Junior Kauko Raka

Junior Kauko Raka

Super Featherweight, 130 lbs (59 kg)

Age :

31


Height :

163

cm


Stance :

Orthodox


Region :

Port Moresby


Country :

Papua New Guinea


Record : PRO DEBUT

Pro record · W-L-D

4

Wins

3

Losses

0

Draws

3

KOs

Junior Kauko Raka

In VSP Promotions

Junior Kauko Raka

In the news

“BE READY VIETNAM — WE AIN’T PLAYING”
March 11, 2026

“BE READY VIETNAM — WE AIN’T PLAYING”

Papua New Guinea will take its boxing talent on the road this April, with four highly promising athletes travelling to Ho Chi Minh City for an international professional boxing event.

Leading the group is Junior Kauko Raka (seated), widely regarded as Papua New Guinea’s most recognised professional boxer.

Raka says the team is pumped about the opportunity, and confident they can deliver killer performances.

“We know that Vietnamese fighters compete with great spirit,” Raka said.

“I’ve been there before — they got skills and they’re tough brother.

“But I have warning for them.

“My team has been working extra hard, and we’re coming to give everything we’ve got.

We want to show that Papua New Guinea can mix it with the big boys. We're on the world stage now.

“We are real dogs brother. All bite - no quit.

“So please tell Vietnam they better be ready — we ain’t playing.

“We going to shock a lot of people this April.

TRIGGER PROMOTION 7 will be held in Thao Dien HCMC on Sunday April 19th.

The event will be televised and live streamed with an expected international audience of more than 2 million people.

* pictured: boxers Tau Bowen, Magdalyn Menjawi, Fidelis Laia, Junior Raka (seated), with trainer Nelson John (far right)

JUNIOR KAUKO RAKA, "IT'S ALL BUSINESS"
March 7, 2026

JUNIOR KAUKO RAKA, "IT'S ALL BUSINESS"

They don’t breed them any tougher than Junior “The Prodigy” Raka.

The popular boxer from Port Moresby is set to return to the ring in Ho Chi Minh City this April. Raka was last seen competing in late 2024, when he dismantled Indonesia’s Ricky Manufoe. Despite the long absence, the Prodigy remains optimistic about his prospects.

“I love the sport of boxing – I was born to fight, and it makes me happy to train others, especially the kids.

I have a special place in my heart for Vietnam.

I have very fond memories of the country and the friends I made there.

I’m looking forward to my return in April.

I’m sure my opponent has the Vietnam tiger spirit, but when I step into the ring, it will be business as usual.

I’m aiming for the knockout.”

TRIGGER PROMOTION 7

Sunday April 19th

Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

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FIGHTING IS IN THE BLOOD
March 3, 2026

FIGHTING IS IN THE BLOOD

Papua New Guinea is a nation forged in warrior tradition.

From the Highlands to the islands, its people are renowned for fierce tribal pride, striking ceremonial artistry, and a courage that has echoed through generations.

This April 19 in Ho Chi Minh City, that legacy steps into the modern arena.

Four indigenous athletes will represent Papua New Guinea at the international Trigger Promotion 7 boxing event — carrying not only their gloves, but the spirit of a warrior nation.

Tau Bowen, Fidelis Laia and Junior Raka (pictured) will be joined by female compatriot Magdalyn Mengavi as they take on some of Saigon’s brightest young prospects in what promises to be a defining night for PNG boxing.

They are not just fighting for victory.

They are on a mission — to establish WARRIOR as Papua New Guinea’s fight brand to the world.

In PNG, fighting is more than sport.

It is identity. It is pride. It is inheritance.

It's the hurt business — and there is no business quite like it !

‍

LOVE THIS
February 4, 2025

LOVE THIS

Life isn't so easy in some parts of the planet - especially if you're a homeless street kid in Papua New Guinea. 
My good friend Junior Kauko Raka has set up a street gym to reign in the wayward energies of Port Moresby youth, and he has been given wings courtesy of the very generous collaborations with local companies like Comlek and the Pang family. 
It's life-changing what you guys are doing right now, and Junior - I must say how very proud I am of you for all your inspirational work. 

Acknowledgement by Junior Raka :

"Thank you Comlek Group PNG, for Feeding the Street Kids and the homeless kids at my Street Kids Gym at Koki, special thanks to Mr and Mrs, Michael Donaldson and Rebecca Donaldson, the Comlek team, and also the Country Manager Anthony Aruha, for supporting this Street Kids making their afternoon full of joy and laughter. 
Thankyou again and Big thanks to Mr James PANG and PANG Family for providing a gym and shelter for this Street KIDS Thankyou so much."
VSP PROMOTIONS HAS GONE GLOBAL !!
January 11, 2025

VSP PROMOTIONS HAS GONE GLOBAL !!

It's official. 
Boxing is indeed your passport to the world !

You will have noticed that VSP has been spruiking the potential of Papua New Guinea's 🇵🇬 boxers for some time now. 
Junior Kauko Raka pioneered his flag with high level bouts in the Philippines and Vietnam, and now other top prospects are following his path.

Paul Nasari and Neutral Corner Promotions in Australia are big supporters of the growth of the sport, and have offered up some great fights on their March 29th card. 
But it's going to be super hard to beat this one !

The "BOUGAINVILLE BOMBER" FIDELIS LAIA will make his pro debut against a guy who is revered in Vietnam - Jayden "the Bullet" Buan.

Jayden was a former amateur standout, who came to Vietnam as a 16 year old and performed on the biggest stages of Victory8. 
He has since gone pro, and is an unbeaten 3-0. 
But rather than duck and weave an easy path, the Bullet is embracing far more challenging opponents to fast track his pro education. 

AND FIDELIS LAIA IS "MORE CHALLENGING" !

The Bougainville amateur team member has overcome numerous challenges and setbacks in his amateur journey, yet was still able to attain the status of twice been awarded national champ. 
He has also tasted success in Oceania tournaments, which affords him that extremely valuable experience that will carry through to his pro debut.
And what a debut !

Whilst it could be argued that it's hard to find a more difficult first up assignment than Jayden Buan, the Bougainville Bomber was crafted from granite and tailor made for the professional format. 
Win - lose - draw - expect to see an EPIC BATTLE to be produced courtesy of this man from Bougainville - Fidelis Laia 🇵🇬 

Kudos Paul Nasari and the team at Neutral Corner for making these great fights and giving our boys a stage to shine !

#vspboxing #vietnamboxing #VSPPromotions #NeutralCornerPromotions
PNG TEAM ARE SET TO FLY OUT TOMORROW
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
AUSTRALIA versus PAPUA NEW GUINEA
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 !!!
NGUYỄN VĂN HẢI READY TO MAKE WEIGHT
July 15, 2023

NGUYỄN VĂN HẢI READY TO MAKE WEIGHT

The Hanoi Hitman Nguyễn Văn Hải is now  in Ho Tram and looks in great shape for today's weigh in.

Hai is pictured with Papua New Guinea fighter Junior Kauko Raka, who will also fight at the big international event tomorrow night in Vung Tau.

RAKA TO MAKE VIOLENCE A THING OF BEAUTY
July 15, 2023

RAKA TO MAKE VIOLENCE A THING OF BEAUTY

It's Fight Day in Vietnam.

PRODIGY Junior Kauko Raka is promising to impose the Papua New Guinea fight brand in Vietnam tonight. Raka takes on an imposing task - China's WBO Oriental champion Xiao Tao Su.

Said Raka :

"Just watch tonight. It will be VIOLENT.  

But I promise to all the people, I will make it  a thing of beauty "

PAPUA NEW GUINEA MEETS VIETNAM
July 13, 2023

PAPUA NEW GUINEA MEETS VIETNAM

One of the great things about boxing is the people you meet and the friends that you make.

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino is a huge venue, but you never know who you will bump into !!

Earlier today Papua New Guinea's Junior Kauko Raka met Vietnam's champion Nguyễn Văn Hải while walking the halls. Both boxers have big fights tomorrow night - Raka takes on China's Xiao Tao Su, and Hai meets unbeaten Abdul Mottalib.

Flanking the boxers are Team Raka trainers Nelson John and Ephraim Montoru.

#cockybuffalopromotions #cockybuffalo #VSPPromotions #boxingvietnam #TheGrandHoTramStrip #vspboxing

PAPUA NEW GUINEA BOYS HIT SAIGON
July 13, 2023

PAPUA NEW GUINEA BOYS HIT SAIGON

Team Raka have arrived in Vietnam, and first stop was VSP Gym in HCMC where they discussed all things boxing.

The team of (from left) Junior Raka, Ephraim Montoru, Martin Liri and Nelson John met with local boss Mr. Lim Song.

Raka will fight on Saturday night against China's Xiao Tao Su  - a former #1 and WBO Oriental champion.

WE'RE HEADED TO THE GRAND HO TRAM
July 12, 2023

WE'RE HEADED TO THE GRAND HO TRAM

Former opponents Mark John Yap and Junior Raka   are now united with a common goal  - to seek and destroy foreign opponents this Saturday night in Vietnam.

The Philippines and Papua New Guinea guns will appear at a big international event to be held at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino in Vũng Tàu.

Their matches will be watched by bosses of Asia's top boxing commissions, including Richard Clarin and some team members from the Games and Amusement Board in the Philippines.

#vspboxing #TheGrandHoTramStrip #cockybuffalo #cockybuffalopromotions #VSPPromotions #boxingvietnam

IT'S WHERE ALL THE BEST FIGHTERS GO
July 11, 2023

IT'S WHERE ALL THE BEST FIGHTERS GO

Junior Kauko Raka en route to Vietnam, couldn't resist the temptation to drop into one of the many famous fight gyms in the Philippines.

Pictured here with trainer Nelson John, Raka reportedly looked great on pads and is already on weight.

HE'S READY TO RUMBLE !

Raka takes on China's WBO Oriental champion Xiao Tao Su this Saturday night at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino.

RAKA HITS THE STREETS OF MANILA
July 10, 2023

RAKA HITS THE STREETS OF MANILA

Papua New Guinea iron man Junior Kauko Raka pictured just moments ago.

Raka is in Manila getting some miles in the legs before flying out to Vietnam on Wednesday.

The "PNG Prodigy" will meet former China #1 and WBO Oriental title holder Xiao Tao Su on Saturday night at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino in Vũng Tàu.

#vspboxing #cockybuffalo #boxingvietnam #VSPPromotions #cockybuffalopromotions #vbo #TheGrandHoTramStrip

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THE RAKA HIT SQUAD IS ON THE WAY
July 7, 2023

THE RAKA HIT SQUAD IS ON THE WAY

Papua New Guinea's granite fisted Junior Raka and his team are officially Vietnam bound !

The squad are en route via Manila, where they will stay till Wednesday before leaving for Ho Chi Minh City.

The PNG Prodigy Raka has the task of dismantling China's WBO Oriental champion Xiao Tao Su at a big international show at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino next Saturday night.

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THE RAKA TEAM SAY HELLO TO MANILA
July 8, 2023

THE RAKA TEAM SAY HELLO TO MANILA

Papua New Guinea's "PRODIGY" Junior Kauko Raka just touched down in Manila.

There are no direct flights from PNG to Vietnam, so it's an opportunity to say hello to old friends and visit Manila's famous Elorde gyms.

Raka and team will fly out to Ho Chi Minh City this Wednesday.

WBO GLOBAL AT THE GRAND HO TRAM

Sat 6:00 PM | July 15, 2023

BOUT 3: SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT - 59 KG-6R

XIAO TAO SU

 VS

JR KAUKO RAKA

#CockyBuffaloPromotions #CockyBuffalo #TheGrandHoTramStrip #Proboxing #VBO #VTVcab #vspboxing #VSPPromotions #boxingvietnam

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA BOXER COMES TO HCMC
July 8, 2023

PAPUA NEW GUINEA BOXER COMES TO HCMC

PAPUA NEW GUINEA BOXER COMES TO HCMC

Ladies and gentlemen  - Mr. Junior Kauko Raka

11 fights - 9 wins - 7 Knockouts

WBO GLOBAL AT THE GRAND HO TRAM

Sat 6:00 PM | July 15, 2023

BOUT 3: SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT - 59 KG-6R

XIAO TAO SU

 VS

JR KAUKO RAKA

#CockyBuffaloPromotions #CockyBuffalo #TheGrandHoTramStrip #Proboxing #VBO #VTVcab #vspboxing #VSPPromotions #boxingvietnam

PAPUA NEW GUINEA ARE DOING IT RIGHT !!
July 1, 2023

PAPUA NEW GUINEA ARE DOING IT RIGHT !!

They breed them with big hearts in PNG  !

Getting opportunities to fight in international events is never easy, and if you're based in PNG, even more so !

Friends and supporters of Junior Kauko Raka, and believers in the great sport of boxing, assembled last night to celebrate his impending task in Vietnam.

They also all contributed their valuable time, energy and money to make Raka the first professional boxer ever to step foot into the south east asian destination.

Big thanks go to promoter Mr. Sang Bum Kim and friends at Cocky Buffalo for showing the foresight and faith in the PNG Prodigy  !

Also, massive thanks to the friends in PNG who really stepped up last night :

The Minister of Internal Security, and Governor of Bougainville HON Peter Tsiamalili Jnr. who took the lead to put in support by paying for the venue, and to kindly host the dinner fundraising.

And the support from these generous companies:

1- JOMIK Group Company

2- PANG Family

3- NCDC Sport Desk

4- NCDC Governor

5- PNG Sport Foundation

6- NCD Provincial Health Authority

Also, Junior Kauko Raka has a special shout out to his manager Betrand Vagelo and his admin Ezra Bonny, for making last night's celebration happen, for both him and the whole Raka team.

I'm optimistic that the combined efforts of all will pave the way for international opportunities for young PNG stars of the future.

Big congratulations to the people of Papua New Guinea for supporting great role models. Bravo !!

PNG WARRIORS HEADED FOR VIETNAM
July 1, 2023

PNG WARRIORS HEADED FOR VIETNAM

Have you ever met a GENUINE mountain bred Papua New Guinean warrior ?

No ?

Well that's because Junior Kauko Raka and his team will be the first ever to set foot on Vietnam soil !!

Please make the Raka team welcome at VSP when  they arrive in the week of 10th July, before heading  to Vũng Tàu on the 13th.

The Papua New Guinea hard man has the task of dismantling former Chinese #1 and WBO Oriental champion Xiao Tao Su.

The match will take place at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino on Saturday July 15th.

POSTCARDS FROM THE GRAND HO TRAM
June 29, 2023

POSTCARDS FROM THE GRAND HO TRAM

Some snapshots from the December event in Vietnam. Some great fights that night.

Big event coming this July 15th.

Mark John Yap will be back, also Nguyễn Văn Hải and a special appearance from Papua New Guinea  hard man Junior Kauko Raka.

RAKA THE FIRST PNG FIGHTER IN VIETNAM
June 29, 2023

RAKA THE FIRST PNG FIGHTER IN VIETNAM

This PNG powerhouse boxer is built like a tank and he is one tough warrior that represents the unrelenting spirit of his countryman. Junior Raka makes history as the first PNG boxer to ever fight in Vietnam.

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https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions/videos/1081798786128620


DEADLY DUO TO TAKE VIETNAM BY STORM
June 24, 2023

DEADLY DUO TO TAKE VIETNAM BY STORM

Former combatants Mark John Yap and Junior Kauko Raka will meet again in July next month, but this time as friends - not foes !!

Yap and Raka shared the ring in Manila in late 2022, where the Papua New Guinea embraced the ominous task on just a few weeks notice. It was a great fight, and both boxers showed the sort of doggedness which will make them compulsory viewing in Vietnam.

July 15th sees the duo take on top rated foreigners in the super featherweight division.

These two stars will spearhead a big international show at the Grand Ho Tram in Vũng Tàu, and is made possible by Mr. Sang Bum Kim and our friends at Cocky Buffalo.

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RAKA LOOKS TO BE THE ENFORCER JULY 15TH
June 24, 2023

RAKA LOOKS TO BE THE ENFORCER JULY 15TH

Junior Kauko Raka answered a call from VSP Promotions in late 2O22. Mark John Yap had just resumed boxing after the pandemic, and despite a points loss to King's Warrior Charly, he looked as skilled and dangerous as ever. So much so, we were unable to find anyone in the Philippines willing to fight him !

The Papua New Guinea star begged for the chance to fight, and in spite of a ridiculously short time to prepare, gave Mark John Yap the really hard fight that was needed. Junior Raka won a legion of new fans that day, including the man known as the Journey Man:

"I hit him with some great shots, and he just walked through them. I bruised my hands he was built like a rock !"

And how did he rate the power of the PNG boxer ?

"I work hard on my defense, but he has skills, and when he landed - he has heavy hands. I ask my team to check his gloves - it felt like he had iron in there !

Junior Raka will be a hard fight for any boxer. "

And so it is. Raka takes on Xiao Tao Su of China on July 15th in Ho Tram Vietnam. A boxer built from the same cloth as the PNG man.

Xiao Tao Su was China's #1 ranked fighter prior to the pandemic, winning a WBO Oriental title by savage knockout in the process. He resumed to lose narrowly to Vietnam's #1 61kg Nguyễn Văn Hải, and returns to his more favoured 59kg category for his assignment against Junior Kauko Raka.

This is a huge fight, where both boxers come to fight, and both carry lots of skills and heavy power. While the Chinese boxer will start overwhelming favourite, if you listen to the experienced words of Mark John Yap, then Junior Kauko Raka is about to deliver a firestorm to the sunny shores of Ho Tram Vietnam.

Big thanks to Mr. Sang Bum Kim and friends at Cocky Buffalo for making this great match up possible.

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RAKA SET TO FIGHT TRAN VAN THAO IN VIETNAM
June 13, 2023

RAKA SET TO FIGHT TRAN VAN THAO IN VIETNAM

Papua New Guinea Boxer Junior Kauko Raka’s fight against Vietnamese opponent Van Thao Tran is scheduled for the 15th of July next month at the Grand Ho Tram resort and casino in Vietnam.

Raka said his preparations for the fight is going great at the moment, he is currently training with his coach Ephraim Montaru, trainer Nelson John and national coach for the amateur boxers.

“I am having some spurring with Team PNG boxers who are preparing to attend the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands.”

Raka said he will get really good preparations if he goes to the Philippines to train there whilst waiting for his fight.

“I have made commitments to go to the Philippines but in terms of sponsors I’m still yet to secure one to help me travel there to prepare.”

“If I train and do some spurring in the Philippines I will be at my best fit to take up my international match.”

Raka said he is confident to win this fight and that is his main aim as it is the national championships for Vietnam and to him it means it’s the national championship for PNG.

“I’ve watched some of my opponents fights and I’ve seen some of his weaknesses and studied his movements in terms of attack and defense so if I can prepare in the Philippines, I will be able to defeat him.”

“One of my opponent Van Thao Tran’s weakness I have seen is that he does not move a lot in the ring and he moves forward all the time so I am training on how to move back and counter punch on him when he moves forward to attack me; I will move back with my punches and see gaps to swing or stop him,” added Raka.

Raka said so far there is no confirmation from any sponsors yet who have said to help me however the member for Bougainville and Minister Peter Tsiamalili has made a commitment to assist him; also from the CEO for Sports Foundation Albert Veratau who said to look into it.

There is also a company Jomik group of companies in Bougainville who have put their hands up to assist in his travel.

Raka thanked these sponsors especially the Jomik group of companies who assisted his team when they were in Buka with their airfares back to Port Moresby and their continuous support.

THIS JUST MAY BE THE FIGHT OF THE YEAR !!!
June 14, 2023

THIS JUST MAY BE THE FIGHT OF THE YEAR !!!

VIETNAM  - Get ready to be rocked by RAKA !!

Vietnam's boxing star "The Trigger" Tran Van Thao goes toe to toe with Papua New Guinea's hard man  

Junior Kauko Raka - the PNG Prodigy  !!

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino

Saturday July 15th

MARK JOHN YAP  - BIG NEWS COMING SOON
June 8, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP  - BIG NEWS COMING SOON

Vietnam  - here we come !

The Yap Attack and Head Coach Jetro Pabustan are headed to Ho Tram Vietnam this July, as they look to reinforce the stocks of Mark John Yap on the world scene.

It is expected that the Philippines star will appear on an all international event, and will fight a young top rated fighter from the Middle East.

Familiar faces to VSP followers, Nguyễn Văn Hải and Junior Kauko Raka, will also compete on the Cocky Buffalo show.

Mark John Yap will return to Manila from CDO for sparring in 10 days time, on the back of an impressive exhibition performance in Ho Chi Minh City late last month.

More news breaking soon.

"PRODIGY" RAKA TO TAKE ON VIETNAM'S BEST ?
June 4, 2023

"PRODIGY" RAKA TO TAKE ON VIETNAM'S BEST ?

Rumours are strong that Papua New Guinea's premier fighter Junior Kauko Raka may be headed to the sunny shores of Vung Tau this coming July.

The "made from granite" Raka has made no secret that he wants to fight the top international boxers,  but those opportunities aren't available at home in Papua New Guinea.

HAVE GLOVES - WILL TRAVEL !

Raka has already won two pro bouts, and taken two losses - but these were outstanding efforts against world rated Roldan Aldea and Mark John Yap.

It is believed that Raka is in talks to take on Vietnam's highest ranked professional fighter, and if so, this story is sure to create big news in that country.

"I love boxing  - and I believe in myself and my team. I only want to take on the biggest challenges, and show people that the fighter's from Papua New Guinea can take on the world.  We have many kids here with great potential, so my mission is to bring this message to Vietnam"

ANOTHER YEAR  -  ANOTHER JOURNEY
January 15, 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

MARK JOHN YAP TO BLAST MANILA JAN 30
December 23, 2022

MARK JOHN YAP TO BLAST MANILA JAN 30

One of the Philippines best performed international fighters of recent years Mark John Yap will treat boxing fans to the best new year's present possible - a Manila appearance on January  30 as a prelude to looking towards bigger overseas fights in 2023.

Yap returned home and put in a high quality performance in a WBA title clash with Charly Suarez, before overcoming PNG hard man Junior Kauko Raka in October of this year.

More recently, the star pinoy featured in a big show in Vietnam where he battled young gun Phan Minh Quân. The bout was unfortunately stopped due to an accidental head clash, with the cut requiring the CDO boxer to be stitched after the fight.

Not one to be deterred easily, Mark John Yap has informed that he will be in killer form on January 30 and he advises potential opponents - beware the Journey Man!

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WARRING PARTIES CALL A TRUCE
October 24, 2022

WARRING PARTIES CALL A TRUCE

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 !

THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOUR
October 24, 2022

THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOUR

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 !

BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD
October 23, 2022

BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD

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 !

THE RAKA BOYS HIT MANILA
October 18, 2022

THE RAKA BOYS HIT MANILA

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.

RAKA TEAM IS BATTLEFIELD BOUND !
October 17, 2022

RAKA TEAM IS BATTLEFIELD BOUND !

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 !

AKA KEEPS THE PNG FLAG FLYING
October 16, 2022

AKA KEEPS THE PNG FLAG FLYING

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

JUNIOR RAKA PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY
October 14, 2022

JUNIOR RAKA PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY

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.

"LET'S SEE WHO'S LEFT STANDING !"
October 10, 2022

"LET'S SEE WHO'S LEFT STANDING !"

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

"YOUR MOVE, MR. RAKA !"
October 8, 2022

"YOUR MOVE, MR. RAKA !"

Mark John Yap v Junior Kauko Raka

8 rounds  Super Featherweight 130lb

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd

RAKA: "YAP WON'T HAVE TO GO LOOKING"
October 6, 2022

RAKA: "YAP WON'T HAVE TO GO LOOKING"

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.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME !
October 6, 2022

THE BEST IS YET TO COME !

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

WELCOME TO PHILIPPINES MR. RAKA !
October 2, 2022

WELCOME TO PHILIPPINES MR. RAKA !

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

GOOD MORNING MARK JOHN YAP !
September 26, 2022

GOOD MORNING MARK JOHN YAP !

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

THE PNG PRODIGY COMING TO MANILA
September 27, 2022

THE PNG PRODIGY COMING TO MANILA

Junior Raka v Mark John Yap

Main Undercard

8 rounds Super Featherweight 59kg

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd

ARE YOU READY FOR THE YAP ATTACK ?
September 30, 2022

ARE YOU READY FOR THE YAP ATTACK ?

Love watching this guy at work.

Three times OPBF champ, and a technician with 30 wins to his name, Mark John Yap is without doubt the most experienced boxer amongst an outstanding card at the BATTLEFIELD next month.

It is a rare treat to see Yap perform on home soil, as he has fought abroad in places like Japan, USA and Dubai in recent years. He made a quick trip home in 2019, and was rewarded with an impressive Knockout win in front of adoring CDO fans. He was not sighted in the Philippines again till August of this year, when he faced the mercurial Charly Suarez in a WBA title bout. Despite a points loss, it was a near vintage Yap that impressed onlookers and Suarez himself :

" Mark fought a very clever fight. He reads the punches very well, and he shows his experience with lots of variety. He is very tough and experienced. "

Yap never has easy opponents, and in his inimitable style, takes on Papuan Warrior Junior Raka in his upcoming bout.

Raka was a feisty amateur before turning pro, and despite limited opportunities, has shown great signs. He scored two great wins over quality Pinoy Allan Vallespin, and endured a points loss over the top class Roldan Aldea in a WBA title match.

It is also well known that the "PNG PRODIGY " has 7 additional fights not listed in BoxRec, and is unbeaten with 6 knockouts. BOOM!  This pride of Papua New Guinea has got guns in both hands!

This will be a colossal contest, and like any fight of Mark John Yap,  we would not expect anything less!

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd

YAP ON TRACK TO DERAIL JUNIOR RAKA
September 23, 2022

YAP ON TRACK TO DERAIL JUNIOR RAKA

Cagayan de Oro boxer Mark John Yap returns to Manila on Monday to ramp up preparations for his impending clash with Papua New Guinea hard man Junior "the Prodigy" Raka.

Yap had been on the international circuit for many years prior to the pandemic, and local fans have really been deprived of seeing his  superb skills on home soil. His appearance at the BATTLEFIELD show next month is a huge coup, because Yap had only performed twice in the Philippines in recent history.

After a highly successful stint in Japan, which culminated in 3 OPBF titles, Yap returned briefly to his native Mindanao in 2019. While he was there, he took on the really promising fighter Ulysses Lagos, a bout that he won by impressive KO in front of a big crowd in CDO.

Yap was not seen again in the Philippines till August this year, where he engaged in a WBA belt clash with the unbeaten Charly Suarez. This was a really superb performance by Yap, and despite losing on points, endorsed that he is still at the top of his game.

It was anticipated that no matter who Mark John Yap matched up with this October, it would be a "stay busy" assignment, possibly a soft win, but then the PNG Prodigy Junior Raka threw his hat in the ring!

Raka is of short stature and powerful, and typically PNG warrior stock,  a real tough SOB! And the man has skills too!

Junior Raka has accepted this challenge at really short notice, more so, he asked for it! It is super impressive stuff in a sport where many are constantly hiding out.

VSP Promotions can say emphatically that NO ONE WANTED TO FIGHT MARK JOHN YAP, so that gives you some insight to how highly regarded "the Journeyman" is at home.

But reputations count for nothing once you are in the ring and touch gloves, so DO NOT  MISS THIS BOUT!  Fireworks !

MARK JOHN YAP v JUNIOR RAKA

8 rounds Super Featherweight 59kg

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd

RAKA MEETS YAP - A TALE OF TWO CITIES
September 19, 2022

RAKA MEETS YAP - A TALE OF TWO CITIES

Destined to be a barnburner and likely to steal all the thunder at BATTLEFIELD this October is the Junior Raka and Mark John Yap main undercard bout.

This has all the makings of a classic showdown in Parañaque Manila, yet oddly, neither fighter has local advantages.

Junior Raka hails from Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. It's a country which is abundant in sporting talent, and where the interest in boxing is gaining momentum.

Mark John Yap is a son of Cagayan de Oro, in the southern Philippines island of Mindanao. This is arguably the most prolific location in the world for producing champion fighters - Charly Suarez and Manny Pacquiao being just two of the recent alma mater.

Mark John Yap is currently the Philippines #2 rated 130, and judging by what we saw recently against WBA champion Suarez, that looks accurate. Yap was simply outstanding despite defeat.

Junior Raka is really up against it, but that's the way he likes it. A quality amateur with plenty of firepower, the PNG Prodigy jumped at the chance to fight Yap at very short notice. Despite his recent inactivity,  expect the PNG banger to bring pressure, and lots of it!  He knows how to cut the ring, has nice timing, and can really find the target.

This is a fight deserving of main event status. Do not miss it !

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd

"PRODIGY" TO BATTLE MARK JOHN YAP
September 10, 2022

"PRODIGY" TO BATTLE MARK JOHN YAP

Papua New Guinea's best known fighter is headed to Manila, and has agreed to terms to face "the Journeyman" Mark John Yap at the BATTLEFIELD on October 23rd. Junior "the Prodigy" Raka is a former Arafura Games silver medallist, and has had 3 "official" professional bouts, winning 2 by way of Knockout. But the PNG banger has 7 fights which BoxRec failed to list - all wins, and all knockouts!

His only career loss was on points to the outstanding pinoy Roldan Aldea, in a WBA title match in early 2021. Mark John Yap looked outstanding in his recent WBA clash with Charly Suarez, and his effort left Junior Raka a fan:"It was a really great fight by Mark Yap, lots of clever boxing. I was really impressed. I realize this will be a very hard fight for me, as I am accepting the job at short notice.

But I am very confident in my ability, and I know I have the power to get his attention. Make no mistake, PNG fighters are proud warriors, and this will be a GREAT FIGHT!"

Junior Raka and Mark John Yap will be the main undercard bout to Suarez v Magali at

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd

Latest news

WHO'S THE BEST AT 130?
October 24, 2026

WHO'S THE BEST AT 130?

By VSP Boxing

WHO'S THE BEST AT 130?

WBO and IBF World Super Featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete (40-2-1, 33 KOs) will face WBC champion O'Shaquie Foster (25-3, 12 KOs) of Houston, Texas, in a blockbuster showdown tomorrow in San Antonio.

It's a classic matchup between a relentless pressure fighter and a slick, technically gifted boxer. Both men have made weight, with Foster coming in at 129.8 pounds, while Navarrete needed two visits to the scales to make the 130-pound limit.

Meanwhile, the Philippines' Charly Suarez is making a strong case as one of the division's leading contenders. But with three world titles at stake tomorrow, the winner could have his sights set on an even bigger payday.

And with boxing legend Vasiliy Lomachenko reportedly eyeing a return to the ring, could a showdown with one of these champions be on the horizon?

Originally posted on VSP Boxing's Facebook

THERE’S A RUMBLE BREWING THIS NOVEMBER!
October 23, 2026

THERE’S A RUMBLE BREWING THIS NOVEMBER!

By Robert Hill

THERE’S A RUMBLE BREWING THIS NOVEMBER!

Philippine fight fans are spoiled for choice, with another action-packed event on the way in Manila, courtesy of Cucuy Elorde and matchmaker Anthony Arieta!

RUMBLE IN NOVEMBER is already stacked with great matchups, and there’s plenty more high-octane action still to come.

The card is building, the excitement is rising, and the best is yet to come!

STAY TUNED — MORE FIGHTS LOADING!

Originally posted on VSP Promotions' Facebook

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON FOR NICO PEREZ!
October 26, 2026

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON FOR NICO PEREZ!

By Robert Hill

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON FOR NICO PEREZ!

The Elorde team are putting together another exciting card next month for the latest UKC instalment, RUMBLE IN NOVEMBER!

What makes these events so special is the willingness to match emerging talents against each other early in their careers. It's where prospects are tested, reputations are built, and future stars begin to emerge.

Twenty-three-year-old Nico Perez looked fantastic in a stoppage victory last December, leaving fight fans wondering what would come next.

And now we have the answer!

Perez will face Papua New Guinea's 🇵🇬 Fidelis “The Bougainville Bomber” Laia, another talented prospect with plenty of firepower of his own. This shapes as a fascinating clash between two offensive fighters eager to make their mark.

With November 28 fast approaching, the race is on to hit peak condition.

The powerfully built Perez (pictured right) banked six torrid rounds in training today and has 4 weeks to taper.

Representing MOVE Fitness Gym, Nico is determined to repay the faith of those supporting his journey.

He recently thanked Sir Bill John Toledo and Ma’am Pao Adivino Agulay for sponsoring his fighting shoes, pledging to represent his gym with pride, dedication and heart every time he steps into the ring.

It's a commitment that goes beyond the fight itself.

Now, with a dangerous opponent waiting across the ring, Perez has the perfect opportunity to put those words into action.

The boy means business!

📅 NOVEMBER 28, 2026
📍 FLASH GRAND BALLROOM, ELORDE SPORTS CENTRE, PARAÑAQUE

Originally posted on VSP Promotions' Facebook

THE VAQUERO GOT ICED — NOW PAY THE KING'S WARRIOR !!
October 27, 2026

THE VAQUERO GOT ICED — NOW PAY THE KING'S WARRIOR !!

Navarrete is gone.

The mandatory isn't !

O'Shaquie "Ice Water" Foster (26-3, 12 KOs) put on a clinic in San Antonio on Saturday, dropping Emanuel "Vaquero" Navarrete (40-3-1, 33 KOs) twice in the 12th round on the way to a unanimous decision: 118-108, 118-108 and 115-111.

Foster's WBC belt now sits alongside Navarrete's WBO and IBF titles. Three of the four at 130 lb.

Fair play to him. Compubox had Foster outlanding the Mexican 157 to 99.

But there's a little history here.

In May 2025 in San Diego, Charly "King's Warrior" Suarez fought Navarrete for the WBO title. It was first scored a technical decision for Navarrete — then the California commission reviewed it and changed it to a No Contest.

The WBO ordered a rematch.

Navarrete got a unification instead. Then he asked for ANOTHER one — and the WBO said yes, on one condition. The winner of Navarrete v Foster must defend against Suarez within 180 days. One intervening fight only. No voluntary defences, no more unifications.

So Charly waited. Again.

Now the WBO belt belongs to Foster — and so does the obligation.

And what's the new champ talking about ? The WBA belt (Anthony Cacace meets Nick Ball in Belfast in December) and Shakur Stevenson.

"Stevenson is at the top of the list, but first I want to go for undisputed," Foster said.

Hmm.

"I just wish that he doesn't break his promise and the WBO also follows the mandate," Suarez told the Daily Tribune.

Suarez is 19-0 (11 KOs), the WBO's No. 1, and he turns 39 next year. His last fight, in July, lasted two minutes and 31 seconds.

Vietnam knows him too — he won the IBF Asia title at The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vung Tau back in December 2022.

The WBO has said it. Now it has to mean it.

On paper, it's April 2027.

Can Foster's ice water cool down the King's Warrior, or will Suarez finally get his hands on the belt he went to San Diego for ?

🇺🇸 O'SHAQUIE FOSTER (26-3) v CHARLY SUAREZ (19-0) 🇵🇭
🏆 WBO super featherweight title (mandatory, ordered by the WBO)
📅 Due within 180 days of 24 October — by April 2027
📍 To be confirmed

Stay tuned !

HANEY v PARO — IS THE DUCKING OVER ??
October 25, 2026

HANEY v PARO — IS THE DUCKING OVER ??

The Aussie said send the contract.

Reportedly, somebody finally did !

According to The Ring's Mike Coppinger, WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney (33-0, 15 KOs) and IBF champion Liam Paro (28-1, 16 KOs) have agreed to unify — in the US, before the end of the year.

Nothing is official yet. No date, no venue. But December is the target.

And there's a little history here.

Haney hasn't fought since he beat Brian Norman for the WBO belt last November. Keyshawn Davis said no. The Shakur Stevenson talks fell apart over weight and rehydration clauses.

Meanwhile the word from the US was that Paro was pricing himself out.

Paro wasn't having it.

"Haney is ducking me," the Queenslander told Fox Sports Australia. "I'll fight him in his backyard or mine."

Then on X: "Enough talk. Send the contract. Pick the date. I'll be there."

Tough talk — but the Aussie has form.

He went to Puerto Rico in 2024 and upset Subriel Matias for the IBF 140 lb title. His only loss is a split decision to Richardson Hitchins. Since moving up to 147 he has beaten David Papot and Lewis Crocker, and now he is a two-division world champion at 30.

On Friday Haney signed a multi-fight deal with DAZN and said he is "in position to fight anyone".

Good. Here's anyone !

Back in June 2024 we wrote: "Word is, the Aussie Paro maybe his next big assignment."

It took a while. We'll take it !

Can Haney's jab and movement keep the Aussie southpaw at bay, or will Paro drag the "Dream" into a fight he can't box his way out of?

🇺🇸 DEVIN HANEY (33-0) v LIAM PARO (28-1) 🇦🇺
🏆 WBO + IBF welterweight titles
📍 USA — venue to be confirmed
📅 December 2026 (reported, not yet announced)

Stay tuned !

Photo credits: Devin Haney — Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing USA; Liam Paro — No Limit Boxing.

IS THE PACMAN COMING TO CARDIFF ??
October 24, 2026

IS THE PACMAN COMING TO CARDIFF ??

One side has said yes. Now we wait on the other !

Eddie Hearn says Wales' Joe Cordina has agreed terms — purse and all — to face the great Manny Pacquiao on the Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua card at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on December 11.

"We've agreed terms to fight Manny Pacquiao, but we don't know if that's happening," Hearn said on Thursday. "From our side, we've agreed to do it."

So now the ball is in Manny's court.

Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) is a former eight-division world champion and a Hall of Famer. He is 47, and the fight would land one week before his 48th birthday.

He hasn't boxed since July 2025, when he came back from four years away and took then-WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a majority draw. The Mayweather rematch was meant for September. It never happened.

Cordina (19-1, 9 KOs) is a former two-time IBF super featherweight champion, born in Cardiff. His only loss came by eighth-round KO to Anthony Cacace in 2024.

And this has been a long year for the Welshman.

He was meant to face Abdullah Mason for the WBO lightweight title in July, but was refused a US visa over an assault charge. On Tuesday a Cardiff court found him not guilty.

Two days later, his promoter says the Pacquiao deal is done on his side. Talk about a turnaround !

But there's a catch.

The fight would be at welterweight. Cordina won his world titles at 130 lb and has been boxing at lightweight. That's a big jump up to 147 against a man whose last fight was for the WBC welterweight title.

On paper, the weight class and the experience sit with Manny. Youth sits with Cordina — 13 years of it.

And there's a little history here. It would be Pacquiao's first fight in the UK, and his first against a British opponent since he beat Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas in 2009.

The Cardiff card sold out in an hour. With Fury v Joshua on top, Pacquiao lined up for the chief support, and Jai Opetaia v Deontay Wilder still in talks, it's shaping up as a big night for Asia-Pacific fans too.

Will the Pacman sign ?

🇵🇭 MANNY PACQUIAO (62-8-3) v JOE CORDINA (19-1) 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
🥊 Welterweight — terms agreed by Cordina, not yet confirmed
📍 Principality Stadium, Cardiff
📅 December 11, 2026, Fury v Joshua card
📺 Netflix

Stay tuned !

ONE BELT, TWO ZEROS — ONE MUST GO !!
October 20, 2026

ONE BELT, TWO ZEROS — ONE MUST GO !!

Bags packed for flyweight ? Not so fast, champ.

The WBO has ordered negotiations between its minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo and interim champion Ryusei Matsumoto.

Two unbeaten fighters. One belt.

Puerto Rico's Collazo is 15-0 (12 KOs) and holds The Ring, WBA and WBO titles at 105 pounds. Japan's Matsumoto, a slick southpaw from Tokyo's Teiken stable, is 9-0 (4 KOs).

But here's the twist.

Collazo had already moved on. He was set to jump TWO weight classes to challenge Ricardo Sandoval for the WBA and WBC flyweight titles in Chicago on October 10 — until a rib injury in camp knocked him off the card.

Sandoval was upset that night anyway, by replacement Sergio Mendoza.

While Collazo was healing, Matsumoto was working. On September 27 at Toyota Arena Tokyo he outpointed previously unbeaten Mexican Russell Acosta (17-1) for the interim belt: 118-110, 116-112, 115-113.

Now the WBO wants its house in order. The WBC and WBA let interim champions sit on their belts for months. The WBO wants one champion per division.

Good on them !

Fifteen days to do a deal. No deal, and it goes to purse bids.

Collazo says he's back training and hopes to fight again in January or February — and he's already started cutting weight. But dragging his body back down to 105 for one more fight is no small ask.

As BoxingNews24 put it, Matsumoto's team "either get a shot at the real belt or pick it up by default."

Japanese fans are already hoping it lands in Japan.

Does the champ come back down to defend — or does the young Japanese southpaw get his hands on the real thing ?

🇵🇷 OSCAR COLLAZO (15-0) vs RYUSEI MATSUMOTO (9-0) 🇯🇵
🥊 WBO minimumweight title (105 lb)
⏳ 15 days to negotiate, then purse bids
📅 Date and venue to be confirmed

Stay tuned !

PHILIPPINES – THE CRADLE OF PROFESSIONAL BOXING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA!
October 18, 2026

PHILIPPINES – THE CRADLE OF PROFESSIONAL BOXING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA!

By VSP Boxing

🇵🇭 PHILIPPINES – THE CRADLE OF PROFESSIONAL BOXING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA! 🇻🇳

The Philippines is the cradle of professional boxing in Southeast Asia, and hopefully one day Vietnam will follow the same path!

International fights are attracting more and more interest from fans.

Don’t get me wrong, I really love fights between local boxers. But when foreign boxers are involved, the crowd has a fighter representing their homeland to cheer for. At the same time, fans around the world also get the chance to witness the fierce passion of real Philippine boxing through the livestream! 🔥🥊

My friend Cucuy Elorde has a sharp eye for spotting new talent and putting together exciting matchups between promising fighters who are not yet widely known to fans.

Nico Perez and Fidelis Laia each have one win in their careers, and both have just scored impressive knockout wins in their most recent fights! 💥

Even better, when the fight was offered to them, both young men accepted the challenge straight away!

I truly love the spirit of fighters like that! No ducking, no flinching – just courage and a hunger to fight! 💪🥊

Originally posted on VSP Boxing's Facebook

———

Bản gốc tiếng Việt

🇵🇭 PHILIPPINES – CÁI NÔI CỦA QUYỀN ANH CHUYÊN NGHIỆP TẠI ĐÔNG NAM Á! 🇻🇳

Philippines là cái nôi của quyền Anh chuyên nghiệp ở Đông Nam Á, và hy vọng rằng một ngày nào đó, Việt Nam cũng sẽ đi theo con đường ấy!

Những trận đấu quốc tế đang ngày càng thu hút sự quan tâm của người hâm mộ.

Đừng hiểu lầm nhé, tôi rất yêu thích những trận đấu giữa các võ sĩ trong nước. Nhưng khi có thêm võ sĩ nước ngoài tham gia, khán giả sẽ có một võ sĩ đại diện cho quê hương mình để cổ vũ. Đồng thời, người hâm mộ trên toàn thế giới cũng có cơ hội chứng kiến niềm đam mê mãnh liệt của những trận quyền Anh Philippines đích thực thông qua livestream! 🔥🥊

Người bạn của tôi, Cucuy Elorde, có con mắt tinh tường trong việc phát hiện những tài năng mới và sắp xếp những trận đấu hấp dẫn giữa các võ sĩ triển vọng chưa được đông đảo người hâm mộ biết đến.

Nico Perez và Fidelis Laia, mỗi người đều có một trận thắng trong sự nghiệp, và cả hai đều vừa có những chiến thắng knock-out đầy ấn tượng ở trận đấu gần nhất! 💥

Điều tuyệt vời hơn nữa là khi được đề nghị so tài, cả hai chàng trai đều lập tức chấp nhận thử thách!

Tôi thực sự yêu thích tinh thần của những chiến binh như thế! Không né tránh, không chùn bước – chỉ có lòng can đảm và khát khao chiến đấu! 💪🥊

IS FUNDORA THE “PERFECT FIGHTER”?
October 18, 2026

IS FUNDORA THE “PERFECT FIGHTER”?

By VSP Boxing

IS FUNDORA THE “PERFECT FIGHTER”?

At 1.97m (6 feet 5½ inches), Sebastian Fundora is currently the tallest world champion in boxing, even though he competes at super welterweight (154 lbs).

And his recent performances are making this naturally gifted giant almost unbeatable!

Once seen as one of boxing’s oddities — a “giraffe” or a “weight bully” — Fundora has kept improving against top-level opponents, silencing the critics with impressive performances.

But what about those who say he has an unfair advantage because he has to make a brutal weight cut to reach the super welterweight limit?

Think again!

On Friday, Fundora answered those critics by weighing in at just 152.8 lbs (69.3 kg) ahead of his fourth WBC title defence. His opponent, Ermal Hadribeaj — unbeaten and the mandatory challenger (23 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw, 8 KOs) — came in at 152.4 lbs (69.1 kg).

The two fighters headline The Fight, broadcast today by TNT and DAZN from The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, where Fundora (24 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, 16 KOs) will put his championship belt on the line.

So, is Sebastian Fundora the model of the perfect fighter?

Extraordinary height, ever-improving skills and the ability to compete on equal terms with the best opponents in the world.

You can definitely bet on that!

Originally posted on VSP Boxing's Facebook

———

Bản gốc tiếng Việt

FUNDORA CÓ PHẢI LÀ “VÕ SĨ HOÀN HẢO”?

Với chiều cao 1,97m (6 feet 5½ inches), Sebastian Fundora hiện là nhà vô địch thế giới cao nhất làng quyền Anh, dù thi đấu ở hạng bán trung nhẹ (154 lbs).

Và những màn trình diễn gần đây đang khiến gã khổng lồ có tố chất thiên bẩm này trở nên gần như không thể bị đánh bại!

Từng bị xem như một hiện tượng kỳ quặc của quyền Anh — một “chú hươu cao cổ” hay kẻ “bắt nạt bằng lợi thế cân nặng” — Fundora đã không ngừng tiến bộ khi đối đầu với những đối thủ đẳng cấp hàng đầu, khiến các nhà phê bình phải im lặng bằng những màn trình diễn đầy ấn tượng.

Nhưng còn những người cho rằng anh có lợi thế không công bằng vì phải ép cân khắc nghiệt để đạt giới hạn hạng bán trung nhẹ thì sao?

Hãy nghĩ lại!

Vào thứ Sáu, Fundora đã đáp trả những lời chỉ trích đó khi cân nặng chỉ ở mức 152,8 lbs (69,3 kg) trước lần bảo vệ đai WBC thứ tư. Đối thủ của anh, Ermal Hadribeaj — võ sĩ bất bại và là người thách đấu bắt buộc (23 thắng, 0 thua, 1 hòa, 8 KO) — đạt mức 152,4 lbs (69,1 kg).

Hai võ sĩ sẽ là tâm điểm của chương trình The Fight do TNT và DAZN phát sóng hôm nay, diễn ra tại The Cosmopolitan ở Las Vegas, nơi Fundora (24 thắng, 1 thua, 1 hòa, 16 KO) sẽ đặt chiếc đai vô địch của mình lên bàn cân.

Vậy, Sebastian Fundora có phải là hình mẫu võ sĩ hoàn hảo?

Chiều cao phi thường, kỹ năng ngày càng hoàn thiện và khả năng cạnh tranh sòng phẳng với những đối thủ xuất sắc nhất thế giới.

Bạn hoàn toàn có thể đặt cược vào điều đó!

Breaking: Brandon Figueroa weighs-in at 127.4lbs
October 17, 2026

Breaking: Brandon Figueroa weighs-in at 127.4lbs

By VSP Boxing

‼️ Breaking: Brandon Figueroa weighs-in at 127.4lbs and has been stripped of his WBA featherweight title after failing to make the 126lb limit.

Tomoki Kameda will be crowned world champion if he beats Figueroa Saturday night after successfully making weight.

Originally posted on VSP Boxing's Facebook

COOLWELL VOWS TO REWARD HOME FANS
October 19, 2026

COOLWELL VOWS TO REWARD HOME FANS

By Robert Hill

COOLWELL VOWS TO REWARD HOME FANS

After testing himself against some of the world’s best featherweights on foreign soil, Dana Coolwell (14-4) is ready to return to Australian soil and step into a new weight division. 🇦🇺

But standing across the ring on November 28 will be hard-hitting Filipino Joseph Ambo (15-5-1), who’s coming to Brisbane with plans of his own. Ambo is also no stranger to top level international opponents 🇵🇭

NXT BOXING: THE ASCENSION
Saturday, November 28
The Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
🎟️ GA tickets available via Ticketmaster
🥂 Remaining VIP tables at www.nxtboxing.com

#NXTBoxing #TheAscension #DanaCoolwell #JosephAmbo #AustralianBoxing

Originally posted on VSP Promotions' Facebook

LAIA versus PEREZ — NOW IT'S OFFICIAL !!
October 17, 2026

LAIA versus PEREZ — NOW IT'S OFFICIAL !!

By Robert Hill

LAIA versus PEREZ — NOW IT'S OFFICIAL !!

Rumoured a couple of days ago, the matchup is now approved by the GAB (Games and Amusements Board of the Philippines).

Papua New Guinea's Fidelis “The Bougainville Bomber” Laia will face Filipino prospect Nico Perez on Saturday, 28 November at the Flash Grand Ballroom, Elorde Sports Centre, Parañaque, Manila.

Nico Perez is one hungry young fighter!

Just 23 years of age, Perez comes in off a knockout win last December, armed with fast hands, fast feet and a nothing-to-lose attitude. He'll be looking to use his speed and movement to make Laia miss, frustrate the older fighter and make the Bomber look a step too slow.

On paper, Perez appears too quick and elusive to catch — but that's what makes this matchup so interesting!

Laia, of course, has plans of his own !

Hailing from Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, “The Bougainville Bomber” is building a name for himself on the international stage.

His stunning (almost surprising) August knockout of heavily favoured Filipino Jhon Rey Tariao in Manila raised plenty of eyebrows.

Tariao is a big strong man, and Laia dropped him three times before bringing the contest to a spectacular end.

The Bomber was also in Australia recently, where an extraordinary FOUR opponents pulled out late.

That disappointment will now represent an ideal opportunity to showcase what he has to offer.

THIS ONE WILL BE A BELTER!

The Pinoy fans love a fight, and they know a dangerous young prospect when they see one. Perez is on the rise, Laia has momentum, and neither man will want to take a backward step.

Promoter Cucuy Elorde has a knack for putting together the kind of matchups that get people talking, and international contests like this bring something special to the Manila fight scene.

Can Perez's speed and movement outfox the Bomber, or will Laia land the shot that changes everything?

🇵🇬 FIDELIS LAIA vs NICO PEREZ 🇵🇭
Saturday, 28 November 2026
Flash Grand Ballroom, Elorde Sports Centre, Parañaque, Manila
4 Rounds | Super Lightweight
📺 Elorde TV and VSP social channels

Originally posted on VSP Promotions' Facebook

SAVED BY THE BELL ? NOT IN VEGAS !
October 19, 2026

SAVED BY THE BELL ? NOT IN VEGAS !

Ding ding… then BANG.

Sebastian "The Towering Inferno" Fundora kept his WBC super welterweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday night with one last left hand in the 12th and final round.

Ermal Hadribeaj went down. Got back up. Referee Thomas Taylor waved it off anyway.

Official result: KO, round 12, 2:59. Scorecards Fundora was already winning comfortably — in the bin.

Here's the problem.

Plenty of people say the bell had already gone.

"I didn't agree with the stoppage at all. The bell rung before the punch landed," Terence Crawford said on the TNT/DAZN broadcast. "The man got up. He deserved to go to the final bell."

Tim Bradley called Taylor "one of the best in the business" — but said he had "an off night tonight".

The punch was ruled legal because Fundora started it before the bell. Fair enough. But stopping a man who beat the count, with the fight already over ??

Hadribeaj came in unbeaten (23-0-1), gave away more than half a foot in height, hurt the champion in round two and kept coming. He lost points for holding in rounds three and 11, so this was no robbery on the cards.

He just deserved to hear the bell.

And that wasn't the only sour note on the night.

Sydney's Koen Mazoudier was meant to fight Jermall Charlo. Charlo pulled out injured — the second time that fight fell over. In stepped former WBA super middleweight champion Armando "Toro" Reséndiz, with the fight put together on less than three weeks' notice. Big respect to him for taking it.

Mazoudier — 31, moved up two weight classes, less than two months after a war with Sam Beck on the Gold Coast — went toe to toe for ten rounds and had the Mexican in trouble in the ninth.

The judges? 98-92, 97-93, 97-93.

"I think the official scores should have been closer," The Ring's Doug Fischer posted on X.

Reséndiz himself called him "an Australian warrior". Mazoudier made no excuses: "He was the better fighter tonight."

Class.

As for Fundora — the man who ended Tim Tszyu's unbeaten run in 2024 — he wants the lot. "Let's go for undisputed," he said, with WBA and WBO champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis and IBF champion Josh Kelly expected to meet in early 2027.

📅 Saturday, October 17 (US) / Sunday, October 18 (Vietnam)
📍 The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas
🥊 WBC super welterweight title | Super middleweight co-feature

Mazoudier walked in the underdog and walked out with a whole lot of new fans. He wants back on an American card.

On that showing, he's earned it !

HEARTBROKEN IN VEGAS !!
October 18, 2026

HEARTBROKEN IN VEGAS !!

Couldn't make weight on Friday.
Couldn't make the ring on Saturday.

Tomoki "El Mexicanito" Kameda's world title shot in Las Vegas is OFF — called off on fight morning after Brandon "The Heartbreaker" Figueroa fell ill.

Figueroa had already lost his WBA featherweight title on the scales, coming in at 127.4 lb — 1.4 lb over the limit. He then skipped the ceremonial weigh-in.

Kameda? On weight, first try.

To keep the fight safe, Figueroa had to weigh in again at 9am on fight day, no more than 12 lb over the limit. Japan's Sports Hochi reports that neither Figueroa nor anyone from his team turned up.

Instead, a message hit Kameda's phone at 5:40am. Fight off.

Illness happens. We get it.

But you can't blame the man for being angry.

"I think he has failed as a professional," Kameda told Sports Hochi. "We spent a huge amount of money, went away to camp, and came here to fight with our lives on the line."

He's expected to be paid in full. But as he put it: "It's not about the money."

Months of work, including a camp in Mexico trading rounds with Emanuel Navarrete — yes, THAT Navarrete — and nobody to hit.

Third world title shot. Zero punches thrown.

Now the good news.

The WBA featherweight belt is vacant, and Kameda (42-5, 23 KOs) says the WBA and the promoter have promised him priority for the next title fight.

And with Naoya Inoue announcing his move up to featherweight, that vacant belt just got a whole lot more interesting.

"This is not the end," Kameda wrote on Instagram. "I will definitely grab the world champion's belt."

El Mexicanito isn't going anywhere.

STAY TUNED !

Art: Premier Boxing Champions

#VSPPromotions #Boxing #KamedaFigueroa

MORE THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER !!
October 15, 2026

MORE THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER !!

By Robert Hill

MORE THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER !!
MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
🇦🇺 DANA “DEADLY” COOLWELL (14-4) v 🇵🇭 JOSEPH “THE SCORPION” AMBO (15-5-1)

NXT Boxing brings international action to Brisbane on November 28 for THE ASCENSION, with Queensland's Dana Coolwell taking on Filipino contender Joseph Ambo. 🇦🇺 Coolwell returns home after competing on the undercard of Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul in Texas, where he faced undefeated American Bruce Carrington. 🇵🇭 Ambo brings plenty of international experience of his own, including championship fights in Japan.

VSP Promotions are proud to have supported both Dana Coolwell and Joseph Ambo in many of their recent fights. Both boys are exciting talents and great ambassadors for their countries.

📅 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2026
📍 Fortitude Music Hall | Brisbane

Big thanks to Maria Rekowski and NXT Boxing Promotions for getting this big one together in record time !

Originally posted on VSP Promotions' Facebook

TSZYU CALLS FOR THE NIGHTMARE !
October 15, 2026

TSZYU CALLS FOR THE NIGHTMARE !

Plenty of big names found reasons not to fight him.

Tim Tszyu called him out by name.

No Limit Boxing has locked in the Aussie's challenge for Erislandy Lara's WBA middleweight title — on home soil. Late November is the target window. Exact date and venue still to be confirmed, with Gold Coast, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth all sniffing around the show.

Lara (32-3-3, 19 KOs) is 43 and boxing's oldest reigning world champion. Slick Cuban southpaw. Four successful defences of the WBA belt he won in 2021. Never been stopped.

A nightmare, according to No Limit boss George Rose.

"He's a genius in there and spent a decade making the best in the world look silly," Rose said. "Plenty of big names have found reasons not to fight him. Tim wanted and called for him by name."

Tszyu (28-3, 18 KOs) is riding three straight wins, capped by a unanimous decision over Errol Spence Jr in Sydney in July.

His take?

"Spence was just the appetiser."

He wants the man with the belt. And with Jeff Fenech in the corner, he's chasing a second-division world title — a chapter of the Tszyu name that would be his alone.

Kostya conquered light welterweight. Tim wants middleweight gold in Australia.

📅 Late November 2026 (date TBC)
📍 Australia (venue TBC)
🥊 WBA Middleweight World Title — Tim Tszyu vs Erislandy Lara

Hungry dogs fight harder.

Stay tuned !

#VSPPromotions #Boxing #TszyuLara

ASIA-PACIFIC BOXING — WHERE HAVE ALL THE SHOWS GONE ??
October 14, 2026

ASIA-PACIFIC BOXING — WHERE HAVE ALL THE SHOWS GONE ??

91,289 pro boxing events. That's every pro event on record across 23 Asia-Pacific countries, from the history books right up to today.

Impressive ? Look closer.

Australia alone has staged 38,627 of them, 42% of the lot. Japan (16,498) and the Philippines (14,381) come next. Add Thailand (7,048) and those four make up more than 80% of all the boxing ever staged in the region.

Now do the maths on people.

Australia (about 27 million) and New Zealand (about 5 million) hold roughly 32 million people between them. Together they've staged 43,421 events, nearly HALF (47.6%) of everything on the list.

China, India and Indonesia hold more than 3 BILLION people. Their combined total ? 4,654 events. About 5%.

That's about 100 times as many people, and around one-ninth of the shows.

Then the cliff.

South Korea, once a powerhouse, sits at 3,667. China, with 1.4 billion people, has 1,034. Vietnam has 128. Papua New Guinea has 138. Cambodia has 19, Laos 14, Nepal 9.

So let's play "what if".

Australia has staged roughly 1,430 events for every million people. Give the rest of Asia the same appetite and here's what the record books would look like:

🇯🇵 Japan: about 176,000 events (11x today's total)
🇵🇭 Philippines: about 165,000 (11x)
🇻🇳 Vietnam: about 144,000 (more than 1,100x its 128)
🇮🇩 Indonesia: about 405,000 (130x)
🇨🇳 China: about 2 MILLION (nearly 2,000x)
🇮🇳 India: about 2 MILLION (nearly 4,000x)

Fantasy numbers ? Of course. But they show how much room there is to grow. The fighters are there. The fans are there. What's missing is the shows.

And here's the part nobody wants to say out loud. Back in the heyday of the '90s, the region was running 5 to 10 times as many shows as it does today. Fight nights were weekly. Fighters stayed busy. Talent got built.

Today ? Too many good fighters, too few dates.

Hungry dogs fight harder, but they still need somewhere to fight.

Vietnam's number is small. It's also only just getting started.

Stay tuned !

🥊 Top 10 by events:
🇦🇺 Australia 38,627
🇯🇵 Japan 16,498
🇵🇭 Philippines 14,381
🇹🇭 Thailand 7,048
🇳🇿 New Zealand 4,794
🇰🇷 South Korea 3,667
🇮🇩 Indonesia 3,099
🇨🇳 China 1,034
🇸🇬 Singapore 814
🇮🇳 India 521

#VSPPromotions #BoxingVietnam #AsianBoxing

ALL DRESSED UP WITH NOWHERE TO GO !
October 13, 2026

ALL DRESSED UP WITH NOWHERE TO GO !

By Robert Hill

Fidelis Laia desperate and date less in Oz
Crazy unlucky?
Or are opponents really starting to take notice?

Last month, Fidelis "The Bougainville Bomber" Laia ventured to Queensland, Australia, ready to make his mark on the international boxing scene. He arrived fit, prepared and hungry to prove himself in the professional ranks.

But what followed was almost unbelievable!

Not one, not two, not even three opponents fell by the wayside.
Fidelis went through no less than FOUR opponents, with the final withdrawal coming after the weigh-in and face-off on fight day !!

But could there be more to the story?

Following his impressive knockout victory in Manila in August, has the relatively inexperienced professional from Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, suddenly become a fighter nobody wants to face?

We'll leave you to draw your own conclusions!

THE BOMBER SPEAKS
Fidelis didn't hide his disappointment, but his determination remains stronger than ever.

"I trained hard, and was really wanting to show the people of Australia my knockout power.
Boxing is a dangerous sport and people get injured, but to lose four opponents?
I really think that when they saw me, they did not want to fight me.
It's a shame, but for me, I will put all my energy into my next fight.
I promise I will bring a lot of excitement to all those that support and follow my journey as a pro."

THE BOMBER COULD BE HEADING BACK TO MANILA!
The good news?
Fidelis may not have to wait long for another opportunity to unleash his power!
VSP Promotions can report that the Bougainville Bomber is likely to return to Manila, Philippines, for another major international bout in late November.
Four Aussie opponents may have slipped away, but Fidelis Laia isn't going anywhere.
His journey is just getting started.

🔥 STAY TUNED — BIG NEWS BREAKING SOON!

Originally posted on VSP Promotions' Facebook

Official: Dmitry Bivol to defend unified light-heavyweight world titles against Callum Smith
October 12, 2026

Official: Dmitry Bivol to defend unified light-heavyweight world titles against Callum Smith

By VSP Boxing

It's official!

Dmitry Bivol will defend his unified world light-heavyweight titles against Callum Smith in Yekaterinburg on 12/12!

A true blockbuster!

Originally posted on VSP Boxing's Facebook

———

Bản gốc tiếng Việt

Chính thức!
Dmitry Bivol sẽ bảo vệ các đai vô địch thế giới hạng bán nặng thống nhất trước Callum Smith tại Yekaterinburg vào ngày 12/12!

Một trận đại chiến thực sự!

RAIZEN JAY DELA FUENTE RETURNS
October 10, 2026

RAIZEN JAY DELA FUENTE RETURNS

By VSP Boxing

Filipino boxer Raizen Dela Fuente returns to professional action this Sunday when he faces Carl Villafranca in a scheduled four-round flyweight contest at UKC Pro Boxing Series XXXV — October Fist.

Representing Rise Up Boxing, Dela Fuente will be looking to make the most of another opportunity to advance his professional career at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque City.

The 23-year-old prospect has previously appeared on the Manila boxing scene, and recorded a majority-decision victory over Marix Ducot on December 13, 2025.

With the bout scheduled for four rounds, every minute will count as these two promising flyweights look to establish control and make their mark.

EVENT: UKC Pro Boxing Series XXXV — October Fist

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Elorde Sports Center, Sucat, Parañaque City, Manila

BOUT: Raizen Dela Fuente vs Carl Villafranca

DIVISION: Flyweight

SCHEDULE: Four rounds

Originally posted on VSP Boxing's Facebook

PILAPIL AND ABILA MAKE WEIGHT
October 10, 2026

PILAPIL AND ABILA MAKE WEIGHT

By Robert Hill

Unbeaten Filipino prospects Angelus “Pitbull” Pilapil and Mac “The Flash” Abila have successfully made weight ahead of their 10-round flyweight showdown at UKC Pro Boxing Series XXXV — October Fist.

The official weigh-in saw Pilapil come in at 50.89kg, with Abila weighing 50.93kg, both comfortably inside the flyweight limit.

The matchup brings together two undefeated fighters with contrasting records and plenty at stake.

Pilapil, 22, enters with a 7-0 record and three knockouts. Representing ARQ Boxing Stable and hailing from Dalaguete, Cebu, he is the reigning WBO Oriental Youth flyweight champion. He claimed the vacant title on February 4, 2026, defeating South Korea’s Dae San Yoon by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the contest 80-72.

Standing across the ring will be Abila, who boasts a 6-0 record with five knockouts. The Polangui, Albay prospect fights out of the Elorde Fight Team and has stopped five of his six professional opponents, making his punching power a key factor in the contest.

Abila, trained by former champ Jetro Pabustan , faces a significant step up against a reigning regional champion, while Pilapil has the opportunity to strengthen his standing with another victory over an unbeaten opponent.

Pilapil has described Abila as “a very good boxer” ahead of the fight, setting the stage for a competitive encounter between two young fighters looking to advance their careers.

With both men undefeated, the 10-round contest promises to be one of the major attractions of the card.

EVENT: UKC Pro Boxing Series XXXV — October Fist

DATE: Sunday, October 11, 2026

VENUE: Elorde Sports Center, Sucat, Parañaque City, Manila

BOUT: Mac “The Flash” Abila (6-0, 5 KOs) vs Angelus “Pitbull” Pilapil (7-0, 3 KOs)

WEIGHTS: Abila 50.93kg | Pilapil 50.89kg

SCHEDULE: 10 rounds — Flyweight

Admission is free, with action scheduled to begin at 10am.

Please arrive early to grab a good seat.

Originally posted on VSP Promotions's Facebook

OPETAIA IN SHOCK CLASH WITH WILDER ?
October 8, 2026

OPETAIA IN SHOCK CLASH WITH WILDER ?

By Robert Hill

Australia’s Jai Opetaia could make a sensational move to heavyweight boxing, with a potential showdown against former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder reportedly being explored for the undercard of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua’s blockbuster clash in Cardiff. According to The Ring’s Mike Coppinger, discussions are taking place about adding the fight to the December 11 event (December 12 AEDT). This has also been circulating on Zuffa socials.

The bout is yet to be confirmed, but it would give Opetaia a high-profile opponent for his potential heavyweight debut. And it would be a serious test.

Wilder remains one of boxing’s most feared punchers, with his devastating right hand responsible for many of his biggest victories. A clash with Opetaia would pit the American’s explosive power against the Australian’s speed, movement and sharp southpaw attack.

For Opetaia, it would be an opportunity to make an immediate statement on the world stage against one of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing. The proposed fight would add further intrigue to a card headlined by Fury and Joshua at Principality Stadium, with the event set to attract a global audience.

However, a move to heavyweight would come while Opetaia still has unfinished business in the cruiserweight division. The Australian has repeatedly stated that becoming undisputed cruiserweight champion remains his priority, despite ongoing difficulties securing the unification fights he has been chasing.

Opetaia stopped Noel Mikaelian in the ninth round in September, but the WBC title was not at stake after the sanctioning body stripped Mikaelian of the belt before the fight. That followed Opetaia losing his IBF title in connection with his March bout against Brandon Glanton.

“I’m chasing the belts,” Opetaia told The Ring last month. “I’ve been chasing these unification fights for so long.”

Meanwhile, another potential obstacle has emerged in Opetaia’s pursuit of undisputed status, with David Benavidez declaring he will target heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk if his planned showdown with the Australian fails to materialise. The two cruiserweight stars have been targeting a fight over Cinco de Mayo weekend next year, but Benavidez has made it clear he has another major opponent in mind.

“If we can’t get that fight on Cinco de Mayo with Jai Opetaia, then we’ll do Usyk,” Benavidez told Inside The Ring.

Benavidez will first face Michal Cieslak in December as he attempts to add the WBC cruiserweight title to his existing WBA and WBO belts. A victory would potentially put three major titles on the line for a showdown with Opetaia, giving the Australian an opportunity to take a significant step towards his long-held goal of becoming undisputed champion.

Whether Opetaia chooses to pursue that objective or entertain a blockbuster heavyweight clash with Wilder remains to be seen. Either way, the Australian could be approaching a defining period in his career.

Originally posted on VSP Promotions' Facebook

CHARLY SUAREZ OUT — BUT JUST WAIT !
October 8, 2026

CHARLY SUAREZ OUT — BUT JUST WAIT !

By Robert Hill

The highly anticipated Charly Suarez vs Vasiliy Lomachenko showdown is off — for now. But if the pieces fall into place, it could still become one of the hottest fights of 2027.

In his prime, Vasiliy Lomachenko moved around the ring like a ghost. There is some irony, then, in the recently un-retired three-division champion spending weeks seemingly ghosting discussions over a potential fight with WBO No. 1-ranked super-featherweight contender Charly Suarez.

According to the Suarez camp, the unbeaten Filipino, 19-0 (11 KOs), is now content to wait for the outcome of the October 24 three-belt unification between WBO/IBF champion Emanuel Navarrete and WBC champion O’Shaquie Foster in San Antonio. Foster has told renowned publication BoxingScene that he would honour his obligation to face Suarez should he defeat Navarrete.

And that potential rematch carries plenty of history ! Navarrete defeated Suarez by a disputed technical decision in May 2025 after video replay appeared to show that Suarez should have been awarded a TKO victory — the cut that stopped the fight having been caused by a Suarez punch rather than the headbutt ruled by the referee.

Meanwhile, Lomachenko's apparent lack of interest in facing Suarez is believed to be connected to his own plans, with the Ukrainian reportedly targeting WBA junior-lightweight champion Anthony Cacace. And that could make things very interesting.

The winner of Lomachenko vs Cacace would potentially be positioned to challenge whoever emerges from Navarrete vs Foster for undisputed supremacy.

So while Suarez vs Lomachenko is off the table for now, the road to 2027 could finally bring the two best together — with considerably more at stake. And if it happens, it may just be one of the biggest unification fights of the year.

Originally posted on VSP Promotions' Facebook

FULL FIGHT CARD - OCTOBER FIST UKC PRO BOXING SERIES XXXV
October 7, 2026

FULL FIGHT CARD - OCTOBER FIST UKC PRO BOXING SERIES XXXV

By Robert Hill

16 Bouts • Sunday, October 11, 2026
Elorde Sports Center, Sucat, Parañaque City, Manila

The UKC Pro Boxing Series XXXV — October Fist unveils a packed 16-bout program ar the Elorde Sports Center this Sunday, featuring championship action, established contenders, unbeaten prospects, returning fighters and a number of professional debuts.

The card is headlined by a battle of the unbeatens at flyweight, with 6-0 (5 KOs) prospect Mac “The Flash” Abila taking on reigning WBO Oriental Youth Champion Angelus “Pitbull” Pilapil (7-0, 3 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round showdown.

A second major attraction sees Malaysia's WBC Asian Silver Super Middleweight Champion Adam Farhan Nazrine face Thailand's veteran Sitthidet Banti for the vacant WBA Asia South Super Middleweight Championship.

🔥 MAIN EVENT

MAC MORRIS “THE FLASH” ABILA vs ANGELUS “PITBULL” PILAPIL
10 Rounds — Flyweight

A genuine battle of the unbeatens — and a significant step up for Abila.

The 6-0 (5 KOs) prospect from Polangui, Albay, fights out of the Elorde Fight Team and has stopped five of his six opponents.

Across the ring will be 22-year-old Angelus “Pitbull” Pilapil, 7-0 with three knockouts, from Dalaguete, Cebu and representing ARQ Boxing Stable.

Pilapil has publicly described Abila as “a very good boxer” ahead of the clash.

Pilapil won the vacant WBO Oriental Youth flyweight title on February 4, 2026, dominating South Korea's Dae San Yoon by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 80-72.

🏆 CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT

ADAM FARHAN NAZRINE 🇲🇾 vs SITTHIDET BANTI 🇹🇭
10 Rounds — Super Middleweight
Vacant WBA Asia South Super Middleweight Championship

Malaysia versus Thailand headlines the championship portion of the card as reigning WBC Asian Silver Super Middleweight Champion Adam Farhan Nazrine challenges for another regional title against Sitthidet Banti.

Nazrine, 6-1 with five knockouts, is a 30-year-old southpaw standing 6'0" and fighting out of Kuala Lumpur. He won his WBC Asian Silver title on August 30, 2026 — notably at this same Elorde Sports Center — defeating Mandeep Singh.

Since suffering his only professional defeat in November 2025, Nazrine has put together an impressive run of victories in Thailand and the Philippines.

Banti, 35, from Bangkok, brings considerably more experience. With a record of 13-9, he is a seasoned regional veteran who has competed across several weight classes, including cruiserweight as recently as June 27, 2026 against Jed Morris.

Nazrine enters as the clear favourite on paper, but Banti's experience and durability give the challenger a seasoned opponent to deal with.

⭐ FEATURE BOUTS

LEBOY ATENCIO vs JUN BLAZO
8 Rounds — Featherweight

Reigning ABF Featherweight Champion Leboy Atencio (8-2) of Northern Samar returns against veteran Jun Blazo.

Atencio won his ABF title with a second-round knockout of Sukpasried Ponphitak in Thailand and has also challenged for the WBC Far East featherweight title against China's Wensong.

He brings valuable regional experience into the contest but will be looking to bounce back from his most recent defeat.

NICO RAMOS vs PETER ESTILLER
8 Rounds — Super Lightweight

Unbeaten OPBF #15-ranked super lightweight contender Nico Ramos, known as “The Pretty Boy,” returns against the tall and tricky Peter Estiller.

The Elorde Fight Team prospect is 6-0-1 with five knockouts and broke into the OPBF super lightweight top 15 in August 2026.

His most recent notable outing was an OPBF Silver title unification against Joshua Padual, a contest that has been described as a potential 2026 Fight of the Year candidate.

MARK TANGGAN vs CHRISTIAN GAGARIN
8 Rounds — Flyweight

Young and exciting Elorde Fight Team prospect Mark Tanggan gets a fresh start in a new weight class against Christian Gagarin.

MARIX DUCOT vs JAKE ROSAL
6 Rounds — Light Flyweight

Light flyweight prospect Marix Ducot of Elorde Fight Team Parañaque returns to the ring against Jake Rosal.

🥊 UNDERCARD

CHRIS LEGANE vs DAVE DEVOCION
4 Rounds — Super Bantamweight

Super bantamweight prospect Chris Legane makes his ring return against Dave Devocion.

JHAYMIL UBANDO vs ALFREDO TESING
4 Rounds — Lightweight

Unbeaten prospect Jhaymil Ubando of Rise Up Boxing takes on Alfredo Tesing.

RUBEN CLAVITE vs ERANIO PISADOR
4 Rounds — Light Flyweight

Promising RCT Hong Kong prospect Ruben Clavite looks to score another victory against Eranio Pisador.

CHARLIE QUIAO vs ROVICK EMBUSCADO
4 Rounds — Bantamweight

Bantamweight prospect Charlie Quiao of Elorde Fight Team Parañaque — new opponent, same goal — looks to score his first professional victory against Rovick Embuscado.

RAIZEN DELA FUENTE vs CARL VILLAFRANCA
4 Rounds — Flyweight

Raizen Dela Fuente of Rise Up Boxing makes his professional ring return against Carl Villafranca.

CHRISTOF “BLACK MAMBA” GAJANA vs CARLO ABARQUEZ
4 Rounds — Lightweight

Lightweight prospect Christof “Black Mamba” Gajana makes his professional debut against fellow debutant Carlo Abarquez.

CLEO ERONICO vs LHORENZ GREGORIO
4 Rounds — Bantamweight

Aspiring professional Cleo Eronico of MA Fightbox faces fellow debutant Lhorenz Gregorio.

AB MADID vs JASON BUT-AY
4 Rounds — Middleweight

Amateur standout AB Madid of Three Ones Gym makes his professional debut against Jason But-Ay.

JB MAYO vs JASON BUFAY
4 Rounds — Super Bantamweight

JB Mayo faces Jason Bufay in a four-round super bantamweight contest.

CHRISMAR COLLERA vs ARJAY ALLER
4 Rounds — Light Flyweight

Amateur standout Chrismar Collera of Elorde Fight Team Parañaque makes his professional debut against unbeaten Arjay Aller (1-0-1).

It is an intriguing matchup of a professional debutant against an opponent who has already tasted professional boxing and remains unbeaten.

EVENT DETAILS

UKC Pro Boxing Series XXXV — October Fist

📅 Sunday, October 11, 2026
📍 Elorde Sports Center, Sucat, Parañaque City, Manila
🥊 16 professional bouts

Action from 10am - admission is free but please arrive early to get a good seat.

Originally posted on VSP Promotions' Facebook

OCTOBER FIST HITS MANILA THIS SUNDAY
October 6, 2026

OCTOBER FIST HITS MANILA THIS SUNDAY

By Robert Hill

Another big day of professional boxing is set for October 11, with a 16-bout card scheduled at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque City.

The headline attractions feature two unbeaten flyweight contenders, Mac Abila and Angelus Pilapil, who will meet in a scheduled 10-round bout.

The co-feature sees Adam Farhan Nazrine take on Sitthidet Banti over 10 rounds for the vacant WBA Asia South Super Middleweight Championship.

The undercard provides plenty of additional action, including Leboy Atencio vs Jun Blazo at featherweight, Christian Gagarin vs Mark Tanggan at flyweight and Nico Ramos vs Peter Estiller at super featherweight.

The 16-bout programme also features emerging fighters across the light flyweight, bantamweight, super bantamweight, lightweight, super flyweight and minimumweight divisions.

📅 October 11, 2026
📍 Elorde Sports Center, Sucat, Parañaque City
⏰ First bell: 10:00 AM

With 16 bouts scheduled, it promises to be a full day of professional boxing in Parañaque.

Originally posted on VSP Promotions' Facebook

PNG’s WAILO TAKES ON NZ CHALLENGE
October 2, 2026

PNG’s WAILO TAKES ON NZ CHALLENGE

By Robert Hill

Papua New Guinea’s growing presence on the international professional boxing scene continues tomorrow night when Kondup Samson Wailo steps into the ring at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, to face Auckland-based Niuean-Kiwi cruiserweight Duken Tutakitoa-Williams.

For Wailo, representing Maikuna Gym, it is officially his professional boxing debut — but the 28-year-old is hardly inexperienced.
He brings eight professional kickboxing bouts, more than 40 amateur fights, a PNG Heavyweight Kickboxing Championship and two professional boxing exhibition bouts into the contest.

His unbeaten opponent, Tutakitoa-Williams, has already recorded two professional victories, both by unanimous decision, and has nine professional rounds on his record.

On paper, Wailo enters as the less experienced professional boxer.
But the PNG fighter is embracing the challenge rather than avoiding it.

“Hungry dogs fight harder.”

That attitude reflects a broader development in PNG boxing, with more of the country's fighters now gaining opportunities to test themselves overseas.

Just weeks ago, Fidelis “The Bougainville Bomber” Laia scored a second-round knockout over Jhon Rey Tariao in Manila, Philippines.
In Australia, Mili “Mayhem” Saul recently returned to the ring with a fourth-round stoppage of experienced Thai opponent Saowaluk Nareepangsri on the Gold Coast.

New Zealand has also become an important battleground for PNG fighters.
John Ume has recorded significant wins there, while Sheilla Yama has built an impressive professional career in Auckland, most recently defending her IBF International Super Lightweight title against Australia's Jessica Messina.

Now Wailo gets his opportunity !!

Kondup Samson Wailo 🇵🇬 vs Duken Tutakitoa-Williams 🇳🇺🇳🇿
🥊 Cruiserweight
📅 Saturday, 3 October 2026
📍 Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
🏛️ New Zealand Professional Boxing Association
🥊 Promoter: Oz Jabur — BX-9

For Wailo and Maikuna Gym, it is another chance for PNG boxing to step outside its home environment and prove itself against quality international opposition.

Originally posted on VSP Promotions' Facebook

Muto stops Nguyễn Văn Hải in round 5 at Korakuen Hall
October 4, 2026

Muto stops Nguyễn Văn Hải in round 5 at Korakuen Hall

By VSP Promotions

Nguyễn Văn Hải's trip to the famous Korakuen Hall ended in round five on Saturday night. The referee stepped in at 2:48 to save the Vietnamese veteran from Japan's WBO Asia Pacific featherweight champion, Ryota Muto.

The night got harder before the first bell. Hải came in 300 grams over the featherweight limit at Friday's weigh-in, so only Muto could leave with the belt. Had Hải won, the title would have been declared vacant.

Once they got going, the 21-year-old southpaw set the tempo from round one. Muto worked behind the one-two and a hard straight left, then dug left uppercuts to the body and followed with the right hook, mixing his attack up and down. Hải is a former national champion with a deep amateur résumé, and he leaned on the tight, high guard that has carried him through a long career. From round two, though, his punches dried up. Once a fighter stops letting his hands go, a champion of Muto's quality gets to pick his shots at will. Muto kept going to the body, trapped Hải in the red corner in round five, and the referee had seen enough.

Credit where it is due. Muto is no ordinary regional champion. He won this belt in May by stopping Kenji Fujita, then the WBO's No.1 contender, and the WBO now rates him No.2 in the world. Even his corner admitted they had prepared counters that Hải never let them use.

For Hải, now 9-4 at 38, the lesson from Tokyo is clear. Against world-rated opposition, the guard alone won't win rounds. You have to make the other man respect your punches. For Vietnamese boxing, the bigger picture still matters: a Vietnamese fighter is getting the call to fight for regional titles against world-ranked champions at the sport's most iconic small hall. Those nights are where the next step gets learned.

Respect to Muto and his team, who held up a photo of the late Shigetoshi Kotari in the ring after the fight.

The result: Ryota Muto (Japan) def. Nguyễn Văn Hải (Vietnam) by TKO, Round 5, 2:48. WBO Asia Pacific featherweight title, 10 rounds scheduled. DYNAMIC GLOVE on U-NEXT vol.48, Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Saturday 3 October 2026.

Originally posted on VSP Promotions' Facebook

Nguyễn Văn Hải weighs in for featherweight clash with Ryota Muto in Tokyo
October 2, 2026

Nguyễn Văn Hải weighs in for featherweight clash with Ryota Muto in Tokyo

By VSP Boxing

Nguyễn Văn Hải makes weight for tomorrow night's featherweight clash in Tokyo.
Hải (9-3) takes on Japan's Ryota Muto (10-1) in a 10 round clash at the iconic Korakuen Hall.

Official weights: Nguyễn Văn Hải weighed 57.4 kg at the official weigh-in in Tokyo on 2 October, 300 g over the featherweight limit. Ryota Muto weighed 56.9 kg. Because of the miss, the WBO Asia Pacific featherweight title was on the line for Muto only: had Hải won, the title would have been declared vacant. Hải passed the fight-day weight check at 60.8 kg, under the 61.7 kg cap.

Originally posted on VSP Boxing's Facebook

Correction (4 Oct 2026): an earlier version of this article, and the original Facebook post quoted above, said Nguyễn Văn Hải made weight. He weighed 57.4 kg, 300 g over the limit.

NGUYỄN THỊ TÂM ADVANCES TO THE GOLD MEDAL FINAL!
September 30, 2026

NGUYỄN THỊ TÂM ADVANCES TO THE GOLD MEDAL FINAL!

By VSP Boxing

At ASIAD 20 – Aichi–Nagoya 2026, Nguyễn Thị Tâm has just won her women's 51kg boxing semi-final against Alua Balkibekova of Kazakhstan.

Tâm won 5–0, officially securing her place in the Gold Medal final.

🥇 Women's 51kg final – 2 October
🇻🇳 Nguyễn Thị Tâm
vs
🇨🇳 Wu Yu (China)

This will be Tâm's last bout at ASIAD 20, with the Gold Medal as the goal ahead.

Nguyễn Thị Tâm is also a three-time Victory8 champion with VSP Promotions in Vietnam, having fought and won on all three of her appearances at the event.

From Victory8 in Vietnam to the ASIAD stage, Tâm is once again in a major final of Asian boxing.

🇻🇳 Final on 2 October – Nguyễn Thị Tâm vs Wu Yu.

#NguyenThiTam #VietnamBoxing #ASIAD20 #AichiNagoya2026 #Victory8 #VSPPromotions

— — —

Bản gốc tiếng Việt

NGUYỄN THỊ TÂM TIẾN VÀO CHUNG KẾT TRANH HUY CHƯƠNG VÀNG! 🇻🇳
Tại ASIAD 20 – Aichi–Nagoya 2026, Nguyễn Thị Tâm vừa giành chiến thắng trước Alua Balkibekova của Kazakhstan trong trận bán kết boxing nữ hạng cân 51kg.

Tâm giành chiến thắng với tỷ số 5–0, qua đó chính thức giành quyền vào trận chung kết tranh Huy chương Vàng.

🥇 Chung kết hạng 51kg nữ – ngày 2/10
🇻🇳 Nguyễn Thị Tâm
vs
🇨🇳 Wu Yu (Trung Quốc)

Đây sẽ là trận đấu cuối cùng của Tâm tại ASIAD 20, với tấm Huy chương Vàng là mục tiêu phía trước.

Nguyễn Thị Tâm cũng là nhà vô địch Victory8 ba lần của VSP Promotions tại Việt Nam, từng thi đấu và giành chiến thắng trong cả ba lần tham dự giải đấu.

Từ Victory8 tại Việt Nam đến đấu trường ASIAD, Tâm tiếp tục có mặt ở một trận chung kết lớn của boxing châu Á.

🇻🇳 Chung kết ngày 2/10 – Nguyễn Thị Tâm vs Wu Yu.

#NguyenThiTam #VietnamBoxing #ASIAD20 #AichiNagoya2026 #Victory8 #VSPPromotions

Originally posted on VSP Boxing's Facebook

NGUYỄN THỊ TÂM REACHES THE ASIAD 2026 SEMI-FINALS!
September 28, 2026

NGUYỄN THỊ TÂM REACHES THE ASIAD 2026 SEMI-FINALS!

By VSP Boxing

Nguyễn Thị Tâm continued to confirm her standing as one of Vietnamese boxing's leading hopes, defeating Bak Chorong (South Korea) 5-0 in the women's 51kg quarter-final at ASIAD 2026.

All 5 judges scored the bout for Nguyễn Thị Tâm, sending the Vietnamese boxer into the semi-finals and guaranteeing her at least one medal.

This is Nguyễn Thị Tâm's third straight win at ASIAD 2026. Before this, she beat Ramisha Shrestha (Nepal) 5-0 in the opening round, then defeated Guo Yi Xuan (Chinese Taipei) 4-1 in the round of 16.

Her run at ASIAD 2026 adds to Nguyễn Thị Tâm's impressive record. The Vietnamese boxer is a two-time Asian champion, won a world silver medal in 2023 and bronze at ASIAD 2018, and competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Notably, Nguyễn Thị Tâm is also a three-time Victory8 champion at boxing events organised by VSP Boxing in Vietnam.

🔥 Congratulations, Nguyễn Thị Tâm! Vietnam has a medal — and the journey continues! 🇻🇳🥊

— — —

Bản gốc tiếng Việt

NGUYỄN THỊ TÂM VÀO BÁN KẾT ASIAD 2026! 🇻🇳
Nguyễn Thị Tâm tiếp tục khẳng định vị thế của một trong những niềm hy vọng hàng đầu của Boxing Việt Nam khi đánh bại Bak Chorong (Hàn Quốc) với tỷ số 5-0 ở tứ kết hạng cân 51kg nữ tại ASIAD 2026.

Cả 5 trọng tài đều chấm chiến thắng cho Nguyễn Thị Tâm, giúp nữ võ sĩ Việt Nam giành quyền vào bán kết và chắc chắn có ít nhất một tấm huy chương.

Đây là chiến thắng thứ ba liên tiếp của Nguyễn Thị Tâm tại ASIAD 2026. Trước đó, cô vượt qua Ramisha Shrestha (Nepal) với tỷ số 5-0 ở vòng đầu, trước khi đánh bại Guo Yi Xuan (Đài Bắc Trung Hoa) với tỷ số 4-1 tại vòng 1/8.

Thành tích tại ASIAD 2026 tiếp tục nối dài bảng thành tích ấn tượng của Nguyễn Thị Tâm. Nữ võ sĩ Việt Nam từng hai lần vô địch châu Á, giành HCB thế giới năm 2023 và HCĐ tại ASIAD 2018, đồng thời từng góp mặt tại Olympic Tokyo 2020.

Đặc biệt, Nguyễn Thị Tâm cũng là nhà vô địch Victory8 ba lần tại các sự kiện boxing do VSP Boxing tổ chức tại Việt Nam.

🔥 Chúc mừng Nguyễn Thị Tâm! Việt Nam đã có huy chương — và hành trình vẫn tiếp tục! 🇻🇳🥊

Originally posted on VSP Boxing's Facebook

LIU LETIAN WINS BY KO
September 24, 2026

LIU LETIAN WINS BY KO

One minute twenty-two seconds. Super welter. Lights out.

That’s the undercard energy Vietnam hosted: international names, real stakes, and finishers who don’t need twelve rounds to make a point.

Which HOIANA stoppage still lives in your head?

#VSPPromotions #HOIANALEGENDARY #ProBoxing #KO #BoxingVietnam

‍

LAIA IN GOLD COAST CLASH
September 22, 2026

LAIA IN GOLD COAST CLASH

Bougainville’s Fidelis Laia takes another step forward in his professional boxing career when he heads to sunny Queensland this Saturday night.

Laia will face Australian boxer Thomas Ward in a four-round welterweight clash at the beachside Mantra on View in Surfers Paradise.

The bout will be contested at 147lb, one division above the 140lb weight class that is more suited to the PNG boxer.

Laia will give away around five inches in height to the rangy Australian orthodox striker, but the heavy-handed Bougainville fighter will be looking to make his power the great equaliser.

The event also features another exciting Papua New Guinean boxer, Mili Saul, who will take on a Thai opponent in a six-round contest.

Now based in Brisbane, Saul recorded two victories in 2025, and Saturday night will mark her first outing of 2026.

The main event features outstanding Jackson Jon England, who faces unbeaten Kazakhstan star Sultan Zaurbek (20–0) in a world-level qualifier.

It promises to be another exciting night of international professional boxing put together by renowned promoter Jamie Myer on the Gold Coast.

‍

VŨ QUANG VINH WINS BY TKO — A PRO DEBUT THAT WAITED UNTIL THE END
September 21, 2026

VŨ QUANG VINH WINS BY TKO — A PRO DEBUT THAT WAITED UNTIL THE END

Vũ Quang Vinh opened HOIANA Legendary on 3 Aug 2024 at Hoiana Resort & Golf with the hardest kind of introduction: a professional debut against Jeong Jae Wook, a Korean opponent who already had four pro fights and a strong chin.

Vinh did not rush the moment. He stayed patient, kept working, and the persistence paid off in the closing seconds when he finished the fight by TKO. The result mattered beyond one debut: it became part of a Vietnamese breakthrough night on a card built around international title stakes.

This was the opener to a historic Central Vietnam event — the first major international dual-title night in the region, with WBO Global and IBF Asia titles, seven nations and eight bouts, presented by VSP Promotions at Hoiana Resort & Golf, Quảng Nam / South Hội An.

Was Vinh’s late finish the most telling moment of the opener?

‍

DID ANYONE REALLY THINK BENN WAS GOING TO WALK THROUGH THAT RIGHT HAND?
September 13, 2026

DID ANYONE REALLY THINK BENN WAS GOING TO WALK THROUGH THAT RIGHT HAND?

Ryan Garcia didn’t just “get the win.” He shut the noise down in Round 2.

WBC welterweight title. First defense. T-Mobile Arena. Conor Benn coming forward like the script said he would — pressure, body work, try to make it ugly. Garcia had already told the world what was coming: Benn can’t outbox him, so he’ll rush.

And then the shot everyone wasn’t talking about.

Pre-fight, the left hook got all the romance. On the night? A lightning right hand put Benn on the canvas. Eight-count. Benn tried to continue. Garcia swarmed. Referee Thomas Taylor waved it off at 1:25 of Round 2.

That’s not a debate. That’s a statement finish.

Garcia moves to 26-2 (21 KOs). Benn’s big welterweight night ends early. And before the gloves were cold, “King Ry” was already pointing at the next names ringside — Teofimo Lopez… and the old rival, Devin Haney.

So here’s the real question:

Was this the night Garcia reminded everyone he’s still the problem… or the night the welterweight division just got a lot louder?

WHY DID THIS ONE SLIP AWAY FROM MAGSAYO?
September 13, 2026

WHY DID THIS ONE SLIP AWAY FROM MAGSAYO?

Mark Magsayo walked into T-Mobile Arena as one of the Philippines’ most proven operators — former world champion energy, five straight wins, and a second outing under the Zuffa banner on a massive Las Vegas card.

Across from him: Andres Cortes. Undefeated. Top Rank / Zuffa pedigree. The same Cortes who talked a big game about Filipino fighters… and who just refused to let this night become Magsayo’s statement.

Early on, Cortes outboxed him — sharp shots, counters, body work. There were knockdown calls in rounds 3 and 4 that got reversed later — messy optics, but the scoreboard still drifted the American’s way. Magsayo did what champions do late: he pushed, he came forward, he tried to close the gap.

It wasn’t enough.

All three judges: 97–93 Cortes.

Magsayo falls to 29-3 (19 KOs). Cortes stays perfect at 26-0 (13 KOs). Five-fight streak: gone.

This wasn’t a quiet loss. It was a reminder that at this level, starting slow against an unbeaten technician costs you the night — even when you finish stronger.

What’s next for Magsayo after this?

MAGSAYO vs CORTES — UD LOSS

‍

WHY IS THERE NO NOISE ABOUT THIS FIGHT??
September 10, 2026

WHY IS THERE NO NOISE ABOUT THIS FIGHT??

Mark Magsayo is, without question, one of the Philippines most exciting and best-performed fighters of recent years.

And this is a huge fight on one of the biggest boxing cards of the year.

So where is the love??

Across the ring is Andres Cortes — an unbeaten fighter, a Top Rank poster boy, and a guy who clearly believes he belongs at the top.

But there’s a little history here.

Cortes is the guy previously matched with the Philippines’ own Charly Suarez — and, shamefully, that fight never happened. Cortes was a last minute dropout without offering any explanation.

But afterwards, after ducking a beat down from the King's Warrior, Cortes turned the talk up, dismissing Suarez with:

“I’ll send him back to his 9-5!”

And then went even further on social media:

“You tweaking, I’ll smack him any day of the week — him and Manny Pac-Man.”

Tough talk.

Now Mark Magsayo has the honour.

Shut this guy up — once and for all.

MAGSAYO vs CORTES

September 12, 2026 — T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

‍

BOXING BACK IN BEIJING THIS SEPTEMBER  !
September 8, 2026

BOXING BACK IN BEIJING THIS SEPTEMBER !

Botswana’s Moabi Ngaka returns to the ring for a 6 rounds all out war against hot China prospect Hu Xiong on September 26th  - more news coming soon

FIDELIS LAIA v JHON REY TARIAO
October 2, 2026

FIDELIS LAIA v JHON REY TARIAO

Credits to Luis Antonio Fabregar for the fantastic action photos taken at the August 30th 2O26 international event in Manila.

Congratulations all fighters who took part.

‍

FIDELIS LAIA WINS BY KNOCKOUT
September 30, 2026

FIDELIS LAIA WINS BY KNOCKOUT

Papua New Guinea

Prospect Fidelis Laia started well despite wearing a couple of big shots in the opening round, to defeat the Philippines Jhon Rey Tariao by KO in the second round.

Laia stunned the opponent with a wicked jab forcing him to the canvas, then completed the job with two more knockdowns shortly after.

Big thanks to Mam Cucuy Elorde, Anthony Arieta and the opponent Jhon Rey Tariao for the opportunity to compete with the big dogs.

Well done to Fidelis Laia, who overcame lots of pre-fight difficulties to score a great win.

IT'S STARTING SOON
August 30, 2026

IT'S STARTING SOON

Afternoon session is about to start.

Papua New Guinea boxer Fidelis Laia v Jhon Rey Tariao will be fight #2

UKC XXXIV — SIKLAB NG AGOSTO
August 30, 2026

UKC XXXIV — SIKLAB NG AGOSTO

Elorde Sports Center, Parañaque City, Manila

Sunday, August 30, 2026

MORNING SESSION

Starting approximately 9:00 AM

MORNING SESSION CHAMPIONSHIP

Adam Farhan Nazrine  vs Mandeep Singh

168 lbs — 8 rounds

Vacant WBC Asian Silver Super Middleweight Title

This is the championship centerpiece of the morning session.

Some particularly interesting international matchups

Hazman Siew vs  Singha Siringuan

126 lbs — 6 rounds

This is especially interesting given Siew's recent breakthrough as a regional champion.

Adam Farhan Nazrine vs  Mandeep Singh

168 lbs — 8 rounds

WBC Asian Silver Title

The only championship bout on the morning card.

Keng Fai Hui vs  Mark Angel Sadang

160 lbs — 4 rounds

Hui brings his unusual MMA/combat-sports background into professional boxing

LAIA AND TARIAO FACE-OFF IN MANILA
August 29, 2026

LAIA AND TARIAO FACE-OFF IN MANILA

Weights right !

Papua New Guinea's Fidelis Laia and the Philippines' Jhon Rey Tariao both weighed in at 145 lb for tomorrow's international SIKLAB NG AGOSTO in Parañaque.

Boxers from 9 countries will be vying for supremacy on the giant 23 bout card.

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YAMA WINS BIG IN NZ
August 8, 2026

YAMA WINS BIG IN NZ

And Papua New Guinea are just getting started!

Sheilla Yama has continued her unbeaten rise, defeating Australia’s Jessica Messina tonight at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.

Sheilla Yama has continued her unbeaten rise, defeating Australia’s Jessica Messina tonight at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.

With the Unanimous Decision victory, Yama successfully defended her IBF International Super Lightweight title, improving her professional record to an impressive 8-0 and rocketing to #2 in the world rankings.

Messina, who previously impressed with a victory at a VSP Promotions event in Vietnam, now moves to 8 wins and 2 losses following her defeat to Yama tonight.

Sheilla Yama and John Ume have been outstanding ambassadors for Papua New Guinea delivering strong performances in recent appearances in New Zealand.

But PNG boxing is only just getting started.

Later this month, Fidelis Laia, the Bougainville Bomber, will head into the cauldron of Asian boxing when he competes at an international professional boxing event in Manila, Philippines on August 30.

Laia will proudly represent Papua New Guinea at an event featuring professional boxers from nine different countries. The flag is flying. The fighters are rising.

Papua New Guinea is only just getting started

ALL PATHS LEAD TO MANILA ON AUGUST 30TH
August 7, 2026

ALL PATHS LEAD TO MANILA ON AUGUST 30TH

Some of the Philippines best young prospects will be headed to Manila later this month, to showcase their talents at the mammoth UKC XXXIV card and repel the advances of foreign invaders.

Boxers from nine countries will be competing for supremacy at this epic international event including : Papua New Guinea, Macao, Canada, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, India

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GAB PHILIPPINES YOUTH TITLE ON THE LINE
August 6, 2026

GAB PHILIPPINES YOUTH TITLE ON THE LINE

One of the standout bouts on the August 30 UKC card in Manila will see two of the Philippines' brightest young prospects collide for the vacant Philippine Games & Amusements Board (GAB) Youth Super Flyweight Championship.

Geraldine Oclarit (6-2, 6 KOs) takes on Diory Boy Sixta (4-1, 4 KOs) in what promises to be an explosive contest between two 20-year-old knockout artists.

Oclarit enters the bout with six wins from eight professional outings, while Sixta has rebounded impressively with four victories in his first five fights.

Both fighters scored stoppage wins in their most recent appearances, adding even more intrigue to this evenly matched championship clash.

With a prestigious national youth title on the line, the winner will take a significant step towards establishing themselves as one of the Philippines' rising stars in the super flyweight division.

This cracking fight will take place at the Flash Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Complex in Parañaque on August 30th.

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA
August 5, 2026

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

What are you doing on August 30?

Watching boxing in the Philippines—that's what!

The Bougainville Bomber, Fidelis Laia, takes on the Philippines' Jhon Rey Tariao in Manila on 30 August as part of a huge international fight card.

Fidelis is ready to represent Bougainville and Papua New Guinea with ferocious intent.

Hungry dogs fight harder.

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Italian boxer Danilo Creati in Sydney today with Errol "The Truth" Spence.
August 25, 2026

Italian boxer Danilo Creati in Sydney today with Errol "The Truth" Spence.

Spence is fighting Australian killer Tim Tszyu this Sunday, and despite a three-year layoff, is expected to win.

Danilo Creati was a 5x national champion, and fought in Vietnam against the excellent Ho Chi Minh City boxer Tran Duc Tho.

For the real fight fans - enjoy their contest  !

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FIGHT CONFIRMED  - PNG v PHILIPPINES
August 31, 2026

FIGHT CONFIRMED - PNG v PHILIPPINES

It's more fun in the Philippines  !  

Big international event coming to the Elorde Sports Centre this August 30th.

The Bougainville Bomber Fidelis Laia gets his first taste of Philippines hospitality when he meets Mindanao's Jhon Rey Tariao in Manila.

Explosive to say the least - these boys will be looking to leave the judges out of it.  

KA-BOOM !!

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FIDELIS TO MAKE RING RETURN IN AUGUST?
July 25, 2026

FIDELIS TO MAKE RING RETURN IN AUGUST?

The "Bougainville Bomber" Fidelis Laia is set to head to the Philippines next month for a training camp and has received an invitation to compete on an exciting international fight card in Manila on 30th August.

The event will be staged at the famous Elorde Grand Ballroom, and there is no doubt the hard-hitting fighter from Bougainville would be a tremendous addition to an already star-studded, multi-national lineup.

A huge thank you to our good friends Anthony Arieta and Mam Cucuy Elorde for working hard to make this fantastic opportunity possible.

We hope to have some exciting news to share very soon!

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WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A PRO BOXING REFEREE?
June 15, 2026

WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A PRO BOXING REFEREE?

Referees must treat 4 rounds fight with the same level of preparation, dedication, and respect as you would a 12 rounds world title fight.  So how should you prepare?

1.  Research about the boxers on YouTube and their style of fighting.  

2.  No drinking the night before.  Don't eat anything that could cause stomach discomfort.  Sleep early and get a good rest.

3.  Prepare all your gears the night before.  

4.  Meditate and trust yourself that you can do it.  It is not the time for self doubt.

5.  Conduct yourself as if you are on the world stage for a world championship fight. Remeber that everyone is watching.  

6.  It's ok to make a mistake but its not okay to hesitate.  When you make a call, make it loud and clear.

Know that it is not about you.  It's about ensuring the safety and the fairness for the boxers who put their lives in the ring.  At the end, what Tony Weeks said during the Referee training seminar encapsulates it well.  "You do it for the love and respect of the sport".

#professionalboxing #proboxingreferee #IBF #Tonyweeks

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