24, 2024

DAO TAKES ONE OF TAIWAN'S TOP PROSPECTS

Vietnam 🇻🇳 boxer Tran Tan Quang Dao is set to fight one of one of Taiwan's emerging stars at the Taipei Arena on December 21st.

Kai Yu Hsieh, an unbeaten prospect and making a name for himself in the boxing world. With a perfect record of 2 wins, both victories were dominant shutout wins on points, showcasing his impressive skills and technical prowess.

Hsieh's amateur background is equally impressive, having won the gold medal in the national amateur championships at 64kg.

But Hsieh's next bout against Tran Tan Quang Dao will be a significant test of his skills, and obviously a great opportunity to gain more experience and exposure.

But Tran Tan Quang Dao is on that similar path, and has implemented a "duck nobody" policy !

Identical to his opponent, Dao has already secured two wins, and many argue that he was unfortunate not to have added two more victories to his record. His two most recent bouts were closely contested, with some observers believing that the decisions could have gone in his favor.

That said, Dao is constantly seeing improvements to his craft along with new challenges, and his clash with Kai Yu Hsieh will be an excellent tribute to close out 2024.

#vspboxing #vsppro #boxingvietnam #VSPPromotions #vietnamboxingorganization #vbo

November 24, 2024

NGUYỄN VĂN HẢI ON A KOREAN "KO" MISSION

The "Hanoi Hitman" looks to close out 2024 in Korea next month - and he promises to do so in devastating fashion !

Hai is booked to fight former national champ Min Guk Ju - a southpaw boxer with 9 wins to his credit. The bout will take place on Jeju Island South Korea on December 15th.

The Seoul based boxer is certainly an interesting opponent, and there are many question marks surrounding his chances in a fight with the Vietnam star.

Min Guk Ju has not fought since October of last year, yet his decision to take on a tough opponent like Nguyễn Văn Hải suggests that he is very confident of recapturing his very best form.

It also speaks loudly of a boxer that is looking to fast track his world rankings.

Min Guk Ju was controversially beaten for the WBC Asia Continental title in China - a bout he lost narrowly on points despite knocking his opponent down in the contest.

He was then stopped in Japan by the unbeaten Chihiro Iwashita - a real "hell fight" where at any moment, either boxer could get have dropped, and both were tasting moments of success.

Suffice to say - the Korean boxer is high calibre, and with vengeance on his mind, will be looking to make a statement with a victory over the classy Nguyễn Văn Hải.

But the Hanoi Hitman has plans of his own !

"Boxing has been very good to me. I get to make new friends, and I am always excited to visit new parts of the world. I am very lucky !

This will be my first chance to visit Jeju Island in Korea - I heard it is a very beautiful place.

I have full respect to my opponent - he has been a champion, and he is looking to make his mark again in the game of boxing.

But this year will end badly for him.

Hai plans to knock him out and deliver a beautiful gift to the people of Jeju Island.

I'm looking for bigger fights in 2025, so I will be devastating with Min Guk Ju.

No mercy !"

#vsppromotions #vspboxing #vsppro #boxingvietnam ##vietnamboxingorganization #vbo

November 22, 2024

HAVE THE WBA LOST THE PLOT ??

It's seems that the World Boxing Association are permanently on their backs with their knees pinned behind their ears !

Years of inconsistent and slutty sanctioning has seen the WBA deleted from the industry's official record keeper BoxRec.

So I guess nobody would be surprised by the following :

"Boxing promoter, Lou DiBella gives his thoughts on WBA president Gilberto J Mendoza’s shameful tweet, where he insisted he would “love to see” Jake Paul vs Julio César Chávez Jr for a “championship belt” "

November 22, 2024

VENCENT LACAR TO FIGHT FOR TITLES IN CHINA

Exciting breaking news is that VSP have just signed Mindanao prospect Vencent Lacar to challenge for both the WBO Oriental and WBC Far East titles on December 28th.

Lacar, who boasts an unblemished 8-0 record, will take on former Chinese Olympian Bin Lu.

The Chinese boxer is world youth champion and Asian Games medalist as an amateur, and sits at 4-1 since turning professional.

The bout will take place at city of Haikou, the capital of the very beautiful Hainan Island off the coast of Vietnam.

Updates on this big fight coming soon - meanwhile, here is some information on the Chinese opponent Bin Lu :

BIN LU

*Name:* Lü Bin (Chinese:, pinyin: Lǔ Bīn)

*Birthdate:* October 18, 1994

*Nationality:* Chinese

*Weight Class:* Light Flyweight

*Stance:* Southpaw

AMATEUR CAREER

- *2012 World Youth Championships:* Won the gold medal

- *2013 Asian Amateur Championships:* Won the bronze medal (light-flyweight)

- *2016 Summer Olympics:* Represented China, reaching the Round of 16

PROFESSIONAL CAREER

- *Debut:* 2017

- *Record:* 4 wins, 1 loss

- *Ranking:* Currently #3 in China

- *Notable Fight:* Challenged for the WBA light-flyweight title in 2018

#vspboxing #vsppro #VSPPromotions

November 19, 2024

HAS THE ZHU DIANXING SHIP SAILED ?

Oscar Collazo's devastating win in Saudi Arabia has thrown down the gauntlet to the Philippines Pedro Taduran by posing the question - just exactly which of these two fistic dynamos is THE GREATEST minimumweight fighter on the planet ??

Collazo destroyed the unbeaten Thammanoon Niyomtrong for the WBO World Title, and announced immediately after the event that it was his ambition to unify all the belts.

But he is late to the party.

Taduran has identical designs on all those belts !

Taduran was meant to fight China's top prospect Zhu DianXing on November 23rd, but the bout was postponed. Those plans now appear to be in tatters.

Expect some big news on Philippines world champ very soon.

* big thanks to Solid Sports Fans for the following story :

Pedro Taduran vs Oscar Collazo! Who will win!

It all comes down to styles and grit. Taduran, the current IBF minimumweight champion, is known for his relentless pressure, unrelenting volume punching, and an almost unbreakable chin. These traits make him a tough puzzle for any fighter, even someone as polished and technical as Collazo.

Collazo’s skill set is undeniable—his recent knockout win over Thammanoon Niyomtrong proves his sharpness and ring IQ. But against someone like Taduran, who can set a grueling pace and attack relentlessly, there’s a chance Collazo’s defensive and stamina vulnerabilities could be exposed.

Taduran’s resume includes battles with elite fighters like Rene Mark Cuarto and Daniel Valladares. While he hasn’t always come out on top, his rugged, fearless style often disrupts the rhythm of opponents. If Taduran can close the gap and turn the fight into a war of attrition, he might have the edge to pull off the upset.

November 17, 2024

TWO YEARS AGO ALREADY !!

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

The Vietnam 🇻🇳 team was spearheaded by Dinh Hong Quân, a guy that had been on a winning run and was defending an IBF Title, but he was having lots of trouble with his weight in the lead up. He even collapsed at one stage and had to be resuscitated at one point !

We had top young prospects Lê Hoàng Hiep and Phan Minh Quân, who fought out of their skins against international pro boxers with more than 70 wins between them !

Nguyễn Văn Hải is obviously a legend on the local scene but had been inactive, so he was a bit of a "query" inclusion - yet he produced a memorable performance that culminated in two dramatic knockdowns.

But even more amazing was the debut of another Vietnam kid Thai Hoang Huy - this guy had never even boxed (he was a muay thai student that loved the idea of being a boxer !) And he went in with an opponent that had 14 knockouts in 15 wins - BIG BALLS !!

Suffice to say, the Vietnam 🇻🇳 team had a great experience and a lot of fun at this show - it was held at the beautiful Grand Ho Tram Resort in the coastal area of Vung Tau.

The visiting international team?

Well - some crazy talent on that side of the fence !

Philippines 🇵🇭 - Charly Suarez, Mark John Yap, Arnel Baconaje, Jetro Pabustan and Jon Jon Estrada.

These guys share plaudits as multiple national and regional title holders, with the unbeaten Suarez currently on the precipice of a world title.

Indonesia 🇮🇩 - Paisal Panjaitan - a really top unbeaten prospect who is now #2 in his country.

Defry Palulu - an Indonesia #2 and WBC belt holder.

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

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

Thanks for making this FORTUNES OF WAR a very memorable event boys, you put on a thrilling and entertaining show for everyone that was lucky enough to be there to see it.

VSP wish you continued luck and enjoyment in your boxing adventures ahead.

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

https://youtu.be/wtvhUrz5EVg?si=wFMeYF-L41LBBD7p

November 15, 2024

DANA COOLWELL SET TO OPEN THE SHOW

Australia's Dana Coolwell takes on the unbeaten star Bruce "Shu Shu" Carrington on the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul undercard tomorrow.

5.30am Vietnam 🇻🇳

6.30am Philippines 🇵🇭

9.30am Australia 🇦🇺 (8.30 Queensland)

Check out the great write up by the Glasshouse Country and Maleney News :

DEADLY SET FOR LONE STAR STATUS

AFTER all the blood, sweat and tears in the most intense training camp Dana ‘Deadly’ Coolwell has ever experienced, there’s just one thing left to do.

And that’s defeat up and-coming American featherweight, Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington, on the undercard of the blockbuster Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul main event. Coolwell is expected to walk into the middle of the 80,000 seat AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas from 8:30am-11am on Saturday, November 16.

The eight-round battle will also be broadcast on Netflix, with estimated viewers upwards of 25 million.

Coming after his last fight – in front of a sellout audience of 500 at the Caloundra RSL earlier this year- Coolwell knows what’s at stake.

“Every young kid playing sports dreams of competing on the biggest stage and I’m absolutely thrilled that this moment has arrived for me,” he said.

Win against Shu Shu and Deadly will have the world at his feet and a world title within his grasp. Lose and it’s a tough road back but if adversity was going to stop him, it would surely have done so by now.

The 25-year-old has overcome significant challenges, including witnessing domestic violence, losing his father at a young age, and experimenting with drugs and alcohol by the age of 12. But at the age of 14 Dana stepped into the Hinterland Boxing Club, where he met trainer and owner Steve Pitt, who would become his long-time coach and friend.

“I’ve been with Steve for 11 years now, and I originally went there for a bit of fitness because I was playing rugby league for the Beerwah Bulldogs,” he said. “But as I started sparring and enjoyed the sport more, I eventually had my first amateur fight after the footy season and I’ve never looked back.”

Dana quickly realised boxing was his calling. “Once I started boxing, I knew I wanted to go professional and that I wanted to win a world title,” he said. “I thought I had enough of the amateurs, so I decided to turn elite when I was 20.”

This marked a turning point in his life, helping Dana stay on the right path. Now competing internationally, his dream of winning a world title by next year is becoming more and more a reality. “Steve has helped me every step of the way,” he said.

“We’ve got a really good relationship, and he helps me not just in the ring but outside of boxing too. We make a great team.” Dana and his coach, Steve, flew to Los Angeles a month before the fight for an intense three-week training camp at Churchill Matchroom Boxing Gym.

“It’s been a really hard one to train for but it is exactly what I needed— coming to America early, getting away from family, and just getting in that fight camp mindset, taking it to another level,” Dana said.

“We did a lot of high-level sparring, which is what I needed to get used to that American style because they fight slightly differently over there. “We have also been working on sharpening up our pad work, fitness sprints, and just staying on track in training and acclimatising to the environment and time difference.”

Dana added that sparring with American boxers similar to Carrington has been invaluable, as they bring a specific style he lacked experience in boxing against. “It’s the typical Mayweather style, like with the shoulder roll, a bit more side-on, and they use their jab more and are a bit more patient, but we have had many different looks at the camp as well,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say it has been harder sparring with American boxers, because there’s a lot of good Australian boxers too, but it’s just the style I need to work on and train against.” Dana said he feels stronger and more prepared than ever, comparing his readiness to his IBO Intercontinental title fi ght at the Caloundra RSL on March 24, where he won. “I’m feeling really good, obviously all the hard work has paid off ,” he said.

“My fitness is right up there, and now I just have to do the last part, which I don’t like, which is making weight. “Once we get to Texas, I’ll be in a bit of a rest and recovery period. “There won’t be much intensive training—just focusing on the weigh-in where I’ll meet Bruce for the first time.” Dana is confident that he will win his bout against Bruce Carrington.

“What sets me apart is the will to want it and everything I’ve put into this fight camp,” he said. “I’m not underestimating him like I believe he’s underestimating me.” Dana flew out of LA on Sunday night, arriving in Arlington, Texas, just days before his life-changing bout. While training was his priority, Dana also took time to enjoy some iconic sights in Los Angeles. “We’ve gone to Venice Beach, Hollywood Boulevard, and a few restaurants around LA,” he said.

The Beerwah local expressed gratitude for the support he’s received from fans back home in Australia. “Thank you to everyone. I’m just so grateful I can do something I love and that so many people support me—it’s pretty cool,” Dana said. Dana is also a father to one, his son Iluka who was born on August 1, 2022. His coach, Steve Pitt, said he had a different look in his eye since his son was born.

“He’s really focused like I haven’t seen him in a long time… the responsibility of becoming a father has really heightened his maturity,” he said. The preliminary card featuring Shadasia Green vs. Melinda Watpool for the WBO Super Middleweight title, Lucas Bahdi vs. Armando Casamonica, and Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington vs. Dana Coolwell, will be broadcast live from 8:30am AEST November 16 on Most Valuable Promotions’ YouTube, Netflix Sports YouTube and Tudum. kirra@gcnews.com.au

November 12, 2024

NETFLIX DEBUT FOR "DEADLY" DANA COOLWELL

Aussie indigenous star Dana Coolwell never officially fought on a VSP show, but we got him a gig in Dubai, and we had a couple of failed attempts to get him to Vietnam.

We also got him Aussie fights with a couple of good VSP boys Lorenz Ladrada and Fernando Tagpuno.

Now Dana has a big fight coming up in the States this Saturday against one of their rising stars - Bruce "Shu Shu" Carrington.

But this ain't no ordinary club show - Dana will be fighting in front of 80,000 people as one of the big Mike Tyson undercard bouts at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas Texas !!

And there's more.

If you are a boxer, you'd never expect to end up on Netflix ! Crazy but true - the streaming giant is sending this worldwide !!

Dana takes on the much hyped American Bruce Carrington - an unbeaten 13-0 top ten Featherweight.

The guy is real slick - but he ain't DEADLY !!

Go Dana !!

ABC News ran a great story a little while back on the indigenous prodigy which we have published before.

It's a great read with some nice insights, so here it is again if you missed it:

THEY SAY EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN TEXAS and that is true for boxer Dana Coolwell !

The 25-year-old from the Queensland town of Beerwah, roughly an hour's drive north of Brisbane, could have the eyes of over 550 million households worldwide tuning into his fight when he features on Netflix's maiden livestream boxing event in November.

ABC Sport can reveal the Mununjali man, who is the 16th-ranked featherweight in world boxing, will fight undefeated American Bruce Carrington on the undercard of Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.

The fight will take place at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, with 80,000 spectators expected to pack the Arlington stadium on November 16, AEDT.

"It's life-changing," a humble, softly-spoken Coolwell said.

"It'll be one of the biggest events a fighter from Australia has fought on and I'm very grateful for this opportunity and I just really want to showcase my skills to the world of boxing and put my name in that mix of the world class boxers."

The massive bout for Coolwell, nicknamed Deadly, is in stark contrast to his last fight in March.

He improved his record to 13-2 with a win in front of a sold-out crowd of 500 people at the Caloundra RSL.

It is a moment that Coolwell believes he will thrive in and make the world take notice of his potential.

"I'm just making the walk out to the stage into the ring, and just imagining the crowd. But I think I'll rise to the occasion and feed off the crowd, and it'll bring out the best of me.

"These are the type of fight cards people dream of being on and I'm just really grateful that I get to be a part of it, part of history and fight in front of that many fight fans."

The fight card will be streamed by Netflix and will be available their millions of subscribers.

Sports commentator Renee Gartner said the unique opportunity for Coolwell to fight with potentially hundreds of millions of people watching can become a major moment for the young fighter.

"This is the biggest exposure Dana's possibly gonna be able to get," she said.

"People are gonna be seeing him for the first time on an international stage and beamed into households, 550 million households are worldwide, is going to put his name on everyone's lips.

"This whole undercard is absolutely stacked … We have some of the best female fighters, male fighters, everyone who's a boxing enthusiast is watching it."

"What's the topic of conversation at the moment? It's all about the cost of living and how hard it is for all of us to sort of dip in the pocket.

"People in Australia use sport as a way to sort of escape from the realities of what we're sort of doing on day-to-day life."

Coolwell believes in the American dream

The Australian will head to the United States in the coming weeks, landing in California where he will start his training camp in Santa Monica.

New York-born Carrington, who is undefeated through 13 professional fights, has been on Coolwell's radar for a while according to his coach Stephen Pitt.

"We've wanted the Bruce Carrington fight for a while," he said.

"He's a very well respected and very well liked American boxer … They think he's gonna be next world champion."

While praising the American challenger, Pitt said he believes Coolwell is in equal class to some of the best fighters in the world.

Pitt, who trains Coolwell out of the Hinterland Boxing Club, said he believes his fighter has always had the makings of being Australia's next world champion.

"I've known Dana's a star since he walked in my gym 12 years ago," he said.

"The entire world's going to see what I've known for a long time.

"You know we're not the underdog, we're the underestimated.

"Texans love Australians, Dana's a very likeable young man, he performs well, he speaks well, he holds himself well and we believe that the Americans will adore him."

If he defeats Carrington in his own backyard then he'll take a giant leap towards reeling in his world title opportunity.

November 9, 2024

AND THIS IS WHAT BOXING SHOULD BE !!

Two very exciting prospects met centre ring in Sydney last night- both intent on pushing their world class credentials, and they didn't disappoint. They turned on a cracking main event in front of a sold out and noisy crowd at The Grand Vaudeville !

Emmanuel Shemeza 3-0 from Kenya 🇰🇪 and Jamie Chang 2-0 of Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 were both sparkling amateurs before recently turning pro.

Shemeza was the boxer who was unluckily eliminated in the Olympic trials by an opponent who ultimately won the bronze medal.

Jamie Chang has battled limited opportunities to become a Pacific Games champion.

And despite the relative inexperience of both boxers at the pro level, their qualities and upside shone like beacons.

The Kenyan was a hot favourite, but Chang's southpaw stance and staunch defense had the champion troubled. And this proved to make it an extremely even contest.

Shemeza was the more fluid and active with his hands, but Jamie Chang threw thoughtful counters with purpose, perhaps even hurting his rival in the 5th round.

Most rounds were too hard to split, but Emmanuel Shemeza looked the more polished, and he finished it with a definitive final round.

Emmanuel Shemeza won by majority decision (MD) against Jamie Chang in this highly anticipated bout!

The judges' scores reflected a closely contested fight, with one judge scoring it 57-57 (a draw), while the other two judges scored in favor of Shemeza, 59-55.

Perhaps a little "home cooking" by the judges - VSP had it 58-56 to the Aussie based Kenyan - but no one would argue that Shemeza deserved the victory.

This was a thrilling matchup between two genuine world-class prospects, and full credit to their respective camps for testing the deep waters.

Congratulations to Paul Nasari and the team at Neutral Corner for making great fights like these, and we hope to see these boys make their mark on the Asian scene in 2025.

#vspboxing #vsppro #neutralcornerpromotions #VSPPromotions #RoyalRumble

November 7, 2024

CHANG AND SHEMEZA TOMORROW NIGHT

The boys are weighed in and ready for an epic battle in Sydney tomorrow night when Pacific Games gold medalist Jamie Chang takes on undefeated Kenyan boxer Emmanuel Shemeza in a thrilling 6-round super flyweight contest at the Grand Vaudeville function centre.

Shemeza hails from the much vaunted Akkawy Gym, and the tall unbeaten 3-0 prospect is already being hailed as a future world prospect.

But he won't have it all his own way !

Jamie Chang shapes as one of Papua New Guinea's top boxing prospects.

He makes his international professional debut courtesy of VSP Promotions. who are working overtime to make great fights for boxers in the Asian region while the local Vietnam scene remains a shambles.

Jamie Chang's appearance comes on the heels of his impressive knockout victory at Port Moresby's Sir John Guise stadium, where he overcame a wrist injury in training to claim his an emphatic victory.

Chang's coach, Ephraim Montoru, is confident in his fighter's abilities, stating

"Jamie is a very good all-round boxer - he does everything right."

However, Montoru also acknowledges that there's still room for improvement, saying

"We are definitely still a work in progress.

The best is yet to come, and exciting times are ahead!"

*The Fight Details:*

- *Date:* November 8th, 2024

- *Location:* Grand Vaudeville function centre, Sydney

- *Opponent:* Emmanuel Shemeza (Kenya)

- *Weight Class:* Super Flyweight

- *Rounds:* 6

*Chang's Background:*

- Pacific Games gold medalist

- 2 wins from 2 professional bouts this year

Will Chang's skills be enough to take down the unbeaten Shemeza?

Tune in to Paul Nasari's Neutral Corner Boxing show "Royal Rumble" to find out!

VSP PROMOTIONS supporting Asia’s best !

November 3, 2024

PNG TEAM ARE SET TO FLY OUT TOMORROW

Papua New Guinea's Junior Kauko Raka and Jamie Chang will arrive in Australia by midday tomorrow in advance of Friday night's "Royal Rumble" in Sydney.

The PNG pairing will be on hand to answer questions at tomorrow night's press conference, and will be accompanied by trainer Ephraim Montoru and assistant Peter Morrison.

VSP Promotions have worked with Paul Nasari to ensure that Australia gets to see the best of Papua New Guinea's current and emerging talent, and Raka and Chang will take on two hot and unbeaten prospects.

It is a credit to the PNG boxers for traveling to the lion's den to compete, and VSP can report that their opponents Jayden Buan and Emmanuel Shemeza had been forced to scour foreign shores in search of competition.

These are two genuine excitement machines that have been continually ducked at the local level, and are keen to build on their already excellent resumes with meaningful bouts.

Royal Rumble this Friday night presented by Neutral Corner Fight Promotions. live from the Grand Vaudeville, Condell Park Sydney 🥊🔥

Also catch all the action live on http://www.livecombatsports.com.au/live-ppv

#NeutralCornerPromotions #RoyalRumble #vspboxing #VSPPromotions #vsppro

October 31, 2024

VSP SENDS PNG TRAIL BLAZERS "DOWN UNDER"

The recent Pacific games gold medalist boxer Jamie Chang is set to attend his first professional international bout in Australia next week.

The top PNG prospect knocked out his opponent in his recent bout at Port Moresby' Sir John Guise stadium, overcoming a wrist injury that had hampered preparations.

Chang already has scored 2 wins from 2 professional bouts this year, but unfortunately, the successes were not recorded in BoxRec.This is not uncommon for PNG events.

Jamie Chang is set perform in Sydney on November 8th 2024, and will be joined Papua New Guinea's lightweight champion - Junior Kauko Raka.

The invitations to Australia were made possible by VSP Promotions, and both boxers will appear on Paul Nasari's Neutral Corner Boxing show "Royal Rumble" to be held at the Grand Vaudeville function centre.

Chang will be facing off against outstanding and unbeaten Kenyan Emmanuel Shemeza of the famed Akkawy Gym in a bantamweight contest over 6 rounds.

Chang's coach Ephraim Montoru (Maikuna Boxing Club) said his fighter is doing very well in his preparation for the upcoming event.

"Jamie is a very good all round boxer - he does everything right. But obviously these are early days, and we are definitely still a work in in progress, and as a team concede there is plenty of room for improvement.

The best is yet to come and exciting times are ahead !

We are taking on a really good fighter named Emmanuel Shemeza for our first test on foreign soil - and its a huge task, but we believe we have a very good chance of winning this fight."

October 24, 2024

AUSTRALIA versus PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Jayden "the Bullet" Buan was once famously quoted as claiming he has better hand speed than Ryan Garcia - and that he also possesses the silky skills that put that guy in the shade.

And Junior "the Prodigy" Raka is simply Old Skool - hard hands, hard head, and hard to beat !!

Great fight coming up in Sydney on November 8th at Paul Nasari's ROYAL RUMBLE !!!

October 26, 2024

VAN HAI SET TO BE A BIG "HIT" IN SOUTH KOREA

Nguyễn Văn Hải, one of Vietnam's best known boxers, returns to the ring on December 15 in an 8-round showdown in South Korea.

And despite two losses in 2024, Hải has shown menacing form, foreshadowing a major victory at the Jeju Island event.

Following consecutive WBO and WBC title bid setbacks against undefeated, world-rated opponents, the man dubbed the "Hanoi Hitman" is poised for a big bounce back win.

His upcoming challenge comes against a yet-to-be-named South Korean opponent, a former national titleholder that is looking for a big scalp to re establish his rankings.

Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated matchup set for Jeju Island South Korea on December 15th.

Details coming soon!

October 15, 2024

JBC SUSPENDS JOHN RIEL CASIMERO

OUCH !!!!!!!

Due to failing to make weight, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) has suspended John Riel Casimero for one year. This suspension follows Casimero’s inability to meet the weight requirements for his non-title fight against Saul Sanchez, scheduled for October 13, 2024, in Yokohama, Japan.

Casimero’s past issues with weight management have now led to serious consequences that could affect his future plans, including a highly anticipated potential matchup against Naoya Inoue.

October 11, 2024

THAT'S DEADLY !! DANA COOLWELL

Aussie star Dana Coolwell never officially fought on a VSP show, but we got him a gig in Dubai, and had a couple of failed attempts to get him to Vietnam. We also got him Aussie fights with a couple of good VSP boys Lorenz Ladrada and Fernando Tagpuno.

Now Dana has a big fight coming up in the States against one of their rising stars :

Some big stories in Aussie boxing coming up, and now you can add this one to the impressive list :

DEADLY DANA COOLWELL will be fighting in front of 80,000 people next month on the Mike Tyson undercard at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas Texas !!

Dana takes on much hyped American Bruce Carrington - an unbeaten 13-0 top ten Featherweight.

The guy is real slick - but he ain't DEADLY !!

Go Dana !!

ABC News ran a great story on this indigenous prodigy :

They say everything is bigger in Texas and that is true for boxer Dana Coolwell.