Age :
31
Height :
163
cm
Stance :
Orthodox
Region :
Port Moresby
Country :
Papua New Guinea
Record : PRO DEBUT
Record :
4
Wins
(
3
KO)
/
3
Loss
/
0
Draws
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.
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 "
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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 !!
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.
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.
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.
https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions/videos/1081798786128620
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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"
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
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!
Champion Philippines boxer Mark John Yap and Team Raka trainer Ephraim Montoru meet after the historic bout between PNG and Philippines.
What was the topic they discussed? " Mark, which one in your opinion is better?
The San Miguel or riding the Red Horse? "was Ephraim's opener !
Papua New Guinea's very popular Junior Kauko Raka enjoys a meal with other competing boxers after yesterday's huge BATTLEFIELD card in Parañaque Manila.
Raka put on a stoic display in a cracking undercard fight with Philippines champion Mark John Yap.
Junior Raka pressured Yap throughout, winning the admiration of the crowd.
This was the first match for the PNG PRODIGY in almost two years, so expect to see a vastly improved fighter in future bouts.
And our advice is that anyone that is thinking of facing Raka ,?
WATCH OUT ! You are in for one hell of a fight!
PNG PRODIGY IS ON THE MARCH !
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 !
Papua New Guinea's boxing star Junior Kauko Raka touched down in Manila late last night, but the Prodigy Team are already in the Elorde Gym early this morning.
Junior Kauko Raka went through a light workout, ably assisted by trainers Nelson John and Ephraim Montoru.
Despite the fact that the harder preparation has already been done, Raka will work in the gym this week to ensure he is on track for Saturdays weigh in.
Raka will compete in the 59kg Super Featherweight class (130lb) against Philippines international star Mark John Yap.
Papua New Guinea's Junior Kauko Raka ready and waiting to embark on his Philippines adventure at Port Moresby Airport. Raka will take on one of the Philippines greatest - Mark John "The Journeyman" Yap in what is guaranteed to be no place for the faint hearted.
Yap is the winner of 30 bouts, and tore some of Japan's best fighters to shreds in accumulating three OPBF championship belts. In contrast, Junior Kauko Raka has 2 pro wins, yet has as many as 7 knockout wins in "unofficial" contests.
This potential match up is already shaping as a red hot bonfire NOBODY IN THE PHILIPPINES WANTED TO FIGHT MARK JOHN YAP!
But Junior Raka jumped at the chance to fight him "GIVE YAP TO ME!" Great stuff! So excited to see these two greats!
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila, Sunday October 23rd
BE THERE, OR WATCH IT LIVE !
The great man Martin Beni put Papua New Guinea's boxing on the map back in the 1970's when he was successful against many of Australia's best fighters. Beni went on to beat an Australian and Commonwealth Lightweight champion, and at his peak, was rated in the top 30 fighters in the world at that weight.
On Sunday October 23rd, Junior Kauko Raka continues the PNG proud tradition of love of sports and boxing, when he takes on a formidable task in the shape of Mark John Yap. The Journeyman is one of the Philippines best, with 30 professional wins and 3 OPBF titles on his resume.
Says Raka on the topic of national hero Martin Beni:
"Martin lived his life around the boxing ring and while it was shocking and sad to see him pass in front of us; he was someone that remained true to the sport all the way to his last day.
When I joined boxing, I would always hear stories of Martin Beni and how he fought some of the best fighters in Australia and I’m so honoured to have met and worked alongside him.
I grew as a boxer with Martin ever since I started as an amateur in 2009.
There was a lot of struggle with boxing when I joined but despite all the politics and issues with who was in charge of the sport, he always remained true to the sport.
Before I turned professional, he would come around for some of my fights and talk to me and give me advice on what I was doing wrong.
One thing that I would always remember him by was his belief in me.
I made him a promise that I would win an internationally recognised title. I came close to fulfilling that promise but it wasn’t to be. I will keep pursuing that promise with the time I have left in my career."
Junior Kauko Raka v Mark John Yap
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday October 23rd
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.
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
Mark John Yap v Junior Kauko Raka
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd
Papua New Guinea's hard man Junior Kauko Raka responded to recent suggestions that Mark John Yap would put an exclamation mark on their clash by going for the knockout. Whilst Yap, and perhaps the whole of the Philippines, know what potential dangers the PNG Prodigy brings to the ring, they are also aware that the safest plan is to get him out of there as soon as possible.
The scheduled 8 round fight will take place in just over two weeks from now, and Raka had this to say:
"Knockout ? Well let's see!
We won't be running like ring girls, and I'm ready to fight toe to toe, so he won't have to go looking for me. We will see who stays standing!"
Spoken in true Warrior spirit!
PNG's Raka has experienced only one loss in 10 bouts, a points decision at the hands of top flight pinoy Roldan Aldea in a WBA title match. The powerful Port Moresby boxer has scored 7 knockouts along a path of destruction, and notably, is yet to be dropped.
This will be a compelling match up, with "The Journeyman" Mark John Yap starting a warm favourite, but likely to experience a torrid time with his PNG foe.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
We are excited to announce that the SUREPICK results for our latest event, VSP PRO 3 are here!
Congratulations to all the winners!
If you were one of the lucky winners, an email containing information on how to claim your prize will be sent to you soon.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the event, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at boxing@vietnamvsp.com.
For those of you who missed out on this opportunity, don't worry! The next SUREPICK event is just around the corner, and we'd love to keep you informed on when it's available for play. To receive updates, simply click the link below to fill out a Google form with your email address. We'll make sure you're among the first to know when the next SUREPICK event goes live.
Chúng tôi rất vui mừng thông báo rằng kết quả cho sự kiện SUREPICK mới nhất trên VSP PRO 3 đã được công bố, và chúng tôi xin chúc mừng tất cả các người chiến thắng! Nếu bạn là một trong những người may mắn chiến thắng, một email chứa thông tin về cách thức nhận giải thưởng sẽ được gửi đến bạn sớm. Nếu bạn có bất kỳ câu hỏi hoặc lo ngại nào liên quan đến sự kiện, vui lòng liên hệ với chúng tôi tại địa chỉ boxing@vietnamvsp.com.
Đối với những người bỏ lỡ cơ hội này, đừng lo lắng! Sự kiện SUREPICK tiếp theo sẽ sớm diễn ra, và chúng tôi muốn thông báo cho bạn khi nó sẵn sàng để chơi. Để nhận thông tin cập nhật, chỉ cần nhấp vào liên kết bên dưới để điền vào một biểu mẫu Google với địa chỉ email của bạn. Chúng tôi sẽ đảm bảo rằng bạn sẽ là một trong những người đầu tiên biết khi sự kiện SUREPICK tiếp theo được mở.
On March 25th, Ho Chi Minh City will once again host the highly anticipated professional boxing event, VSP PRO 3. This will be the third installment of the series, which has already gained a reputation for showcasing some of the most talented boxers in the country.
The event will feature both returning boxers who are looking to continue their professional careers, as well as debut fighters who are eager to make their mark in the sport. VSP PRO 2, which took place last month, was a thrilling event that left fans eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Boxing fans can expect a night of intense action and skillful displays of athleticism, as some of the most promising boxers in Vietnam take to the ring.
The event will be held at a VSP Boxing Gym in Ho Chi Minh City, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Fans who are unable to attend the event in person can still catch the action via live on VTV Cab and Youtube.
Overall, VSP PRO 3 is shaping up to be an exciting event, with an impressive lineup of talented boxers set to take center stage. Boxing enthusiasts and sports fans alike should not miss this opportunity to witness some of the most skilled fighters in Vietnam compete in the ring.
Vietnam has recently seen the emergence of some great fighters, and Nguyen Van Hai is undoubtedly one of the greatest among them. The "Hanoi Hitman" is set to grace the ring once again, this time at VSP PRO #3 in HCMC. Fans are eagerly waiting for his showdown with promising young northern boxer Ha Minh Tuan, who has already made a mark with an impressive debut win in February at VSP PRO #2.
Nguyen Van Hai is a force to be reckoned with, and his appearance at Fortunes of War in Ho Tram last December was a testament to that fact. In a dominating performance, stopping unbeaten Indonesian prospect Paisal Panjaitan.
It's not just his impressive win record that makes him stand out, but his boxing skills and style that sets him apart from the rest. He has a deadly combination of speed, agility, and power that make him a dangerous opponent for anyone who dares to face him in the ring.
His upcoming bout at VSP PRO is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Fans are eagerly waiting to see him in action once again, and with his impressive track record, it's hard not to feel excited.
Nguyen Van Hai is a true icon in the world of Vietnamese boxing, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue for many years to come.
VSP boxers Charly Suarez and Nguyễn Văn Hải are arguably the best fighters that their respective countries have ever produced.
The two are friends from their days as national team amateurs, and they even fought in an exhibition mstch at Victory8 in Hanoi in 2019.
Last night in Sydney, Charly Suarez moved a step closer to his world title dream with a knockout win over Australian Paul "Showtime" Fleming, an unbeaten star unbeaten in 28 fights.
Nguyễn Văn Hải is rapidly climbing in the professional ranks also. The "Hanoi Hitman" has 3 wins, and will be looking to add to his tally at VSP PRO on Saturday March 25th.
SUAREZ CAPTURES FOUR BELTS
The King's Warrior Charly Suarez has just walked in to Kevin Betts Stadium in Sydney.
Suarez v Fleming coming soon!
*story courtesy of Manila Standard
Former Olympian Charly Suarez has vowed to go all out against fellow undefeated Paul Fleming of Australia in their International Boxing Organization super featherweight title bout on Wednesday in Sydney, Australia.
"Pambihira lang itong ganitong pagkakataon. Ito na talaga chance ko,” said Suarez, who at 34 cannot afford to be delayed any longer in his quest for a world boxing title. “Ang totoo kong kalaban is sarili ko. Kahit saang larangan, malaking part ‘yung maturity. Iba ka nang mag-isip kaysa dati.”
“Basta ako lalaban ako at dapat makuha ko ito. Ito na ‘yung level ng mindset ko ngayon. ‘Di ko na pakakawalan, wala ng excuse,” added Suarez, a former Filipino Olympian, who spent most of his boxing career as a national athlete.
After beating all his first 14 opponents, eight of them via stoppage, Suarez is facing his toughest test in his two-year professional boxing career—a taller foe, who has 29 wins with 18 knockouts and without a defeat.
Suarez’s manager and coach Delfin Boholst said they have done everything in their training camp to make Charly stronger than ever.
“Makikita natin si Charly may edad na pero, ‘yung body niya sariwa. Sa laban makikita niyo talaga ‘yung ginawa namin na preparation ni Charly,” he said.
Without the backing of a moneyed manager and promoter, Suarez’s camp turned to friends and supporters for their needs. Some of those who answered their plea for support were former Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas and businessman-philanthropist Edward Aguilar.
Sinas and Aguilar, who are close friends and partners in several business ventures, provided financial support for training and other needs of Suarez.
Suarez is coming off a big conquest of the International Boxing Federation Asia junior lightweight title with a technical knockout win over Defry Palulu of Indonesia at the Grand Ho Tram Hotel in Vietnam last Dec. 10.
Two months earlier, the many-time Southeast Asian Games champion decisioned compatriot Carlo Magali to successfully defend the World Boxing Association Asia Super Featherweight title.
As an amateur, Suarez won three Southeast Asian Games golds—two in the lightweight division (2011 Jakarta, 2019 Manila) and one in the featherweight category (2009 Laos)—plus a bronze in 2017 in Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, the left-handed Fleming said he won’t be underestimating Suarez as he has set a fight strategy that suits him against a smaller opponent.
“If Suarez comes at me, I have a counter-punching strategy, and if he stays away then I will come at him,” the Australian said.
SUAREZ FLEMING Media Day
Shirts off, smiles all around as the Philippines Charly Suarez and Aussie Paul Fleming meet for the first time today in Sydney.
story courtesy BoxingTalk.com
Australia’s undefeated indigenous boxer Paul Fleming is on a mission to win his next three fights and set up the opportunity to capture a 130-pound title. After years of low activity (three fights since the start of 2019), Fleming's next step takes place in St. Marys, Sydney on March 15th when he faces undefeated Filipino challenger Charly Suarez. Fleming comes from the small town of Tully in outback northern Australia where he first started boxing at age 12 in 2001.
Fleming (29-0-1) finds himself carrying on the tradition of past Australian indigenous boxers such as Aboriginal boxing legend Lionel Rose who unified the world titles (1964-76), superstar rugby league players and champions of the boxing ring Tony Mundine and his son Anthony Mundine Jr., Dave Sands inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame as “the greatest boxers never to have won a world title”, 2005 world champion Robert Peden, Wally Carr, who competed in six divisions over a stellar fifteen-year career, and Daniel Geale who won two titles before losing to Gennady Golovkin at Madison Square in 2014.
While Fleming takes confidence from his unbeaten streak, he accepts as “a matter of fact” that he has been ignored on the international stage. “By now I should have become a world champion. I see it as the way of the boxing world, and the cards didn’t fall my way. But I feel my destiny is in the winning circle, as the coming world champion.“
As for Suarez (14-0), Fleming says, “Suarez, like me, hasn’t been beaten. This is where our paths come together – here in Sydney – and I am ready.”
The left-handed Fleming said he won’t be underestimating Suarez, who is 34 years old and almost 4 inches shorter in size. “All my fights have been about fighting with a winning strategy,” he asserts. “If Suarez comes at me I have a counter punching strategy, and if he stays away then I will come at him.”
Fleming has spent several months sparring with top Aussies, including the Maloney brothers. “Neither of us held back while sparring.” he said after some competitive rounds with Andrew Moloney.
But Fleming knows that the window is closing for him to win a world title. "What’s been so good for me in boxing is that I have not been beaten, not once. I haven’t been bashed, and I have gained a lot of experience. I’ve fought against the best in Australia and now it’s time to break out and take on the best in the world... after this the world title will be one big step closer.”
Set to be Australia's very best fight of 2023.
The match up of the Philippines and Australia's two unbeaten champions.
Paul "Showtime" Fleming 28-0 goes head to head with the King's Warrior Charly Suarez 14-0 for the IBF, WBC, WBA and IBO belts.
Wednesday March 15th in Sydney Australia.
The King's Warrior Charly Suarez has touched down in Sydney ahead of his clash of "Philippines Best v Australia's Best" next Wednesday night March 15th.
Suarez takes on gun Aussie Paul Fleming 28-0 for four belts, including what are likely IBF and IBO World title eliminators.
The Philippines star got some rounds in at Bondi Boxing Club with former world champion TJ Doheny. The Irish star will face off with Sam Goodman as the main undercard to the Tszyu-Harrison event in Sydney this Sunday.
And what was the gossip that came from the "friendly" sparring between Suarez and Doheny?
"Goodman is in for one helluva fight !"
CHARLY SUAREZ OFFICIALLY "DOWN UNDER"
The King's Warrior Charly Suarez has touched down in Sydney ahead of his clash of "Philippines Best v Australia's Best" next Wednesday night March 15th.
Suarez takes on gun Aussie Paul Fleming 28-0 for four belts, including what are likely IBF and IBO World title eliminators.
The Philippines star got some rounds in at Bondi Boxing Club with former world champion TJ Doheny. The Irish star will face off with Sam Goodman as the main undercard to the Tszyu-Harrison event in Sydney this Sunday.
And what was the gossip that came from the "friendly" sparring between Suarez and Doheny?
"Goodman is in for one helluva fight !"
Watch live on fite.tv
https://www.fite.tv/watch/fleming-vs-suarez/2pcqh/
The Hanoi Hitman returns to the ring later this month at VSP Gym in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam.
Despite a wealth of various fight form experience, Hai is a relative newcomer to professional boxing.
He ventured to Manila in August 2022, and showed lots of ring rust when outpointed by the very promising and unbeaten Jerald Into.
But the granite featured Hanoi boxer made amends at his next bout in emphatic fashion - a stoppage victory over Indonesian prospect Paisal Panjaitan. Nguyễn Văn Hải dropped his opponent in the first, before finishing his task with power shots in round 3.
Nguyễn Văn Hải will be appearing at "VSP PRO" on Saturday March 25th at VSP Gym in District 1 HCMC.
Cagayan de Oro fight legend Mark John Yap had a busy start to the new year.
Yap finished 2022 with a torrid exhibition bout in Ho Tram Vietnam, followed up shortly after with an explosive win in Manila against hard man Leonardo Doronio. But amongst the close scheduling of fights, he also experienced the blessing of the birth of his baby daughter Yuri.
The Yap family took some much needed "down time" and this week, the Mindanao star has resumed light training again.
It is expected that fans will see Mark John Yap back in the ring perhaps late April or early May.
Can't wait !!!
PANGASINAN FIGHT CENTRAL MARCH 30TH
UKC and VSP Promotions
March 30, 2023
Bayambang, Pangasinan, Philippines
The word is that Australian Paul Fleming has been on fire in training, and has been shredding sparring partners in advance of his huge clash with Charly Suarez on March 15th.
So much so that Team Fleming has been forced to bring some big names into camp in order to be pitch perfect for Suarez.
George Kambosos has done rounds, and now former world champ Andrew Maloney is the latest to lend his skills. The boys did some high quality rounds this week and Fleming really impressed.
The Aussie star will spar again with Maloney this Sunday as part of a public workout to promote the impending battle with Suarez.
There is huge confidence coming from those close to Fleming that he will not only hand the whiz kid Suarez his first defeat, it will come by way of stoppage.
Paul "Showtime" Fleming is unbeaten in 28 fights, with 18 of those wins coming by way of KNOCKOUT.
Australian champion Paul Fleming 28-0 meets Philippines freak talent Charly Suarez 14-0
Wednesday March 15th Sydney
HANOI'S NEW KID ON THE BLOCK!
Outstanding youth prospect Bùi Việt Hoàng made a big splash at his pro debut in February 2023. The Hanoi Boxing Academy protégée was exhilarating, fighting a Draw with and equally talented Phan Minh Quân from HCMC.
Hoàng returns to VSP PRO later this month, and gets an opportunity to open his professional account. Watch this northern boy - he is just turned 18 and may just end up one of Vietnam's best fighters !
Don't say we didn't tell you !!!
Come and see the hottest young fight talent in Vietnam ! Get close to see the future stars.
All professional bouts !
NEXT SHOW: SATURDAY MARCH 25TH
Saturday February 25th Starts 6pm
ARRIVE EARLY!
VSP Boxing Gym
147 Đ. Nguyễn Du, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
ALL ROADS LEAD TO PANGASINAN MARCH 30TH
Arnel "the Silencer" Baconaje goes to war with Presco "the Iceman" Carcosia in General Santos City for the RP National Super Featherweight title.
Lagao Gym, General Santos City
Sunday February 26th
Both only 17 years of age, and making professional boxing debuts at the VSP PRO this Saturday night.
Bui Viet Hoång and Ngo Ngoc Linh Chi are both former national youth champs, and given they are Hanoi born, nothing will daunt them !
Tune in Saturday to see seven huge action bouts.
"VSP PRO" PROFESSIONAL BOXING EVENT
Saturday February 25th Starts 6pm
VSP Boxing Gym
147 Đ. Nguyễn Du, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Philippines best Charly Suarez goes head to head with Australia’s best Paul "Showtime" Fleming.
Wednesday March 15th Sydney Australia
"VSP PRO" PROFESSIONAL BOXING EVENT
Saturday February 25th Starts 6pm
VSP Boxing Gym
147 Đ. Nguyễn Du, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
FIRST VIETNAM SHOW TO OPEN 2023
"VSP PRO" PROFESSIONAL BOXING EVENT
Saturday February 25th Starts 6pm
VSP Boxing Gym
147 D. Nguyen Du, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Philippines star Charly Suarez heads to Australia next month to take on the unbeaten local champion Paul Fleming (28-0)
Suarez was an acclaimed amateur, and despite a relatively recent transition to the pro ranks, the King's Warrior has already racked up 14 impressive wins.
And identical to Fleming, the Davao fighter also retains an unbeaten record.
But what seems astounding about Suarez is that, for a boxer with such a wealth of amateur experience, he has improved markedly since turning pro.
So much so, he actually appears to be an even better prospect at the longer round format.
That said, Suarez was touted as the "next big thing" when he decided to finally go pro, and here is some ringside action taken from the first professional performance of Charly Suarez.
He shows all that dynamism that he is renowned for, and it will give you some insight as to what Australia will be getting come March 15th.
https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions/videos/527622426120815
Friday training at Elorde Southbox , and there were three really good ones in the ring today !
King's Warrior Charly Suarez, MMA prospect Ian Batoto, and the Silencer Arnel Baconaje engaged in light sparring for upcoming bouts.
Baconaje heads to GenSan this week for a crack at the Philippines national belt on Sunday February 26th.
Charly Suarez has a big assignment if his own. He heads to Sydney very soon, where he will challenge Aussie #1 Paul Fleming for four major belts. A win places Suarez in the world top 10 with three of those, and perhaps makes him mandatory for both IBF and IBO world titles.
Exciting fights coming up !
Arnel Baconaje takes the show on the road, when he heads to General Santos City for a national title bid on Sunday February 26th.
"The Silencer" faces top local prospect Presco Carcosia (10-2) for the Philippines national super featherweight title. Success guarantees the winner a top 10 ranking with the OPBF.
Arnel Baconaje has been in great form, having competed recently in Vietnam in December 2022.
Despite competing above his weight class, the pinoy turned in a fantastic performance in his bid for the IBF Asia Lightweight title.
In a match that could have gone either way, Baconaje lost narrowly on points on two cards, and was given a draw on another. It was an epic contest, and a valiant effort by Vietnam's Dinh Hong Quân, but there were many in attendance that thought the win should have gone to The Silencer.
You can watch the match here and judge for yourselves. It is the brand of Arnel Baconaje action that will be heading to GenSan next week and winning a national title !
The King's Warrior Charly Suarez is ready to take on Australia's best, and heading for a world title.
Charly Suarez (14-0) v Paul Fleming (28-0)
Wednesday March 15th Sydney Australia
This is genuine BEST v BEST !!!!
Arnel Baconaje was recently in Vietnam at VSP Gym prepping for a December match with Vietnam champ Dinh Hong Quân.
That was a bout in Ho Tram for the IBF Asia Lightweight title, and despite the match being above his usual weight class, Baconaje and Quân fought an extremely close battle.
The Philippines man revered as "The Silencer" returns to the ring in General Santos City (the former home of Manny Pacquiao) on Sunday February 26th. And this time, it is another big fight.
Baconaje takes on the "the Iceman" Presco Carcosia (10-2 9KO) for the Philippines national championship at Super Featherweight.
The weight class will be more favorable this time, but he faces a seriously skilled and fast opponent in Carcosia, so it should be a great main event.
VSP are big admirers of Arnel Baconaje, who always prepares well and turns in excitement filled performances, so we wish him luck in pursuit of the Philippines title next Sunday.
RoyRoy Sumugat returns to the ring on March 30 to take on top young prospect Richard Bulacan.
The swinging southpaw from the Elorde team is one of the most natural talents in Philippines boxing, and combine that with his vast experience, Sumugat always presents as a formidable opponent.
Bulacan is an awesome talent, and though only 23 years of age, has already racked up 8 wins to launch his pro career. Despite his successes, Big Roy Sumugat represents his biggest potential scalp so far.
This is a great undercard bout in Pangasinan. Expect RoyRoy Sumugat to come swinging that HAMMER !
The youngest fighter to contest VSP PRO this month is Hanoi girl Ngo Ngoc Linh Chi, who matches up with Matrix Gym power puncher Le Thi Ngoc Hanh.
At only 17 years of age, and making her Pro debut, Chi started to learn boxing in May 2017.
Her aptitude was obvious, and she began competing in 2020 - achieving a silver medal in national youth championship in 2020, a bronze medal in the national youth championship in 2022, and also a bronze medal of national club championship in 2022 . Busy girl, and learning fast !!
Come watch Linh Chi and a host of great young fighters make their pro debut later this month in HCMC.
"VSP PRO" Professional Boxing Event
Saturday February 25th Starts 6pm
VSP Boxing Gym
147 Đ. Nguyễn Du, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
VSP Boxing Gym
Two championship bouts in one explosive event as Elorde UKC Promotions invades Bayambang, Pangasinan this coming March 30, 2023. Bienvenido Ligas will defend his RP Flyweight title against Genisis Libranza while RoyRoy Sumugat and Richard Bulacan will be slugging it out for the PBF Lightweight title.
"Charly Suarez, your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to take down undefeated 28-0 Australian champion Paul "Showtime" Fleming, and bring back the WBC, WBA, IBF and IBO belts. All of them !
In doing so, you will do your country a great service, and you will go to top 10 in the world, and become mandatory for IBF and IBO World titles. You will also become the likely target of Liam Wilson, the first man to drop Emanuel Navarrete.
This message will self destruct in 10 seconds.
Good luck Charly "
Philippines Charly Suarez looking to bring down Aussie champion Paul "Showtime" Fleming and move into the world top 10 with the WBC, IBF and IBO.
Don't miss history in the making !
Wednesday 15th March
Kevin Betts Stadium
"VSP PRO" Professional Boxing Event Feb 25th
Live from VSP Boxing Gym in HCMC Vietnam
Action starts 6pm sharp.
First VSP PRO of 2023 is set! We will be running monthly official professional boxing event which will be notified to international boxing organizations.
If you are interested to get your name registered as professional boxer, contact us now!
February 25, 2023 - 6Pm
Live on VTVcab, FB, YouTube
Registration open for March 25th VSP PRO #3 now!
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#vsppro #vspboxing #ProfessionalBoxing #boxing #vietnamboxing #vsppromotions #debut #boxerslife
Le Hoang Hiep is calling out anybody willing to get in the ring with him February 25th for the upcoming VSP PRO at VSP Gym in HCMC.
But he has some ominous advice :
"Wear two mouthguards, and take out some insurance. Life insurance I mean !
I watched that guy JonJon Estrada recently, and wow, that's a guy who really knows how to clean house. I think I've learned some new stuff watching him.
I'm ready to drop bombs on February 25. Baby Kong is coming to put the judges out of a job ! BOOOM !!"
VSP PRO Professional boxing event
Saturday February 25th 6pm start
VSP Boxing Gym
147 Đ. Nguyễn Du, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Mark John Yap opened his new year account in stunning fashion, scoring a stoppage win over what appeared to be a very good version of Philippines Lightweight Leonardo Doronio.
Unable to secure a suitable 130 opponent for his first hitout of the year, Yap opted to jump a weight class and get a physical exam with the vastly experienced and durable Doronio.
It was very noticeable at the weigh-in, that aside from being the much larger boxer, Leonardo Doronio was in the best physical shape that he has been in for a very long time.
And he performed very well, while it lasted, and we look forward to seeing Doronio back again this year to see what he can produce.
But for Mark John Yap, it really was a patient yet lethal execution of a necessary task, and certainly showed shades of the brutality that he inflicted on Japan's best fighters prior to the pandemic.
Watch the full fight here, and you will see this dog has got a bite worse than his bark.
Yap Yap !
Paul Fleming has questioned the experience of Liam Wilson's team after the younger man's controversial world-title loss, saying he would never have let the weigh-in go ahead.
And the ageing super featherweight says he will not be a "rebound fight" after being called out following Wilson's gut-wrenching defeat in Phoenix.
Wilson has appealed against the decision in his loss to Emanuel Navarrete, keeping alive slim hopes of a rematch after footage showed a 27-second allowance - almost triple the traditional count - when the Australian floored the red-hot favourite in the fourth round.
The rank outsider, in his US debut, also weighed in about 2kg lighter than expected in a bizarre lead-in drama that had Wilson's camp threatening to boycott the WBO title fight after claims of cheating.
Wilson was eventually stopped in the ninth round on Friday by a resurgent Navarrete, who became a three-division champion and improved to a perfect 11 wins in world-title fights to set up a lucrative blockbuster with fellow Mexican Oscar Valdez.
"I would have said, 'No way, these scales aren't right' and stopped it then and there and requested another set of scales," Fleming told AAP of the weigh-in drama in which Navarrete came in narrowly under the 59kg limit.
"I guess that's just inexperience."
Keen to capitalise on a profile boost after scaring the likely future hall-of-famer, Wilson has called out Fleming for an all-Australian blockbuster.
But Fleming (28 wins, one no result) fights at the same weight, is world ranked by rival bodies the WBA and IBF and is quickly rebuilding his following in a late-blooming career.
If the 34-year-old beats impressive Filipino Charly Suarez (18-0) on March 16 in Sydney he will move closer to an overdue title shot - but potentially further from a duel with WBO favourite Wilson.
He just got his shot at the world title," Beijing Olympian Fleming said.
"I'm nearly 35 and still haven't had mine, so it's the Suarez fight first and then I'm not going to fight Liam for his ego or a rebound.
"I only want fights that'll move me closer to a world title.
"If it is one of those, then 150 per cent let's do it; we've been calling for it and it's a bit funny now it suits him he's calling it out."
If the pair continue to diverge it could mean they only fight to unify different world-title belts.
"Liam's very dangerous very early, but from what I've seen he loses his way (in the later rounds)," Fleming said.
"He's got a good left hook, but that one shot ain't going to work fighting me.
"I'm more elusive; you've got to have more in your repertoire."
Live boxing in Ho Chi Minh City is BACK !
FINALLY !
Two years of miserable pandemic, and Saigon has been starved of action packed sports entertainment.
VSP PRO will showcase some of Vietnam's best young prospects - all making their professional debuts.
7 great fights boasting whiz kids from Saigon and Hanoi - including a bout featuring two hot girls that are desperate for north/south bragging rights.
And make no mistake, all these boxers are chasing the same dream -
TO BECOME CHAMPIONS !
And VSP Boxing Gym are offering the best new year's present of all - free admission for everyone to come and enjoy the VSP PRO !
This will be the first of many Saturday night events in HCMC this year, so get to VSP and watch some of Vietnam's hottest young talent go at it.
The show will also be broadcast live on WebTheThao and VTV Cable if you aren't lucky enough to be there on the night.
VSP PRO
Saturday February 25th 6pm start
VSP Boxing Gym
147 Đ. Nguyễn Du, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
The team of Liam Wilson have turned their attentions to Australian indigenous star Paul Fleming, and possibly to Teofimo Lopez conqueror George Kambosos, if they are not granted a rematch after Saturday's controversial title fight in the US.
The No Limit team have lodged a complaint regarding the delay (up to 28 seconds) afforded to Emmanuel Navarrete after Wilson dropped him in the 4th round of their fight.
Paul Fleming has an outstanding record of 28 and 0, and many regard the man dubbed "Showtime" as the most naturally talented Aussie fighter in recent years. He is also ranked in the top 15 with the IBF, WBA and WBC, and will force his way into the top 10 assuming he is successful in his next bout on March 16th.
Paul Fleming meets Philippines star Charly Suarez in Sydney, and it appears the teams of Wilson and Fleming are both totally overlooking the unbeaten pinoy.
The word is strong in Australia that the Fleming team are extremely confident of delivering the King's Warrior his first loss, and are predicting it to come in spectacular fashion. They feel a knockout win is required to stamp his claims to being Australia's best in the weight class.
Alternatively, a win by Suarez elevates the Philippines man to #3 with the IBF, and a possible mouth watering clash with Liam Wilson.
Le Hoang Hiep took a dive in the deep end when he took on the Philippines Jetro Pabustan last December.
Despite jumping some weight classes, the rumored Russian gang member was confident he could handle the former WBO World title contender, and true to his word, he delivered a great all action display.
Baby Kong will return to the ring for VSP PRO this month, and as usual, he is immodest about his prospects.
"Please get me the address of my opponent's parents, I will send an apology note and flowers.
Sorry for the ass kickin' It was just all business. Signed Baby Kong!"
VSP PRO
Saturday February 25th
VSP BOXING GYM
147 Đ. Nguyễn Du, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
When talking about the fabled Vietnamese Tiger fighting spirit, they surely must have based the narrative around Thai Hoang Huy !
This former HCMC Muay Thai champion fell in love with boxing only in recent times, and made his debut in an exhibition bout against an absolute killer named JonJon Estrada - a man who has created absolute carnage in just about every fight he contests.
Estrada had previously scored 15 wins as a professional and owns THE BEST knockout stats in the featherweight division - 14 of his victims have been put to sleep !
And Thai Hoang Huy had NEVER even competed in a boxing match !
Huy did a great job, and after surviving a round one knockdown, traded leather with Estrada until the referee stopped the match in round 3.
It was great learning for the fighter with the ring name of Nak Su, which naturally enough, means WARRIOR.
Saturday February 25, Nak Su is back, and will make his professional debut at VSP PRO.
Huy will contest a 4 round bout in the featherweight class of 57kg.
It is certainly been a crazy ride for the former muay thai fighter who hadn't tried boxing untll 3 months ago !
Palawan pugilist Erson Trinidad heads to Korakuen Hall Tokyo tomorrow, fuelled with the task of spoiling the pro debut of Japanese boxer Ryusei Matsumoto.
The local boxer is a well performed amateur, who even got to face Carlo Paalam in the 3 round format. But he has a significant task tomorrow against the boy from Puerto Princesa.
Erson "the Trigger" Trinidad has already notched up 5 wins and 3 knockouts, and his aim will be to show the Japanese crowd a bit of that famous Palawan island spice tomorrow.
Lots of interest in this one. Outstanding featherweight Emmanuel Navarrete moves up a weight class in an effort to take the vacant WBO super featherweight title.
Former world champ Oscar Valdez was the original opponent slated for Navarrete, but was subsequently replaced by Australian Liam Wilson.
Wilson is well known to Philippines fans as the man dropped by Joe Noynay, subsequently reversing that outcome in a rematch.
Wilson is a big 130lb fighter and always in great shape, so it will be interesting to see if Navarrete is as effective in the new weight class against a larger and heavy handed opponent.
Two of the best young emerging talents in the Philippines come out of Quibors Boxing Gym in Manila.
Weljon Mindoro and Jerald Into are still in the learning phase of their boxing careers, but have performed amazingly well so far, and have both managed to maintain unbeaten records.
Unlike many of their industry colleagues, Mindoro and Into are blessed with height and wing span, and this will be a huge asset once they progress to international bouts. Jerald Into has already had a taste, putting on a great performance to outpoint top Vietnam visitor Nguyễn Văn Hải at home in Manila in August 2022.
The two young fighters attracted some interested onlookers today, and were watched on by top trainer and fighter combination Delfin Boholst and Charly Suarez.\
Leonardo Doronio and Mark John Yap were the two most experienced boxers to grace the ring at REVOLUTION yesterday.
Both boxers looked in great shape, and it was very definitely the best version of Doronio we have seen in recent fights.
He pumped out skillful jabs that forced Yap to change position in the early rounds, and looked very comfortable in defense. Doronio also looked more dynamic than he has in a long while, and always looked dangerous. Based on yesterday's performance, Leonardo Doronio has a lot more wins in store.
Mark John Yap, superlatives often fall short, but his skills and killer were again to the fore.
Watch carefully how he set up that hook.
Bravo to Yap - bring on 2023 !
