Quality Elorde youngster who defends his RP title here. He has had a couple of opponents fall through due to injury, and now takes on Roland Jay Biendima in this key undercard fight. The Sniper was on a 7 fight winning streak before drawing with the feisty Miel Fajardo, and then enjoyed a strong win over Cebu boxer April Jay Abne. It was a commanding display, yet in what was without doubt the most embarrassing scoring glitch of the year, the nod went the way of the Cebu boxer. No doubt Ligas will be looking to make amends in a big way here!
Ben is a high work rate boxer with an advance ring IQ for a 23 year old. He is also quite tall at the weight, and the reach gives him excellent options to box long as well as fight inside.
Watch Philippines national champion Ben Ligas assault on the IBO Intercontinental belt tonight when he takes on hot South American boxer Andres Campos.
Campos was unbeaten in 15 fights before dropping a points decision to world champion Sunny Edwards in June.
Ligas has plenty of local support, attracting the attention of Andrew and Jason Maloney. The Philippines champ is flanked by master trainer Jetro Pabustan.
The live stream of tonight's bout will be posted here later.
"The Sniper" Ben Ligas is in career best shape to shock them at the beautiful coastal town of Burleigh Heads in Australia tomorrow night.
Ligas 15-3 takes on Chile's Andre Campos 15-1 for the IBO Intercontinental Fly title, and is expected to be easy pickings for the South American.
Campos had been destroying everything in his path in a 15 fight winning streak, before a points loss to world #1 Sunny Edwards in June of this year. The Chilean was only a fraction behind in that contest, and surely The Sniper represents a far easier task for him !!
But the Philippines national champion Ben Ligas will have other ideas, and as you can see from today's weigh in, he cuts an imposing figure and looks set to create a major upset in Australia tomorrow night.
Cracking card in Pangasinan tomorrow, highlighted even more so by this blistering main event - "the Sniper" Ben Ligas versus "the Cobra" Genisis Libranza.
Ligas is current national Flyweight champ with a 14-3 record, and takes on Libranza who has the amazing stats of 20-1.
Nobody is ducking anybody here !
Great main event for Pangasinan.
Two days to go !!
Lots of great fights in Pangasinan this Thursday, but especially excited for these main three.
Benny Ligas and Genisis Libranza have genuine claims to being the Philippines best Flyweight, as their records attest. This one is impossible to pick the winner with any confidence.
Jonniel Laurente is unbeaten, but he jumps hugely in class when he meets Pablito Canada, a guy that has delivered great performances at the very highest level. Canada has been in with JonJon Estrada, Richard Pumicpic and no less than Charly Suarez in recent bouts. And let's not forget that he also had a huge KO win over top unbeaten prospect Michael Casama not long ago - so this is a huge task for Laurente and one that will be a fantastic contest.
RoyRoy Sumugat and Richard Bulacan are two of the Philippines very best when they are "on", and be in zero doubt, both these guys will be prepped for killer performances this Thursday in Pangasinan.
Two championship bouts in one explosive event as Elorde UKC Promotions invades Bayambang, Pangasinan this coming March 30, 2023. Bienvenido Ligas will defend his RP Flyweight title against Genisis Libranza while RoyRoy Sumugat and Richard Bulacan will be slugging it out for the PBF Lightweight title.
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
Despite suffering narrow losses, Ben Ligas and Jules Victoriano produced next level performances in the belt fights in Vietnam last night.
Ligas faced the vastly experienced Uzbek, the much revered "mini Tyson " Olimjon Nazarov. This was quality boxing from both, with "the Sniper" bringing the cleaner punches, but perhaps lacking the aggression of Nazarov, who looked constantly keen for work. This was a hard match to score, as neither fighter was particularly dominant in a see sawing affair, and the body shot in the 11th where Ligas took a knee was perhaps the only real difference.
Dinh Hong Quan is physically indomitable, and with his height and reach, this improving Vietnam boxer is a task for anybody. It was anticipated that Jules Victoriano would give him his toughest test to date, and he definitely didn't disappoint !
This was a great fight, and is probably best viewed in two parts. Victoriano boxed beautifully in the early rounds, but despite landing nice shots, the Vietnam champ kept stealing rounds with some heavier and more direct landed shots. Quan also "appeared" more dominant, more frequently backing Victoriano up and putting him on to combos.
Going into the second half of the fight, Victoriano definitely lifted his output and accuracy, and even gave the Vietnam opponent a couple of "dig deep" moments !
This was an exciting and fantastic match up, that very easily could have been scored a draw, it was that evenly contested! There is no doubt that Dinh Hong Quan produced the best performance of his career last night, and this was really needed because of the beautiful boxing skills displayed by Jules Victoriano.
VSP would love to see these two great young fighters rematch at a later date, maybe on a bigger stage!
Post event, all smiles, and pictured are Coach Toto Laurente, Ben Ligas, VSP Vietnam boss Lim Song, and Jules Victoriano. Great job by all !
Philippines' Ben Ligas and Jules Victoriano looked in crazy shape at today's weigh in!
All boxers passed the scales without incident, and the stage is set for a huge night of boxing in Ho Tram Vietnam tomorrow night.
Ligas will fight Uzbekistan's "mini Tyson " Olimjon Nazarov for the WBO Oriental Flyweight championship. While reaching veteran status, Nazarov is still a boss in the ring, and has an amazing record of 27 wins in 32 fights. Philippines champ Ben Ligas has a height and reach advantage, and will need to use this to keep the Uzbek wizard on a leash.
Dinh Hong Quan is a typically Vietnamese fighter - long, lean and one super tough SOB!
Jules Victoriano represents his biggest challenge as a pro when the two meet for the IBF Asia Lightweight belt tomorrow night. Victoriano is a stylistic boxer with power, and whilst he is normally the taller boxer, this won't be the case against Quan.
This is a super match up, and perhaps the best yet seen in the short history of pro boxing in Vietnam !
Ben Ligas and Jules Victoriano are ready to fly out for HCMC Vietnam ahead of Saturday's big fight night in Ho Tram.
Ho Tram is a coastal area, about 150km south of HCMC, and the Grand Casino is proving a popular boxing venue.
HCMC is still working with crowd restrictions as a result of the pandemic, so non city areas are great choices for boxing events.
Local promoter Cocky Buffalo have a great card, highlighted by belt fights that include the two Elorde boxers.
National champ Ligas will fight outstanding Uzbekistan boxer Olimjon Nazarov, a winner of 27 fights, and is a world top 40.
Jules Victoriano and local Vietnam prospect Dinh Hong Quan will contest the IBF Asia Lightweight title, and this is sure to prove the highlight of Saturday's cracking card of bouts.
Safe travels boys!
Some cracking undercard bouts, and the inclusion of some foreign invaders, just to add flavour!
Nguyen Van Hai from Vietnam makes his first international pro appearance when he takes on home boy Jerald Into. Hai is a master at many fight forms, and though he hasn't boxed for some time, his clash with the unbeaten Into will be one of the highlights of ANNIHILATION UKC.
Linn Sandstrom promised a busy 2022, and the popular Swedish up and comer returns after a successful March appearance with Aisah Alico. She matches up with Thailand visitor Khwunchit Khunya.
Mickey Pengue from Australia is an outstanding type, but was derailed in a regional belt fight recently after damaging his ear drum in the opening round. He is on a quick back up in Paranaque, looking to steady the ship against the solid Gerry Patenio. The local boxer showed good signs in his last fight against tall timber Al Cañega, so will be no pushover for the impressive Aussie.
Roland Jay Biendima is a dynamo, and after a quality showing against national Flyweight champ Ben Ligas, he scored an emphatic win over Powell Balaba. Rest assured, he will be looking to carry on the good work when he meets Joel Taduran.
ANNIHILATION UKC
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday August 7th
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Philippines Flyweight champion Ben "the Sniper" Ligas made amends for a scoring travesty in Cebu, with a classy title defense over Roland Jay Biendima.
The 112 division is stacked with talent right now, and there has been a lot of talk about who's next to challenge for Ligas' national crown.
But rumours are strong that the Philippines champion will be testing himself against international opposition at his next fight, an initiative that surely will see him an even more formidable foe for locals to deal with.
This will be a big news story breaking soon for sure.
Watch this space!
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.
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
Ben "the Sniper" Ligas suits up for his Philippines Flyweight title defense next Saturday in Paranaque.
Not only a boxer of high potential, Ligas doubles as a pretty useful model for the latest sports wear from the team at BE ATHLETIC !
The Sniper will defend his belt as one of the main undercard bouts to the huge Charly Suarez v Tomjune Mangubat WBA Asia clash.
TIGER 2O22 will play host to a mammoth 15 killer bouts, and many of the champion fighters will be dressed by BE ATHLETIC !
Lots of thanks to Raoul Navarrete and his hard working team for making these stars look their best.
Philippines national Flyweight champ Ben Ligas will be defending his title at TIGER 2O22 this March.
And if he doesn't win, who really cares, because he will be
WALKING TALL, LOOKING GOOD ! in this great design from the hard working team at
BE ATHLETIC.
Thanks to Raoul Navarrete and Be Athletic for supporting Philippines sports and Boxing.
Remember if you wanna look like a champ, Be Athletic will take care of you!
Two weeks out and the Philippines national Flyweight champ Ben Ligas is raring to go!"The Sniper" has trained well in preparation for his title defense, and in spite of losing two challengers along the way, has a battle on his hands with the very resilient Roland Jay Biendima.BEN LIGAS v ROLAND JAY BIENDIMARP Flyweight titleTIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge Paranaque, ManilaSaturday March 12thWATCH IT LIVE AT: https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion/
OK fight fans, here are three of the very best athletes that will be appearing at the upcoming TIGER 2O22 next month.
Arnel Baconaje, Jonathan Almacen and Benny Ligas pictured after yesterday morning's workout, and already looking ready for battle!
Baconaje is one of Philippines elite, and returns to the ring to match up with last start winner, and former Pacquiao sparring partner, Leonardo Doronio.
Jonathan Almacen is a quicksilver light flyweight, and has a much anticipated (and dangerous ) clash looming with the unbeaten John Paul Bentoso, a young killer who has posted all his wins by way of knockout !
Ben Ligas is all set to defend his Philippines national title, and the word is, he is training the house down!
Good luck boys, we know you will put on a great show!
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
Philippines flyweight champ Ben Ligas, seen combining hard work with smiles while training yesterday!
Ligas has a huge task confronting him this March when he defends his title against the precociously talented Jerven Mama. The Mindanao fighter known as "Iron Fist", is one of the rising stars of the Sanman stable, and he has his sights on returning home as the newly crowned national champ.
That's one side of the story!
Meanwhile in Manila, Ben "the Sniper" Ligas keeps toiling, keeps refining his tools to keep that belt from going south. And who better to work with than the OPBF champ Giemel Magramo, a winner of 25 fights including 20 by way of stoppage.
In the very best traditions of "tough love", let's not forget the old adage that "iron sharpens iron!"
We will see !
BEN LIGAS v JERVEN MAMA
Philippines Flyweight championship
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!!
Jerven Mama and Ben Ligas are surely throwbacks to a bygone era, when real fighters were steered by the "duck nobody" policy! Their upcoming match will be for the Philippines flyweight title, where Ligas is the defending champion, and Mama is on a mission to take that mantle back to General Santos City. Both these outstanding young prospects have near identical records, and possess a common ideology :
"If you want to be the best, you've got to beat the best!"
Philippines Flyweight title
BEN LIGAS v JERVEN MAMA
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 5
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!
Ben "the Sniper" Ligas said he'd defend his national title against the very best, and he wasn't kidding! The call went out, and outstanding Sanman boxer Jerven Mama was quick to respond! This match up shapes as one of the best bouts of the year, showcasing two of the potential stars of Philippines boxing.
Ben Ligas (13w) v Jerven Mama (12 w)
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque Manila
Saturday March 5
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!
The Wonder Boy Carl Jammes Martin and Ben "the Sniper" Ligas were back at "the office" and hard at work today.
These boys star as the two big undercards at TIGER 2022 to the epic Suarez v Mangubat main event. And both have significant battles of their own!
Martin will fight for WBA south east asian strap, with a soon to be announced opponent.
Ben Ligas defends his national flyweight title against Sanman killer Jerven "Iron Fist" Mama. Sounds positively scary!
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 5th
The sport of boxing can throw up unusual and ambiguous results. Some would go further and argue inept - often even corrupt! And it is also an unfortunate reality that those outside the ring, those that adjudicate the results, often lack the resolve and the ability of the combatants inside the ropes! Ben “the Sniper” Ligas returns on March 5 hot on the heels of a superb 2021.
Ligas was fortunate to engage in three fantastic matches during the year, starting with a hard earned but deserved win in February against a really durable Alphoe Dagayloan. This match was nonstop punching, a smattering of skills, and really good moments for both fighters.
July saw Ligas take on outstanding prospect Miel Fajardo, and in what appeared to be a match too tough to pick on paper, the match fulfilled every expectation and then some. In what could have been easily “Fight of the Year”, Fajardo was equally energetic and brutal, putting The Sniper under constant duress. To his credit, Ligas’ composure and cool counter punching redressed the scoring imbalance, and signalled that he is a boxer of some promise. Fajardo had firepower on tap, and showed that he is a handful for any opponent, and he definitely has a big future.
Robbing jeepneys is not legal, but how about robbing boxers?
Ben Ligas ventured to Cebu in late October, and took on the unbeaten and feisty April Jay Abne. This was a really good quality action match, and predictably, Abne brought lots of energy to keep it entertaining. It must be said that Ligas technically took his opponent to school, and scored a comprehensive win against a more raw, yet willing opponent, It was a nice fight from Abne, who did his best to stay in the contest till the end, and did enjoy good moments of his own. His effort to take 3 rounds from Ligas shows promise of things to come. The official “result” was an unfortunate distraction to a great match between Abne and Ligas, and a sad reminder of what is all too common in boxing these days.
That was then, and this is now, and the big and breaking news is that the Sniper Ben Ligas is back March 5th. No sour grapes or hard luck stories, just big smiles and lots of heart, ensuring that you are going to see something special very soon!
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
Clarence Breboneria and Mark John Yap finish their working day with more rounds in the bank.
Breboneria had a battle with Dengue fever earlier this year, but is now back to full health, and is aiming to be at his energetic best for his upcoming bout.
The Journeyman Mark John Yap will be appearing at the BATTLEFIELD this month in an absolute belter of a match up with PNG’s Junior Raka.
Yap has ventured from CDO to Manila to have the final touches put on his preparation by coach Jetro Pabustan.
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Charly Suarez knows full well the reputation of Carlo Magali, and is aware that "the Ferocious" will throw everything at him in order to retain the national title - including the kitchen sink!
The King's Warrior is a big fan of Magali but assures, if it turns into a dog fight, he equally knows how to get down and dirty.
" Team Suarez like to box smart, and we know Carlo has the power. But we are also willing to meet FIRE with FIRE !
We are carrying bombs, and we will use them if we have to" warned the "King's Warrior".
Charly Suarez v Carlo Magali
RP National title WBA Asia title
12 rounds Super Featherweight 59kg
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
The relentless punching machine that is Remon Basas returns this month, and matches up with rangy young southpaw Jestine Ace Tesoro.
The bout will signal a move to the heavier weight classes for Basas, but without doubt, Olivetti Gym will have him well prepared for the task. The 24 year old fighter is still very much on the improvement path, but has already racked up 6 wins, and has experienced good opponents like Delmar Pellio, Lorenz Ladrada and Franco Serafica.
The great thing that has characterized all his performances is that he always brings the heat! This kid is relentlessly working in the ring, and has a low looping style that sets up really effective body punches.
Jestine Ace Tesoro is a really promising type. He had good moments against JonJon Estrada, outgunned a very savvy Lorence Rosas, and then was narrowly beaten in Japan. But for Remon Basas, Tesoro is just another guy across the ring, and he will be bringing a bucket load of BAD BAD intentions to the party !
Remon Basas v Jestine Ace Tesoro
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Mark John Yap takes on the might of Papuan hard man Junior Raka later this month in Paranaque Manila .
Yap is one of the Philippines' best internationally credentialed boxers in recent years, having amassed 30 wins and three OPBF titles on the road in Japan.
But he is experienced enough to know that you can never underestimate an opponent, and in Junior Raka, you have a nemesis with skills and a warrior heart to match.
"Raka already has a history with Pinoy boxers. He has had two big wins, and then a narrow loss to Roldan Aldea for the WBA belt, and we have a big opinion of Aldea here in the Philippines.
We know that Junior Raka will bring energy and aggression, and a love for the battle. We respect that, because we love it too! So bring it on, and we welcome you to the Philippines Mr. Raka ! "
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Don't miss this iconic main event at the BATTLEFIELD show this October.
Charly Suarez is the former amateur champ and has looked flawless in his pro career so far. He has a singular intent to work to a world title opportunity.
Carlo Magali has been one of the most under estimated yet effective pinoy warriors in recent years. Known as "The Ferocious", and for good reason, he has a history of dismantling more favored fighters.
Who will get bragging rights ?
Come to the BATTLEFIELD and claim your piece of history !
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
JonJon Estrada and Yushi Fujita make weight in Osaka Japan earlier today.
Fujita is a tall and rangy fighter with 9 wins, and like most of his countrymen, is strong and durable.
But Estrada carries the Equalizer, that being the sleeping pills he confidently holds in both hands, and owning a long history of violence, having "slept" 14 opponents in his 15 wins !
This is a great match up because Fujita likes to trade, and this may play directly into the sharpened claws of the man known as THE WOLVERINE !
Palawan sharp shooter Erson "the trigger" Trinidad is set to bring his all action style to Parañaque this October when he joins the BATTLEFIELD !
The promising youngster returned from a near 3 year hiatus in August, accounting for a very good fighter named Arjay Recopelacion. Whilst there were plenty of good touches from both boxers, the Puerto Princessa native gave the impression there is a lot more up his sleeve with his majority decision win.
The victory by Trinidad was his 4th as a professional, and based on the blazing hand speed he showed, expect him to come to the BATTLEFIELD all guns loaded and ready to PULL THE TRIGGER !
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Kayne "Superman" Clarke and Roldan "the Cobra" Aldea.
Sublime speed meets southpaw stealth and wizardry!
Papuan pugilist Junior Raka is putting in the hard work and looking forward to an October 23 rendezvous with hot pinoy Mark John Yap.
The Cagayan de Oro boxer arrived in Manila last night, and will complete his training with elite sparring in coming weeks.
The match will be PNG Prodigy Raka's first since the pandemic, but he has the mindset to over ride all obstacles and bring a strong performance to the BATTLEFIELD event.
Raka welcomed his opponent: "Good morning to Mark John Yap. I look forward to joining you in Manila. I know we will give all the boxing fans in the Philippines and PNG a great match. Boxing is my life so I thank you and the people of Philippines for the opportunity !"
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd