Mark John Yap

Mark John Yap

The Journey Man

Lightweight, 135 lbs (61 kg)

Age :

36


Height :

168

cm


Stance :

Orthodox


Region :

Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental


Country :

Philippines


Record : PRO DEBUT


Record :

34

Wins

(

17

KO)

/

19

Loss

/

0

Draws

Mark John Yap is one of the Philippines premier boxers, and arguably one of their best internationally performed in recent times. In the five years prior to the pandemic, Yap literally tore some of Japan’s best fighters to shreds, and picked up three OPBF titles in the process. He has recorded 31 wins as a professional. Amazing considering the caliber of opposition that he has confronted during his incredible career.

This is a vastly experienced boxing star who most recently overcame Papua New Guinea champion Junior Raka in dominating fashion, and will be using this exhibition bout the keep his weapons sharp for a likely bout in Manila in January.

Don’t be surprised to see the Journey Man back in Vietnam in 2023 for a big fight.

Mark John Yap

In VSP Promotions

Mark John Yap

In the news

Amateur vs Professional boxer...WHO WINS?
May 16, 2025

Amateur vs Professional boxer...WHO WINS?

NGHIỆP DƯ VÀ CHUYÊN NGHIỆP - AI THẮNG?
Đã có rất nhiều trận đấu hấp dẫn qua các năm giữa các tay đấm nghiệp dư nhanh nhẹn, kỹ thuật và các võ sĩ chuyên nghiệp dày dạn kinh nghiệm.
VSP PRO đã đưa Mark John Yap từ Philippines 🇵🇭 đến Việt Nam để thi đấu với tay đấm nghiệp dư triển vọng Nguyễn Hà Minh trong một trận đấu biểu diễn chuyên nghiệp.

Công bằng mà nói, Mark Yap (người có 34 trận thắng chuyên nghiệp) đã không tập luyện nghiêm túc cho trận này, mà chỉ xem nó như một buổi khởi động để duy trì cảm giác thi đấu cho các trận sắp tới.
Anh ấy rõ ràng trông hơi “mềm” ở vòng bụng và thi đấu khá thoải mái, ung dung.

Ngược lại, Nguyễn Hà Minh trông TUYỆT VỜI!
Anh ấy có vẻ ngoài của một siêu sao thực thụ, và còn có thành tích nổi bật tại các giải đấu nghiệp dư trong nước.

Ngay ở hiệp đầu tiên, Nguyễn Hà Minh đã thể hiện phong độ tốt nhất của mình.
Anh khiến đối thủ "lên lớp" với tốc độ và những góc đánh thông minh, đồng thời trêu ngươi tay đấm người Philippines bằng những cú đấm thẳng như tia laser.
Trong khi đó, Mark John Yap trông như vừa ngủ dậy và đang vội vã đi tìm bữa sáng!

Hiệp 2 cũng có kịch bản tương tự, tuy nhiên về cuối hiệp, Mark Yap bắt đầu lấy lại cảm giác thi đấu, cắt góc và dồn ép “thần đồng” Việt Nam.

Hai hiệp cuối hoàn toàn thuộc về tay đấm chuyên nghiệp Mark Yap.
Anh liên tục dồn ép Nguyễn Hà Minh và bắt đầu tung ra những cú đấm nặng vào vùng bụng.
Mark Yap đã tìm được khoảng cách lý tưởng và đánh gục võ sĩ nghiệp dư đến 3 lần trong hiệp cuối, giành chiến thắng áp đảo.

Sau trận đấu, Nguyễn Hà Minh chia sẻ rằng đó là một trải nghiệm khá bất ngờ.
Anh cảm thấy rất tự tin trong 2 hiệp đầu, cho rằng mình cao lớn hơn, nhanh hơn và kỹ thuật hơn.
Nhưng ngay khi dính cú đấm đầu tiên vào bụng – mọi thứ thay đổi rất nhanh.

"Tôi chưa bao giờ bị đánh như vậy ở các trận nghiệp dư, và tôi thật sự choáng!
Tôi đã cố gắng phản công, nhưng một khi anh ấy bắt đầu đánh trúng, tôi không còn biết phải làm gì để ngăn lại.
Anh ta đánh cả cao lẫn thấp, làm tôi rất bối rối trong phòng thủ.
Tôi từ cảm giác tràn đầy năng lượng, chuyển sang cảm giác như mất hết tay chân – mà lúc đó mới chỉ là hiệp 4!!
Dĩ nhiên đây là một trải nghiệm tuyệt vời với tôi, và tôi tự hào khi được đứng chung võ đài với Mark John Yap.
Đây là trận đấu khó khăn nhất trong sự nghiệp của tôi."

Tối nay, Mark John Yap sẽ đối đầu với ngôi sao nghiệp dư châu Âu một thời – Alexander Fredrikkson – tại Cebu.
Fredrikkson hiện đã có thành tích 2-0 chuyên nghiệp, cả hai trận đều thắng bằng knockout ngay hiệp đầu.
Mark John Yap sẽ là thử thách lớn đầu tiên của anh ấy.

Xem lại trận đấu giữa Nguyễn Hà Minh và Mark John Yap tại đây:

https://youtu.be/KOW0ZEm3Wrw?si=Y5jco5-_2-XF2DwQ
KUMBATI 19 TURNS IT ON FOR THE FANS
May 15, 2025

KUMBATI 19 TURNS IT ON FOR THE FANS

Mark John Yap and Alexander Fredrikkson just made weight for what is undoubtedly the most interesting and talked about match up in the Philippines this year !

The final face-off completed, Fredriksson and Yap looked in cracking shape, and recorded on the scales :

Alexander “The Showtime” Fredriksson - 133. 2 
Mark John “The Journey Man” Yap - 133.7 

Will Fredrikkson's youth and outstanding amateur pedigree prevail ?
Or will Mark John Yap, who has notched up 34 pro wins, and has fought against many of the world's best, simply ask too many hard questions of the top prospect and show him it's age before beauty !!

We have a great and highly debated fight here in Cebu tomorrow !!

📍 IPI Tingub Gym
🕔 May 16, 2025 | 5:00 PM

 #KUMBATI19 #FredrikssonYap #WeighInDone #FightNightReady
EXPERIENCE VS AMBITION
May 5, 2025

EXPERIENCE VS AMBITION

EXPERIENCE VS AMBITION - WHAT'S TRUMPS ?
Mark John Yap Takes on Alexander Fredrikkson

Mark John Yap, reveringly known as "The Journey Man," is set to face Alexander Fredrikkson in Cebu on May 16th. 
With 34 career wins since 2007, Yap has established himself as one of the toughest fighters in the sport, with a reputation for facing elite competition regularly.

Mark John Yap's has an imposing record :

- 34 career wins since 2007
- 7 losses since 2014, all to undefeated or world-ranked fighters, including:
    - *Angelo Leo (18-0)*: Future world champion
    - *Angel Alejandro (10-0)*: Rising U.S. prospect
    - *Jadier Herrera (16-0)*: Cuban powerhouse
    - *Charly Suarez (18-0)*: Olympian and world contender
    - *Apichet Petchmanee (16-1)*: Thai WBC champion
    - *Jerald Into (11-1)*: Philippines #1, WBC champ

Yap's last fight was a grueling war with Jerald Into for the WBC Lightweight title, showcasing his endurance and skill. Into has since gone on to record a dominant win at Super Lightweight in the WBC GRAND PRIX in Saudi Arabia. 

Alexander Fredrikkson's Rise to Prominence :

Alexander Fredrikkson, a Swedish amateur star, is stepping into the ring for just his third pro fight against Yap. 
With over 100 wins in amateur fights, Fredrikkson has:
- Won 6 national championships
- Ranked #3 in Europe and #5 in the world juniors
- Made a strong professional debut with two first-round knockouts

The Upcoming Fight at KUMBATI 19 :

This bout pits experience against ambition, with Yap's battle-tested skills facing off against Fredrikkson's youthful energy and talent. 
Can Fredrikkson handle the level of opposition, or will Yap prove he's still got plenty of bite? 

The fight is set for May 16th in Cebu, promising an exciting clash between two of the most talented fighters in the division.
THIS ONE REALLY SUCKS !!
February 5, 2025

THIS ONE REALLY SUCKS !!

Bigtime disappointed that this match between old dog Mark John Yap and up and coming star Alexander Fredrikkson failed to meet the approval of GAB.

VSP had already run the story that what appeared to be a mismatch on paper - Yap with 34 wins up against Fredrikkson with only1 win would very likely turn out to be the fight of the night !

The deeds of Mark John Yap are well known. 
But how about this kid who is one of the shining prospects of Omega Cebu. 

Alexander Fredrikkson has been competing since he was 13 years of age, and has already amassed a super impressive record that will likely give him plenty of success as a higher level professional. 
It certainly places him well in advance of your typical early stage fighter !

Consider this :
Fredrikkson went 178-7 in amateur fights. 
He was a 6x national champion, and was ranked #3 European, #5 ranked in the world juniors at his peak.

His only fight as a professional lasted literally seconds into a first round demolition job.

Now regulators like GAB have an important role to play, especially when it comes to the safety of the sport’s competitors. 
But is an inexperienced or debut boxer safe in the ring with Alexander Fredrikkson ?

I say NO !!
Bring on Mark John Yap !!!!
TWO YEARS AGO ALREADY !!
November 17, 2024

TWO YEARS AGO ALREADY !!

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

The Vietnam 🇻🇳 team was spearheaded by Dinh Hong Quân, a guy that had been on a winning run and was defending an IBF Title, but he was having lots of trouble with his weight in the lead up. He even collapsed at one stage and had to be resuscitated at one point !
We had top young prospects Lê Hoàng Hiep and Phan Minh Quân, who fought out of their skins against international pro boxers with more than 70 wins between them ! 
Nguyễn Văn Hải is obviously a legend on the local scene but had been inactive, so he was a bit of a "query" inclusion - yet he produced a memorable performance that culminated in two dramatic knockdowns.
But even more amazing was the debut of another Vietnam kid Thai Hoang Huy - this guy had never even boxed (he was a muay thai student that loved the idea of being a boxer !) And he went in with an opponent that had 14 knockouts in 15 wins - BIG BALLS !!
Suffice to say, the Vietnam 🇻🇳 team had a great experience and a lot of fun at this show - it was held at the beautiful Grand Ho Tram Resort in the coastal area of Vung Tau.

The visiting international team?
Well - some crazy talent on that side of the fence !

Philippines 🇵🇭 - Charly Suarez, Mark John Yap, Arnel Baconaje, Jetro Pabustan and Jon Jon Estrada. 
These guys share plaudits as multiple national and regional title holders, with the unbeaten Suarez currently on the precipice of a world title.

Indonesia 🇮🇩 - Paisal Panjaitan - a really top unbeaten prospect who is now #2 in his country.
Defry Palulu - an Indonesia #2 and WBC belt holder.

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

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

Thanks for making this FORTUNES OF WAR a very memorable event boys, you put on a thrilling and entertaining show for everyone that was lucky enough to be there to see it.
VSP wish you continued luck and enjoyment in your boxing adventures ahead.

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

https://youtu.be/wtvhUrz5EVg?si=wFMeYF-L41LBBD7p
WHEN THE WAR IS OVER IT'S TIME TO EAT !
August 18, 2024

WHEN THE WAR IS OVER IT'S TIME TO EAT !

Mark John Yap and Jerald Into fought themselves to a standstill in stifling hot conditions in Surigao del Sur on Thursday night.
The two fighters turned on an all action performance in their pursuit of the WBC Asia title, and both were near collapsed on their stools at round 8.
Fast forward two hours, and despite a few aches and pains, the protagonists had recovered enough to take this shot in the food market which was buzzing for fiesta in Cantilan. 
And it's a great reminder that true professionals are total warriors inside the ropes, and total gentleman outside ! 
Congratulations to Jerald Into for another superb performance - you are making improvements in every fight. 
And big kudos to Mark John Yap for taking on challenges like this. 
Jumping a weight class or two to fight a big guy like Jerald Into is no joke. 
But even more newsworthy is that Yap had to rush back to CDO to welcome the birth of his baby daughter Claudia the very next day. 
Now that is great timing indeed!
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs Yap on your new addition !
YAP FIGHTS FOR WBC CROWN AUGUST 15TH
August 12, 2024

YAP FIGHTS FOR WBC CROWN AUGUST 15TH

VSP and Elorde team boy Marjohn Yap faces unbeaten prospect Jerald Into for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia lightweight belt in the main event of Manny Pacquiao’s “Blow-by-Blow” boxing show at the Cantilan Municipal Gymnasium in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.

At 35 years old and with a 17-year pro career, Yap is still a very credible and dangerous fighter. He won four of his last five fights.

Yap is coming off a unanimous decision win over fellow journeyman Monico Laurente last year.

The 24-year-old Into, on the other hand, is a fast-rising prospect who’s been impressive in his five-year pro career.

He’ll be facing his stiffest test against the experienced Yap.

Into is fresh from a second-round stoppage of veteran Jhon Gemino last March 23, 2024.

Yap is 34-18 with 17 knocksouts, while Into is 10-0 with eight kayos.

Meanwhile, knockout artist Fernando Tagpuno Jr. (8-3, 8 KOs) takes on undefeated Jing Aguan (6-0, 4 KOs) for the Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) featherweight belt and Roslan Eco (11-3, 7 KOs) locks horns with Jayson Brillo (8-2-1, 7 KOs) in the featured fights.

In the undercard, Crisalito Beltran (6-0, 5 KOs) trades leathers with Roger Ocum (4-0, 3 KOs), Jesarial Ancajas (3-0, 1 KO) goes up against Paolo Fortun (3-0, 1 KO), Randy Palma (2-0, 2 KOs) exchanges blows with Nigerian-Japanese JJ Ologun (5-0, 4 KOs), Nico Salado (2-0-1, 1 KO) faces Ricky Cristobal (3-2, 1 KO), Niño Cardoza (3-2) clashes with Hermon Remoroza (2-1, 2 KOs), Ken Danila (2-0, 2 KOs) battles Jayson But-ay (2-0, 1 KO), Benjo Neri (3-2, 1 KO) fights vs. Mark Sabang (2-1-1, 1 KO), Jingie Labtic (1-1, 1 KO) faces Rodrigo Virtudazo (0-1), Sunday Lacar goes up against Elmar Tiempo, and John Ferl Buer (1-0, 1 KO) opens the show against Jurie Micho Evangelista. / EKA

*story courtesy of SunStar Philippines 

#vspboxing #VSPPromotions #elordegym #vsppro
YAP AND NGAKA BOTH WANTING WBF PRIZE
March 17, 2024

YAP AND NGAKA BOTH WANTING WBF PRIZE

The countdown is on !
The Philippines' Mark John Yap and Botswana's Moabi Ngaka will be banging it out in 10 days time to decide the World Boxing Foundation International title.
And both countries are supremely confident of capturing the prestigious prize !

Those in the Yap camp say that this is the lightest they have seen the Journey Man prior to a big fight, and that his training has seen the experienced warrior ascend to new levels.
Moabi Ngaka is famed for his cardio, and has been reeling off 20km runs in amongst a torrid twice daily training schedule of sparring multiple partners at each session. 
This will very definitely be a battle of Mark John Yap's experience and power versus the speed, movement and endurance of the younger and taller Moabi Ngaka. 
But as they say, two dogs - one bone !!
So who you got ????

RUMBLE IN THE OKAVANGO 
Maun National Stadium Botswana 
Saturday March 30th 

#rumbleintheokavango #elordetv #vspboxing #Webthethao #BOXINGBIDABEST #VSPPromotions #1xbet
RACE IN BOTSWANA
March 9, 2024

RACE IN BOTSWANA

🇵🇭Mark John "The journey man" Yap 34-18 (Elorde ) vs 🇧🇼Moabi Ngaka 3-1-1 of Botswana
🏆 Super featherweight 10 rounds
📅March 30, 2024

Good luck Yap! 👊

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Boxing Bida Best Fairtex Philippines VSP Promotions Markjohn the rebirth Yap 

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PHILIPPINES SET FOR AN AFRICAN SAFARI
March 10, 2024

PHILIPPINES SET FOR AN AFRICAN SAFARI

Three weeks out and no signs of nerves, the Elorde team of Mark John Yap, Arnel Baconaje, JonJon Estrada and Jetro Pabustan (trainer) discuss articles of war for the RUMBLE IN THE OKAVANGO on March 30th. 
The event will match many of Africa and Asia's best boxers against one another in Maun, Botswana - a location that is the gateway to the iconic Okavango Delta. 
All three pinoy have significant tasks ahead.
JonJon Estrada takes on South African champion Jeff Magagane in the featherweight class.
Arnel Baconaje meets Steven Bagwasi, arguably the best boxer P4P in Botswana. 
Mark John Yap appears in the main event - a WBF International title match against local star Moabi Ngaka. 
The three Philippines 🇵🇭 boxers will be part of an Asian Team that includes China 🇨🇳, India 🇮🇳 and Vietnam 🇻🇳. 

#rumbleintheokavango #elordetv #vspboxing #Webthethao #VSPPromotions #elordegym #elorde
NGAKA TAUNTS MARK YAP TO GO TO WAR
February 29, 2024

NGAKA TAUNTS MARK YAP TO GO TO WAR

Botswana’s Moabi "The Eagle" Ngaka " is a man well versed with the habitat of lions, and he will need to draw on all that hometown knowledge on March 30th when he steps into the ring with the Philippines' Mark John Yap. 
The two boxers will contest the World Boxing Foundation International title - a main event contest over 10 rounds to decide the Super Featherweight champion.
And the task for Ngaka is daunting to say the least !

Despite being a talented member of the national team in Botswana, he has literally had to jump at the very limited pro opportunities that have come his way, amassing a 3-1 record. And if you include his bouts not listed in BoxRec, he is already 7-1. 
There is no doubt that Moabi Ngaka has the makings of quality international boxer. 
But against Mark John Yap - REALLY ? 

It's just impossible to see that he has the experience to go with a man that has 17 years in the pro ranks, had an unbeaten run of 10 wins in Japan over 3 years where he tore some of their very best to shreds. Yap picked up three OPBF titles in a winning run that was finally ended in a points loss to world rated #2 Takuma Inoue.

But here's the interesting footnote - Moabi Ngaka specifically asked for the task ! There were a number of easier opponents that the African boxer could have taken, but he chose the Philippines Journey Man instead. 

"I want Mark John Yap !! He is a warrior, so am I - so lets GO TO WAR ! 
I'm not here to play around, I train hard, and I fight harder. I want to test myself with real fighters, and they don't come any more real than Yap."

Those close to the Botswana boxer share his belief, and say he is ripe to pull off a big upset against his Philippines rival. Ngaka is renowned for his cardio and loose movement in the ring, and they are of the opinion that Yap will be air swinging on old legs in later rounds.

"I want everyone to tune in on March 30th - I will say that this will be a war, and I will drop Mark Yap. Maybe more than once. They will all be saying that the EAGLE HAS LANDED."

RUMBLE IN THE OKAVANGO 
Maun National Stadium Botswana, Africa 
Saturday March 30th 

#rumbleintheokavango #elordetv #vspboxing #Webthethao #VSPPromotions #elordegym #elorde
MARK VS MOABI
February 21, 2024

MARK VS MOABI

MARK JOHN YAP 🇵🇭 PHILIPPINES versus 
MOABI NGAKA 🇧🇼 BOTSWANA 

World Boxing Foundation International title 130lb 
Maun National Stadium, Maun Botswana 
Saturday March 30th 

#rumbleintheokavango #vsppromotions #vspboxing ##elordegym #ElordeTV #WebTheThao
"MARK YAP WILL DROP. THIS IS WAR !"
February 19, 2024

"MARK YAP WILL DROP. THIS IS WAR !"

The main event boxer that will face the Philippines' Mark John Yap has made the bold prediction that he will drop his counterpart at least once in next month's headliner.
This is a view that's endorsed by many in Africa that think Yap will age overnight, and that he doesn't have the speed or legs to go with his younger opponent. 

"Africa is different man. It's really hot here, we are used to it. And we have lots to deal with every day, fighting is what we love, and to have old men come to our backyard and beat us ? C'mon man, that just not gonna happen. 
Yah eish we are lions and we hungry !
Yap is a good fighter, but he won't be good against me. But respect - I know he will try hard, he will do his best to make it good for the people watching"

Moabi Ngaka heads a team of 11 boxers from the African nations of Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe to fight in Maun on March 30th. 
Mark John Yap and Moabi Ngaka will compete for the World Boxing Foundation title at 130lb. 

RUMBLE IN THE OKAVANGO 
Maun Stadium Botswana Africa 
Saturday March 30th 

#rumbleintheokavango #vspboxing #Webthethao #VSPPromotions #elordegym #elorde
YAP PUTTING MILES IN THE LEGS FOR AFRICA
February 4, 2024

YAP PUTTING MILES IN THE LEGS FOR AFRICA

African boxers are famed for their athleticism, their cat like reflexes, but even moreso, their crazy endurance.
Their boxers have great lungs, which makes them ever so hard to beat in longer fights.
And Mark John Yap heads to Botswana on March 30th for a leg sapping 10 round classic with local star Moabi Ngaka. 
Ngaka is fabled for his cardio, and rises at 4am to knock off 20km road runs before the sun beats hard. 
Well two can play at that game !
The "Journey Man" Mark John Yap competed in the Cagayan de Oro "marathon" earlier today, landing a top five finish in the 10km road race. And the good news is, he was doing his best work at the finish. 
Yap will spearhead a top international team in Botswana Africa next month, and is adament that he will have the legs to go with a younger and hungry Moabi Ngaka. 
Ngaka has already raised eyebrows stating he will drop Yap, and make a statement win that will shock Asia.
But dropping Yap will be no easy feat !
Mark John Yap has 34 wins on his resume, with his only losses in recent years being against unbeaten and world rated opponents. Often these were bouts taken at extremely short notice, or out of his weight class. He also has plenty of firepower of his own, sending 17 opponents to the canvas.
The war of words has only just begun !

RUMBLE IN THE OKAVANGO  
Saturday March 30th Maun Stadium 

#rumbleintheokavango #vietnamboxingorganization #vspboxing #Webthethao #VSPPromotions
MARK JOHN YAP CONTINUES THE "JOURNEY"
January 25, 2024

MARK JOHN YAP CONTINUES THE "JOURNEY"

Big news breaking soon on the next fight for Mark John Yap THE JOURNEY MAN !!

It's BIG, and you will be surprised where he is headed !
THERE AIN'T NO STOPPING NOW !!
December 18, 2023

THERE AIN'T NO STOPPING NOW !!

It's fight day !
UNSTOPPABLE Ultimate Knockout Challenge 
Live from the Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque 
Action starts at 1pm.
ESTRADA AND YAP ARE UNSTOPPABLE
December 16, 2023

ESTRADA AND YAP ARE UNSTOPPABLE

UNSTOPPABLE Ultimate Knockout Challenge coming this Monday in Parañaque Manila, live from the Flash Grand Ballroom at the Elorde Sports Centre. 

The fight list could very well be the best this year, and certainly a great way to finish it :

Esneth Domingo VS 
Michael Bravo 

Carl Jammes Martin VS 
Chaiwat Buatkrathok 

Jon Jon Estrada VS 
Jhon Gemino 

Presco Carcosia VS 
Alvin Medura 

Mike Plania VS 
Daniel Nicolas 

Arnel Baconaje VS 
JR Magboo 

Mark John Yap VS 
Monico Laurente 

Enrique Magsalin VS 
Vergilio Silvano 

Gabriel Santisima VS 
Arjhay Recto 

Melvin Manangquil VS 
Royder Lloyd Borbon 

Christian Gagarin VS 
Zillo Duyogan 

David Santisima VS 
Gabriel Bajada 

Kiyoto Narukami VS 
Christian Tiburon 

×
MARK JOHN YAP READY TO GO SNAP SNAP
December 13, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP READY TO GO SNAP SNAP

Vietnam and VSP visitor from the Philippines Mark John Yap is set to finish 2023 the way it started - with a BANG !
Yap defeated the tough Leonardo Doronio by knockout in January, then took time out for the birth of his first child Yuri. 
Despite putting on some weight, Yap came to Vietnam and performed an exhibition against national team boxer Nguyễn Hà Minh, and though looking rusty, he dropped his classy opponent multiple times in the final round for an impressive win. 
Vietnam hosted Mark John Yap once more in July, when he headed to Ho Tram and bested Hasan Sikdar  - once more by knockout. 
The VSP sponsored boxer returns to the ring next Monday on a mammoth card to be held at the Elorde Sports Centre in Parañaque Manila.  And looking at the shape he is in, another knockout would certainly not surprise. 
Mark John Yap ranks with Charly Suarez as amongst the very best foreign boxers to ever come to Vietnam, and we really hope to see him here again in 2024.
YAP TAKES A JOURNEY TO WBC GLORY
September 26, 2023

YAP TAKES A JOURNEY TO WBC GLORY

Mark John Yap has arrived in Manila, en route to Bangkok, where he fights for the WBC Asia title this Saturday night.

Yap will make an audacious bid at the belt, jumping a weight class to Lightweight to take on champion Apichet Petchmanee who boasts a 15 win 1 loss record.

MARK JOHN YAP v APICHET PETCHMANEE
September 15, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP v APICHET PETCHMANEE

WBC ASIA LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

It's Philippines meets Thailand

Watch the Journey Man hits the road once more and will jump in weight in a bold plot to overthrow champion Apichet Petchmanee 15-1.

Saturday September 30th in  Bangkok Thailand.

YAP BROTHERS IN ARMS FOR WBC TITLE
September 14, 2023

YAP BROTHERS IN ARMS FOR WBC TITLE

Mindanao mauler Mark John Yap has been offered the opportunity to add another title to his collection at very short notice, and has enlisted some family help before he heads to Manila. A 3x OPBF champion at 118lb in Japan, Yap is set to make an audacious bid to win the WBC Asia Lightweight title (at 135lb !) in Bangkok at the end of this month. Despite the very short time to prepare, his brother has stepped in to fast track his training for the impending WBC event. But brother Alberto Yap jr is no stranger to the sport of hard knocks  ! The  CDO local is a former amateur star, having even won the Philippines national youth title in a past life  ! Mark John Yap has really proved to be a renaissance man in recent times, and despite having to compete above his normal weight class this month, he is expected to be a huge chance to secure more silverware for the Philippines ! Yap takes on the outstanding Thai champion Apichet Petchmanee, a boxer who boasts a 15-1 record.

MARK JOHN YAP IN WBC ASIA TITLE BID
September 6, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP IN WBC ASIA TITLE BID

Breaking news is the announcement that Philippines Mark John Yap will fight in Bangkok later this month for the WBC Lightweight crown.

Cagayan de Oro product Yap will challenge Thailand champion Apichet Petchmanee (15-1) for the belt that he secured back in late 2022. Petchmanee has been very dominant at home, and suffered his lone points loss abroad at Korakuen Hall against the outstanding Japanese boxer Katsuya Yasuda (10-0)

Mark John Yap has been a revelation since fighting Charly Suarez in Manila one year ago. He had previously done his best work at Bantamweight and was contemplating retirement, but rose to meet Suarez at 130lb.

Despite losing that contest, Yap looked in great touch, and is unbeaten in 4 subsequent fights.

He has defied the stigma of increasing weight, but Petchmanee looms as his first serious test at 135lb.

Mark John Yap v Apichet Petchmanee

WBC ASIA TITLE

September 30th  Bangkok, Thailand

MARK JOHN YAP -  FULL FIGHT (VIETNAM)
July 25, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP -  FULL FIGHT (VIETNAM)

**Courtesy of Cocky Buffalo Promotions

Cagayan de Oro son Mark John Yap dominates before a third round stoppage over Bangladesh boxer Hasan Sikdar.

Elorde boxer Yap was originally scheduled to fight a high level opponent here at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino, but injuries and other fight card changes meant that featherweight Sikdar stepped up at short notice.

Great job by the Bangladesh boxer to survive early, but Yap's relaxed ring control had his rival constantly on the back foot and under a lot of pressure.

Watch for the change of gears in round three when Trainer Jetro Pabustan tells Yap to put the foot down on the accelerator and put an end to it.

ENJOY  !

https://youtu.be/cJvFDRfgDeQ

#cockybuffalopromotions #vbo #proboxing #vietnamboxing

MARK JOHN YAP STUNS IN VIETNAM
July 15, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP STUNS IN VIETNAM

The Philippines Mark John Yap wins with a third round stoppage.

MARK JOHN YAP MAKES WEIGHT
July 14, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP MAKES WEIGHT

Philippines Mark "the Journey Man" Yap weighed just inside the 61kg Lightweight limit at today's Vietnam weigh in.

Yap will fight at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino tomorrow night against Hasan Sikder of Bangladesh. He appears on a big international card featuring nine countries, with the two main events showcasing Vietnam champions Nguyễn Văn Hải and Sam Minh Phát.

https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions/videos/2286202895100626

GAB HEADING TO THE GRAND HO TRAM
July 13, 2023

GAB HEADING TO THE GRAND HO TRAM

There is a big international event in Vietnam this Saturday night, and the Philippines will be proudly represented by a killer by the name of Mark John Yap.

The Vietnam show will also be iconic in the regard of top boxing countries meeting there to discuss the sport and forge cooperation agreements.

GAB Chairman Richard Clarin is flying out this morning, flanked by entourage Jacky and Rex.

The photographer is well known Philippines film star and model Jetro Pabustan.

VSP wishes you all a safe flight and highly successful trip.

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

VIETNAM GET READY FOR THE YAP ATTACK !
July 8, 2023

VIETNAM GET READY FOR THE YAP ATTACK !

VIETNAM GET READY FOR THE YAP ATTACK !

WBO GLOBAL AT THE GRAND HO TRAM

Sat 6:00 PM | July 15, 2023

BOUT 5 : SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT - 59 KG-8R

MARK JOHN YAP

VS

HASAN SIKDAR

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

THE "YAP ATTACK" BACK IN VIETNAM
July 6, 2023

THE "YAP ATTACK" BACK IN VIETNAM

THE "YAP ATTACK" BACK IN VIETNAM

Philippines fighter Mark John Yap was a recent visitor to VSP,  headlining our May event against a future star named Nguyễn Ha Minh.

That was Yap's first hit out since scoring a knockout win in Manila in January, and despite signs of ring rust, all the telltale signs of a very dangerous man were on show.

The Mindanao menace returns to Vietnam next week, and he has mayhem on his mind.

Do not miss seeing this great fighter in Vũng Tàu next week - there will be blood !

WBO GLOBAL AT THE GRAND HO TRAM

Sat 6:00 PM | July 15, 2023

BOUT 5 : SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT - 59 KG-8R

MARK JOHN YAP

VS

HASAN SIKDAR

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

YAP CONTINUES THE "JOURNEY" IN VIETNAM
July 2, 2023

YAP CONTINUES THE "JOURNEY" IN VIETNAM

Mark John Yap has proved to be one of the best performed pinoys on the international circuit in recent years, and plans to add to his imposing record on the road in Vietnam this month.

The boxer affectionately dubbed "The Journey Man", and more recently as "Fat Yap", appears on a big show at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino, amongst a strong lineup of fighters from many different countries.

Yap was impressive in winning in Manila in January, then followed up with a three month break to welcome the birth of his first child Yuri. He has slowly worked back into fight shape, and performed in an exhibition bout in Ho Chi Minh City last month.

And it was trademark Yap !

Despite getting off to a slow start, Mark John Yap proved too physical for national youth boxer Nguyễn Hà Minh, dropping him twice in the final round.

Yap will be looking for an emphatic showing on July 15th, before eyeing off bigger matches later this year.

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.

MARK JOHN YAP IN MANILA WORKOUT
June 28, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP IN MANILA WORKOUT

MIndanao's boxing legend Mark John Yap is showing no signs of slowing, and will be back in the ring again at a big international event in Vietnam next month.

Yap considered retirement after returning from Japan, which was shortly followed by the pandemic - but was coaxed to lace up one more time in a WBA Title match with Charly Suarez.

His performance was outstanding,  and he followed it up with two quality wins shortly after.

The Journey Man was on a short break since January, after welcoming the birth of baby daughter Yuri, and he put on some kilos in that time.

Yap has been on a six week training camp, and competed in an exhibition bout last month with Vietnam youth team member Nguyễn Hà Minh. Despite looking "rusty" early in the match, he dropped his opponent twice in the final round to etch an impressive victory.

Having just recently arriving in Manila, Yap has been under the tutelage of Jetro Pabustan, who put him through a pads session today.

Mark John Yap will fight at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino in Vietnam on Saturday July 15th. You can watch the match here live.

https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions/videos/3542723195972770

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.

YAP READY TO TAKE THE SHOW WORLDWIDE
June 20, 2023

YAP READY TO TAKE THE SHOW WORLDWIDE

Mark John Yap is heading from Cagayan de Oro bound for Manila tonight, ahead of a fight date listed in Vietnam on July 15th.

Yap will do some intense sparring in Manila in preparation for his appearance on an all-international boxer event, which will take place at the Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino on the coastal strip of Vung Tau.

The Mindanao boxer commonly known as the Journey Man, the Yap Attack, and even the Fat Yap, will fight a subcontinent boxer optimistically dubbed The Killer !

Full fight card coming soon.

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.

YAP SHOWS CLASS AT VSP PRO IN VIETNAM
June 1, 2023

YAP SHOWS CLASS AT VSP PRO IN VIETNAM

The Philippines Mark John Yap shows his poise and experience in his excellent win over Vietnam's national team prospect Nguyễn Hà Minh.

WE DONE SPARRING  !
May 31, 2023

WE DONE SPARRING !

Boss Alejandro Belonguel watches two of his prize students in sparring today at VSP.

Doan Hieu and Mark John Yap were impressive winners on Saturday at VSP PRO, yet found the energy to get back in the ring today for some friendly rounds.

The Philippines visitor Yap heads home tomorrow night, but will return to Vietnam on July 15th for a big pro event in Ho Tram.

MARK JOHN YAP STUNS IN VIETNAM WIN
May 28, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP STUNS IN VIETNAM WIN

Mindanao's Mark John Yap wound back the clock in Ho Chi Minh City tonight, with a brutal display over national team prospect Nguyễn Hà Minh.

Yap was returning from a couple of months break from the sport, celebrating the birth of his first daughter Yuri early this year. It was noted at the weigh-in for the Lightweight 61kg clash, that Yap looked a little soft next to his taller and ripped Vietnam opponent.

The Journey Man was given a warm reception by the crowd, who were divided as to how a pro veteran would match up with the slick Vietnam boxer in a highly paced 4 round format.

Nguyễn Hà Minh is only 20 years of age, but is a highly touted member of the Vietnam team,

He is tall, and boxes with beautiful range, has fast hands, and he seamlessly angles between stances to land counters with ridiculous ease.

The first two rounds were arguably won by the local star. The Philippines Yap pressed constantly, but his timing and distance were a little off, and Minh often punished his enterprise with counters.

Despite being outlanded, Yap was undeterred, and always looked significantly dangerous.

Cracks started to appear in the armour of the Vietnam star in the third, as Yap began to find his range, and the momentum shifted noticeably. The Journey Man was walking through Minh's efforts with impunity, and was really chopping his rival to the body. Yap was relentless, and went "old school" brutal in the final round, where he dropped his Vietnam opponent with sadistic attacks to the torso. Nguyễn Hà Minh stoicism saw him meet the final bell, yet had it been a longer bout, the stoppage was perilously near.

Mark John Yap was simply devastating tonight, and produced such a dominant performance on foreign soil, that he was hailed as the winner by unanimous decision.

It was a credible showing by hot national team member Nguyễn Hà Minh, and he acknowledged that Yap's strength and experience overwhelmed him in the home stretch. He will benefit a lot from his encounter with a hardened professional.

But the big news is - YAP IS BACK  !  

The evergreen killer from Cagayan de Oro will return to the ring in a big, soon to be announced fight, this coming July.

FIGHT 7: Nguyễn Hà Minh v Mark John Yap
May 27, 2023

FIGHT 7: Nguyễn Hà Minh v Mark John Yap

Trận đấu chính của sự kiện tối nay  VSP PRO #4  ngày 27/5/2023  "Chưa bao giờ cháy đến vậy "

Trong trận đấu tới đây, Mark John Yap đến từ Philippines sẽ đối đầu với võ sĩ Nguyễn Hà Minh đến từ Việt Nam là một trận đấu đầy kịch tính và hấp dẫn. Cả hai võ sĩ đều có kinh nghiệm và kỹ thuật tốt.

Võ sĩ Mark John Yap là một trong những võ sĩ quyền Anh của Philippines. Anh đã có nhiều chiến thắng ấn tượng trong sự nghiệp của mình. Yap là một đối thủ khó nhai cho những ai đối đầu với anh ấy, anh ta có kình nghiệm, sức mạnh, tốc độ, lẫn kĩ thuật. Mạnh mẽ đến mức nhiều người gọi anh là " Tin Xấu " vì nếu bạn so găng cùng anh ta thì đó là tin xấu cho bạn.

Về Nguyễn Hà Minh đến từ Việt Nam cũng là một võ sĩ quyền Anh, một tuyển thủ quốc gia. Anh đã có nhiều trận đấu thành công và được đánh giá cao về kỹ thuật và sự thông minh. Anh ta sẽ sử dụng chiến thuật nào để có thể đối đầu với hàng loạt đòn tấn công của Yap ?  

Hãy cùng đến và dùng món " khai vị " là 6 trận đấu tuyệt vời của chúng tôi, và rồi là " món chính " trận đấu thứ 7. Ai sẽ là người chiến thắng trong trận đấu này vẫn còn là dấu hỏi lớn. Hãy để hai võ sĩ trả lời câu hỏi này vào tối nay.  

------------------------------------------------------------------------

đến 147 đường Nguyễn Du, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, TP Hồ Chí Minh, để có thể tận mắt xem các trận đấu của sự kiện này nhé

Khán giả cũng có thể xem trực tuyến tại VTV Cab, youtube VSP Boxing, hoặc Facebook VSP Boxing.

VIETNAM BRACES ITSELF FOR THE YAP ATTACK
May 21, 2023

VIETNAM BRACES ITSELF FOR THE YAP ATTACK

Elorde's Mark John Yap headlines at VSP PRO next Saturday night in Ho Chi Minh City.

VIETNAM WELCOMES BACK MARK JOHN YAP
May 20, 2023

VIETNAM WELCOMES BACK MARK JOHN YAP

Get ready for the YAP ATTACK  !!

Philippines Mark John Yap heads to Ho Chi Minh City to take on Vietnam national team young gun Nguyễn Ha Minh.

Watch all the action here live from :

Vietnam      6pm

Philippines 7pm

Australia     9pm

VSP PRO IS BACK IN HO CHI MINH CITY
May 18, 2023

VSP PRO IS BACK IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Nguyễn Ha Minh - Vietnam national team 60kg

Mark John Yap -  remorseless and  sadistic killer

Where there's smoke there's fire  !!!!!!!

Live sports entertainment event

Saturday May 27th   Starts 6pm

VSP Boxing Gym

147 Đ. Nguyễn Du, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

YAP CUT FROM DIFFERENT CLOTH
May 17, 2023

YAP CUT FROM DIFFERENT CLOTH

Cagayan de Oro star Mark John Yap has seen just about everything in a professional career dating back to 2007.

The career traverses 16 years, multiple weight classes and countries, and 32 wins that include many prestigious regional honors such as 3 OPBF straps.

But what has characterized Yap, and remains omnipresent, is that the guy is at the core, a surgical serial killer.

He knows how to inflict damage - and he excels at the task !

Mark John Yap ventures to Ho Chi Minh City next Saturday, where he takes on Vietnam national team star Nguyễn Ha Minh.

Minh is a heavier weight class boxer, but you can be sure, this will make precious little difference to Yap.

Brutality is his game !

VSP PRO  Live sports entertainment event

Saturday May 27th   Starts 6pm

VSP Boxing Gym

147 Đ. Nguyễn Du, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

NGUYỄN VĂN DUONG BACK IN THE SADDLE!
May 1, 2023

NGUYỄN VĂN DUONG BACK IN THE SADDLE!

Philippines Mark John Yap heads to Vietnam next month to tackle the very deadly Nguyễn Văn Duong.

Yap is a winner of 32 bouts and is Philippines #2 behind Charly Suarez.

Nguyễn Văn Duong is Vietnam's first Olympics representative since 1988. He lost in the round of 16 to the Mongolian pro who damaged Ryan Garcia in sparring for Gervonta Davis.

VSP PRO @ VSP Boxing Gym HCMC

Saturday May 27th

Vietnam Champion NGUYỄN VĂN DUONG takes on Philippines Mark John Yap in Saigon - May 2023
April 26, 2023

Vietnam Champion NGUYỄN VĂN DUONG takes on Philippines Mark John Yap in Saigon - May 2023

Vietnam's best boxer Nguyễn Văn Duong will meet Philippines champion Mark John Yap in an exhibition bout at VSP Gym in HCMC on May 27th.

The Vietnam star will likely be in excellent fitness for the proposed match, after havingthe benefits competing at the SEA Games in early May.

Philippines killer Mark John Yap will visit Vietnam  for a training camp at VSP Gym, in preparation for a big fight this coming July. The winner of an incredible 32 professional bouts, Yap is a 3x OPBF champion in Japan, a country where he was unbeaten for three years prior to the pandemic. Mark John Yap is a dangerous task for the Vietnam fighter. His most recent win was in January, where he jumped two weight divisions and savagely knocked out the very durable Leonardo Doronio.

VIETNAM TO EXPERIENCE THE YAP ATTACK
April 6, 2023

VIETNAM TO EXPERIENCE THE YAP ATTACK

Mark John Yap makes a guest appearance in Vietnam next month, when he introduces local champion and Olympian Nguyễn Văn Duong to his unique brand of violence.

SAY WHAT ?  MARK JOHN YAP IN VIETNAM ?
April 3, 2023

SAY WHAT ? MARK JOHN YAP IN VIETNAM ?

DUONG TO BATTLE PHILIPPINES CHAMP ?

Vietnam's premier fighter Nguyễn Văn Duong hasn't seen much ring time since the Olympics, and will make a return for the SEA Games in early May. But his lack of recent competition has many wondering if the Bac Ninh boxer still has what it takes to fight at the highest level.

Philippines champion Mark John Yap will visit Vietnam in May for a training camp, and former 3X OPBF titleholder is open to working with the local talent while he is here.

A winner of 32 professional fights, Yap tore the heart out of Japan's feared Bantamweight division,  going unbeaten in 10 fights over a 3 year period. His most recent fight was in January of this year, where he jumped two weight classes and knocked out former Manny Pacquiao sparring mate Leonardo Doronio.

Asked whether he would be open to an exhibition bout whilst he is in Vietnam, potentially against a killer like Nguyễn Văn Duong, the Philippines star smiled and said :

" Sure, why not, it sounds like a lot of fun ! Let's make it happen !! "

MARK JOHN YAP BACK TO SCHOOL
March 8, 2023

MARK JOHN YAP BACK TO SCHOOL

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  !!!

THE YAP DOG IS BITING IN 2O23
February 9, 2023

THE YAP DOG IS BITING IN 2O23

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 !

Latest news

ESTRADA FACES KAMEDA IN JAPAN
July 21, 2022

ESTRADA FACES KAMEDA IN JAPAN

KNOCKOUT artist Jon Jon Estrada looks to continue his winning streak as he takes on Japanese Kyonosuke Kameda in an eight-round bout on July 23, 2022 at the Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan.

The 33-year-old Estrada won four straight contests since losing to former Olympian Charly Suarez last year. He destroyed Rex Wao, Pablito Canada, Jestine Tesoro and his most recent former ALA Boy Jess Rhey Waminal. He knocked out Waminal in four rounds last March 12 in Parañaque City.

Estrada has already fought twice in Japan. He scored a seventh round knockout of Tasuku Nakagawa in 2018 in his first visit. He lost to Koshin Takeshima by unanimous decision in his second trip to the "Land of the Rising Sun."

The 23-year-old Kameda is looking to bounce back after losing his last fight against Hiroki Hanabusa by unanimous decision.

Kameda is a former Japan Boxing Commission featherweight champion. He won back-to-back fights against Daiki Asai and Tsubasa Narai before his latest defeat.

Estrada is 15-8-1 with 14 knockouts, while Kameda is 7-3-1 with six knockouts.

Estrada is the eighth Pinoy boxer to fight in Japan this month. Four-division world champions Nonito Donaire and Donnie Nietes, Froilan Saludar, Presco Carcosia, Jhon Gemino, Chris Ganoza and Tesoro all fought in Japan this month and lost their respective fights.

*story courtesy of SunStar

VIETNAM MEETS PINOY POWER !
July 21, 2022

VIETNAM MEETS PINOY POWER !

ANNIHILATION UKC will play host to some visiting international boxers, but perhaps none more intriguing than Vietnam legend Nguyen Van Hai !

Despite not having seen the inside of a boxing ring since 2020, Hai is a master of various fight forms, and has the skills and experience to make the biggest tasks seem  simple! His eagerness to compete in Manila was hugely obvious, so much so he did not even ask about the opponent or weight class when invited to fight!

The Hanoi based athlete is renowned for his strength and defensive skills, and though he has extensive amateur experience, has only two pro fights on his resume. He was successful in both bouts, with one ending in stoppage.

Jerald Into is an exciting young southpaw with nice balance and ring savvy. He has an excellent jab that he delivers with variety, and is extremely patient in setting up his shots which is great to see.

And the boy's got POWER!

Jerald Into has won all 4 bouts to date, and done so with conviction, all opponents dispatched by ominous KO !

This has all the makings of the "fight of the day" -  we have all the question marks hanging over the ring return of an almost mythical action figure in Nguyen Van Hai, countered by the rapidly developing but already dangerous Jerald Into.

IF YOU DON'T LOVE THIS, YOU DON'T LOVE BOXING !

NGUYEN VAN HAI v JERALD INTO

6 rounds   Lightweight

ANNIHILATION UKC

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday August 7th

WATCH IT LIVE AT: https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion

MAJADAS READY FOR A DOG FIGHT
July 19, 2022

MAJADAS READY FOR A DOG FIGHT

Juanito Hondante and Malfred Majadas will contest what is destined to be a furious undercard bout at ANNIHILATION UKC next month.

The “Mad Dog” Malfred Majadas is based in Paranaque, and made his pro debut back in March of 2018, when he defeated Rosenido Autida by majority decision. Following on from that success he was able to maintain a busy schedule, which is great for any aspiring young fighter, winning 3 of his 4 bouts to date. This activity was punctuated by the pandemic, and Majadas wasn't seen again till March of this year.

The Mad Dog took on John Jayvee Antonio in Paranaque, and in what was a quality curtain raiser, the clash ended in a Draw. Majadas was the heavier puncher in that bout, landing some thudding shots, but his ring rust and impatience let him down defensively. It's a fair bet that we will see a similar attacking energy from the Mad Dog in his upcoming match, but likely tempered by tidier defense and punch selection.

Juanito Hondante has scored 3 wins to date, and favours trading, which can be a rocks or diamonds strategy. He is vulnerable to counters, but when he gets it right, he has scored knockout wins.

This will be a "blink and you miss it" encounter, and it's impossible not to predict  a stoppage !

MAL MAJADAS v JUANITO HONDANTE

6 rounds       Minimumweight

ANNIHILATION UKC

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila

Sunday August 7th

WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion

I’LL TELL U Y  !!
July 19, 2022

I’LL TELL U Y !!

Hot prospect Antonio Uy makes his second appearance in August when he takes

on debutant Patrick Ballatong. And he is very definitely one to keep an eye on.

And I’ll tell you why!

The “Crossman” made a highly impressive start to his career back in May when he stopped Carlo Diaz, a boxer who appears to have a bright future in his own right.

Anonio Uy is an orthodox boxer from Gingoog City, and has whips of speed and power that complement his excellent boxing skills.

Patrick Ballatong is an experienced exponent of the kick version of the sport, and makes his pure boxing professional debut against a white hot opponent. He also is an orthodox style fighter, and is noted to have extensive sparring against good opponents, and has some very credible amateur performances, that will surely hold him in good stead in his upcoming assignment with Antonio Uy.

ANTONIO UY v PATRICK BALLATONG

4 rounds Super Flyweight

ANNIHILATION UKC

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila

Sunday August 7th

WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion

LINN SANDSTROM LOVES PHILIPPINES !
July 18, 2022

LINN SANDSTROM LOVES PHILIPPINES !

Sweden's Linn Sandstrom had previously visited the Philippines for training camps back in 2019, and returned in March of this year to fight with Cagayan De Oro's Aisah Alico.

Both girls are back for ANNIHILATION UKC, but this time face different opponents. The "Sandstorm" has kept busy, winning bouts in Costa Rica and Australia since her Manila success.

"I love the Philippines, the people are warm like the weather. They always make me feel very welcome, it's almost like I'm an honorary citizen. I'm very excited to be back fighting there again, and really pumped to be on a card with so many great and talented boxers" enthused the Swedish slugger.

Linn Sandstrom will fight Thailand's Khwunchit Khunya in a 6 round bantamweight contest.

ANNIHILATION UKC

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday August 7th

WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion

GREAT FIGHTS WITH FLAVOUR !!
July 18, 2022

GREAT FIGHTS WITH FLAVOUR !!

Some cracking undercard bouts, and the inclusion of some foreign invaders, just to add flavour!

Nguyen Van Hai from Vietnam makes his first international pro appearance when he takes on home boy Jerald Into. Hai is a master at many fight forms, and though he hasn't boxed for some time, his clash with the unbeaten Into will be one of the highlights of ANNIHILATION UKC.

Linn Sandstrom promised a busy 2022, and the popular Swedish up and comer returns after a successful March appearance with Aisah Alico. She matches up with Thailand visitor Khwunchit Khunya.

Mickey Pengue from Australia is an outstanding type, but was derailed in a regional belt fight recently after damaging his ear drum in the opening round. He is on a quick back up in Paranaque, looking to steady the ship against the solid Gerry Patenio. The local boxer showed good signs in his last fight against tall timber Al Cañega, so will be no pushover for the impressive Aussie.

Roland Jay Biendima is a dynamo, and after a quality showing against national Flyweight champ Ben Ligas, he scored an emphatic win over Powell Balaba. Rest assured, he will be looking to carry on the good work when he meets Joel Taduran.

ANNIHILATION UKC

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila

Sunday August 7th

WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion

MORE CARNAGE ON THE WAY AT UKC
July 16, 2022

MORE CARNAGE ON THE WAY AT UKC

Ali Cañega is back this August, and the man known as "Carnage" is looking to build on his growing reputation. Already successful in two bouts this year, Cañega was most recently seen in May, grinding a physical points win over Gerry Patenio (who also makes an appearance on this card against the Aussie Michael Pengue)

Marbon Bodiongan is a "wildcard" entry, but an interesting one, as he hasn't been sighted since 2019. He had two bouts that year for a win and a loss (on the road in Japan)

Why interesting ? Well this is a guy that has infrequently fought in recent years, but he can really box. "Bongbong" has knocked out boxers of the calibre of Michael Dasmarinas and Landy Cris Leon earlier in his career, so if he is anywhere near that form, Cañega is in for a helluva fight!

ALI CAÑEGA v MARBON BODIONGAN

8 rounds Super Lightweight

ANNIHILATION UKC

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila

Sunday August 7th

WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion

RAKA COMING TO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS
July 15, 2022

RAKA COMING TO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS

PNG best boxer is headed to HCMC Vietnam to fight on July 28th and again in Manila on August 6th.

*story courtesy of PNG Attitude

JUNIOR RAKA : IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE GREAT

Martin Beni died last November while officiating at boxing championships in Port Moresby. It's been left to middleweight Junior Kauko Raka to carry forward Beni’s vision. He feels the old champion’s spirit at his back whenever he fights

The best Papua New Guinean boxer to emerge since Martin Beni 50 years ago departs PNG at the end of this month for bouts in the Philippines and Vietnam.

Beni had decided to return from retirement in 2018 to train lightweight boxer Junior Kauko Raka from the Bali-Vitu Islands in West New Britain Province.

“I want to witness the crowning of a PNG boxing champion before I close my eyes,” Beni said at the

But it was not to be, as the old man closed his eyes and died last November from a sudden heart attack at the age of 70 while officiating at boxing championships in Port Moresby.

It was left up to Raka to carry forward Beni’s vision and he feels the old champion’s spirit at his back whenever he fights.

Raka’s bouts in the Philippines and Vietnam are his final outings before his world title shot in October at Port Moresby’s John Guise stadium.

“This will be huge,” says a member of Raka’s support team, Joseph Kanene.

“Junior is a worthy successor to the great Martin Beni.

“Beni came out of retirement to train him believing he could become PNG’s first world champion.”

Now Kanene and Raka’s team are seeking sponsors for the bouts in the Philippines and Vietnam.

The first fight is in Vietnam on Friday 29 July and Kanene is hoping for sponsorship funding from reputable companies or organisations.

“Junior will promote their companies and merchandise and mention their names in the media every chance he gets,” said Kanene.

“He is another Martin Beni on the rise to international sporting stardom.”

Junior throws a right in a recent bout

On Saturday 6 August Raka will contest an exhibition bout in Paranaque, Manila, with Philippines champion, Roldan ‘The Cobra’ Aldea.

In Raka's previous fight against Aldea he lost narrowly on points in a World Boxing Association title match last year.

This was one of his three international bouts so far. Raka won the other two by knockout.

“Junior’s trip to Asia will remove ring rust and set him on course for the World Boxing Association’s Asia super featherweight title,” said Kanene.

“But we need more funds for the two weeks stay in the Philippines and Vietnam.

“Whoever sponsors him will get a huge boost because the country loves him and he deserves enough money to train, eat and support his family of three.”

Junior Raka is now trained by Ephraim Montero, the well-known coach and trainer from South Bougainville.

Martin Beni - the Michael Somare of the ring - put PNG boxing on the sporting world map. Now his protégée Junior Raka seeks to do it again.

THIS GIRL IS DYNAMITE, BABY !
July 13, 2022

THIS GIRL IS DYNAMITE, BABY !

It pays to be versatile, and former musician Rica Aquino makes no secret of her love for the sport of boxing. A relatively late starter to tackling the pros, the girl known as "Baby Dynamite" resumes from a three year hiatus when she clashes with debutant Erika Ballen at ANNIHILATION UKC next month.

Aquino, who also has a passionate involvement in boxing media, is a sponge for information, and is working hard on fitness and skills for her first fight back.

And who better to learn from than the exquisite Miss Gretel De Paz!

Gretel is one of the Philippines best performed pros, and was even recently a SEA Games medalist in Muay Thai.  De Paz has twice been a member of the World Team against Vietnam, where she joined fighters of the calibre of Mateo Tapia, Charly Suarez, Danilo Creati, Virgel Vitor and Michael Pengue.

They say if you go swimming, you gonna get wet, and we are sure Rica got in the deep end of the pool today!

RICA AQUINO v ERIKA BALLEN

4 rounds Bantamweight

ANNIHILATION UKC

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday August 7th

WE’RE HEADING SOUTH !
July 11, 2022

WE’RE HEADING SOUTH !

It may get rough, it may get ugly, but it’s also one of the most highly anticipated match ups at ANNIHILATION UKC this August.

RoyRoy “d’Hammer” Sumugat meets Jufel “the Lion” Salina, and they are vowing to test each other “mano e mano” - in true Southpaw style!

Jufel Salina resumed from almost a two year absence to score an  excellent stoppage win against Kresler Tenorio at the end of 2021. The Lion has managed to stay busy in 2022, and it has paid dividends. He faced the promising Jonniel Laurente in February, and in what appeared anybody’s fight, the judges agreed. Tenorio earned a Majority Draw, and in this match he really displayed significant improvements on his first up win. He then faced a really promising type in the shape of Justin Cabarles, and while its fair to say his opponent had some ring rust, the manner in which Tenorio stopped Cabarles was ultra impressive. This Davao born fighter has now scored 5 wins, 4 coming by knockout, so he obviously lacks nothing in the power department. The Lion is a rapidly improving fighter on the upswing. He’s dangerous!

Roy Roy Sumugat makes his return to the ring after an unfortunate (and unexpected) stoppage loss at the hands of Juanito Paredes in late 2021. It was a match theat the man known as D’Hamer was favoured to win, but one that he will nonetheless derive plenty of benefit. Till then , it was a very successful year for the charismatic boxer.

D’Hammer had scored two stoppage victories already in 2021, and was showing no signs of slowing up!!

In May 2021, he landed a surprise round one knockout over the rugged Eljohn Evangelista, and then followed up in September with another knockout win over Glenn Bismanos. That match proved to be a great test of character for Sumugat, as he was actually dropped himself in round one, and bounced back to eventually wear down the dangerous Bismanos.

Sumugat is originally from Bacolod City, but is  based in Manila with the Elorde team. He is constantly surrounded by quality fighters in that environment, and there is no doubt that the man known as D’Hammer has flourished this year with some regular sparring and competition.

Roy has a natural flair for distance and timing, and knows how to drop the hammer when he has an opponent in trouble. This former “part time” fighter is a major talent, and he has already notched up 12 wins against formidable opponents.

Be in no doubt that RoyRoy will have recovered nicely and will be in crazy shape for his assignment with Salina.

This promises to be one of the standout bouts of the day, but will also provide a real measure of how far Tenorio has grown as a fighter, or alternatively, how wilfully a vengeful Sumugat can out skill his less experienced opponent.

RoyRoy Sumugat v Jufel Salina

8 rounds Super Featherweight

ANNIHILATION UKC

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila

Sunday August 7th

WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion

WORKING TOWARDS WORLD HONOURS
July 10, 2022

WORKING TOWARDS WORLD HONOURS

Mark Magsayo is striving for the world #1 spot when he battles unbeaten 35 and 0 Rey Vargas in Texas today. Whilst showing flaws in his unblemished career thus far, Magsayo has equally shown an ability to improve with every new challenge, and brings speed and power to the ring that very few can surpass.

But he is not the Philippines lone hope to shine bright on the world stage!

Charly Suarez is without doubt the best and most technical boxer that the Philippines has ever produced (and yes, we are including the phenomenon that is Manny Pacquiao) He has been the most heralded amateur of the last decade, winning three SEA Games gold, and losing controversially at the Olympics to the outstanding Joe Cordina. This British boxer is now IBF World champ, after destroying Japan's Kenichi Ogawa with a stunning knockout.

The King's Warrior's world claims were scalable long ago. It is now almost part of folklore that he faced the fabled Vasyl Lomachenko on 5 days notice and visibly injured, only to make the champion work overtime to earn a victory. The Philippines Suarez was out of the ring for 18 months to rehabilitate from this extraordinary effort.

Charly Suarez has made an immediate impact in the pro ranks, and it could be argued that as successful as he was as an amateur, he's even better suited to the longer round format. The unbeaten fighter has amassed 11 wins in extra quick time, and is looking to a WBA title defense next month against Mark John Yap.

And it is expected that the busy Suarez will have at least two more fights this year.

No rest if you are chasing a world title !

Good luck to Mark Magsayo today, and to Charly Suarez, it won't be long before these world top 10 can't hide from you!

CHARLY SUAREZ  v MARK JOHN YAP

WBA Asia Super Featherweight title

ANNIHILATION UKC

Paranaque Manila

Sunday August 7th

WATCH IT LIVE AT: https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion

"THE GENESIS " FIGHT NIGHT
July 9, 2022

"THE GENESIS " FIGHT NIGHT

Seven Vietnam warriors making their debuts against foreign fighters from Australia, Sweden, Papua New Guinea and Malta.

Catch all the action live from VSP Boxing Gym in HCMC on Thursday July 28th.

First bout starts at 7pm.

Get there early or watch it here live !

"PRODIGY" JUNIOR RAKA MANILA BOUND
July 9, 2022

"PRODIGY" JUNIOR RAKA MANILA BOUND

One of Papua New Guinea's best known fighters is headed to Manila, and has agreed to contest an exhibition bout in Paranaque on Saturday August 6th.

ANNIHILATION UKC will be preceded by a huge amateur show the day prior, and the PNG boxer will be looking for some valuable ring time to compensate for a year of inactivity. His opponent is not known yet, but will likely be a pinoy big name.

Richard Pumicpic, Jetro Pabustan, and the Wolverine JonJon Estrada are currently on the PNG banger's hit list!

Junior Raka is a former Arafura Games silver medallist, and has had 3 "official" professional bouts, winning 2 by Knockout. His loss was on points to the outstanding pinoy Roldan Aldea, in a WBA title match in early 2021.

The PNG Prodigy now has his sights set on challenging for that same belt against the freakish Charly Suarez, and his trip to the Philippines will be to remove ring rust, and to set sights on the King's Warrior as a potential future rival.

Junior Raka will head to the Philippines via HCMC Vietnam, where he will resume on Thursday July 28th. Raka takes pride of place as the main event at the show held at VSP BOXING GYM in HCMC.

TOYOGAN’S TITLE PLANS ETCHED IN ROCK!
July 8, 2022

TOYOGAN’S TITLE PLANS ETCHED IN ROCK!

Allan Villanueva looked a quality prospect ever since debuting back in 2015, winning 7 of his first 8 matches by Knockout.

He has since gone on to win 11 bouts, with his two lone losses coming at the hands of outstanding Omega boxers Carlo Bacaro and Tomjune Mangubat. Villanueva has been rewarded for his stellar form with a shot at the WBF Asia Pacific Lightweight title, but he has a significant obstacle standing between himself and victory – that being the carved from granite Al “The Rock” Toyogan!

Toyogan likewise has been in excellent touch. The Rock resumed from a two year break in late 2021, stopping Lloyd Jardeliza who was also on the comeback trail. Toyogan consolidated that form in February of this year, when he proved a brutal victor over 13 fight winner Joe Tejones. The match started in torrid fashion, and the tough Tejones wore some great shots, but the accumulation was telling, and Toyogan felled the experienced opponent in dominant style in round two.

Although short in stature, The Rock clearly packs plenty of power, and has a superb chin. Toyogan was the winner of the WBC Asia Silver title back in 2018, a title he successfully defended against the Japanese fighter Ryusei Ishii. He has shared the ring with many other outstanding boxers, and sometimes it is in defeat, that a fighter’s best qualities are seen to the fore. In 2019, The Rock faced former world champion and demonic puncher Jorge Linares, and weathered 10 torrid rounds with the star. He also landed significant shots of his own, many putting the shocked Linares back on on his heels.

Al Toyogan hails from the northern Mindanao region of Gingoog City, and went pro in 2015. In that time, he has amassed 12 wins, with his first regional title coming within 3 years of his debut. Impressive!

Add to that the fact that he has scored 8 knockouts against sturdy opposition, and you start getting the picture that facingThe Rock is no walk in the park!

Allan Villanueva and Al Toyogan are both dynamic young fighters that favour their power. This is an epic contest between two high ranked lightweights that are looking towards overseas opportunities. This will no doubt be a barnburner, and irrespective of the result, expect these two to go on to many more exciting victories.

But if Villanueva to prove successful in his quest to win the lightweight belt, the task will be easier said than done, as he will need to scale the immovable “Rock” named Al Toyogan!

Al Toyogan v Allan Villanueva

WBF Asia Pacific Lightweight title

ANNIHILATION UKC

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila

Sunday August 7th

WATCH IT LIVE AT: https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion

WBA ASIA TITLE SUNDAY AUGUST 7TH
July 4, 2022

WBA ASIA TITLE SUNDAY AUGUST 7TH

Charly Suarez    11 wins   WBA champion

Mark John Yap  30 wins   Challenger

Two other belt titles on the line, with Al Toyogan and Allan Villanueva doing battle at Lightweight, and live wires Lito Dante and Clyde Azarcon out for blood at Minimumweight.

International visitors include former Australasian champ Michael Pengue, Swedish bombshell Linn Sandstrom, and from Vietnam, the legendary fighting man Nguyen Van Hai.

Many great fights on this card, with fight summaries coming soon!

SUAREZ BACK IN MANILA FOR AUG 7TH
July 3, 2022

SUAREZ BACK IN MANILA FOR AUG 7TH

Davao's Charly Suarez returned to Manila this week after a short stint in his native Davao. The King's Warrior is on a quick turnaround, after winning a warm up bout in Bohol in early July in preparation for his upcoming WBA title defense. The champ reunited this week with strategist and coach Delfin Boholst, who is based in Manila. Boholst has thus far proved to be a mentor of high calibre, and was himself a successful member of the Philippines national team.

Suarez was slated to fight no less than four outstanding foreign opponents for his Manila defense, with all withdrawing at the last moment for various reasons.

VSP Promotions are a huge fan of Mark John Yap, and when this boxer became available, he was immediately secured to match up with Suarez. Yap is arguably one of the best internationally performed  pinoy in recent years, playing headmaster to an extremely tough school in Japan. Between 2015 and 2018, he literally terrorized that country's best fighters, before returning to the Philippines for a Knockout victory in CDO. His recent "losses" have been last moment call ups against unbeaten foreign opponents, often in unsuitable weight class.

And for those who think that Yap is past tense, THINK AGAIN, and check his most recent effort in Dubai against unbeaten Cuban Jadier Hererra.

Yap took this match at two weeks notice, jumped a weight class, and floored Hererra with a body shot. Hererra is a Cuban national champ, and world youth semi finalist, and had a massive 5 inches height advantage on Mark John Yap.

Coach Delfin Boholst is enthusiastic about the challenge ahead.

"We are really honored, and looking forward to the test against Yap. He is definitely the most experienced pro we have faced so far, and he has been a warrior for the Philippines against top fighters overseas. We do not underestimate the talents of this man, and we are preparing to see the very best of Mark John Yap in August".

"As for Suarez team, the job is never finished. We always look to improve, and we will always be prepared for any opponent. We are not looking past Mark John Yap,  but going forward, we would love to fight Liam Wilson of Australia. We would also love the chance to rematch world champ Joe Codrington, it's one we are very excited for !"

Suarez v Yap will fight for the WBA Asia title in Paranaque Manila on Sunday August 7th.

WORLD TITLE UNDERCARD IN AUSTRALIA
July 2, 2022

WORLD TITLE UNDERCARD IN AUSTRALIA

Dana Coolwell weighed in 57.0kg, dead on the featherweight limit.

Bukidnon's Lorenz Ladrada looked great at 56.8kg.

The Aussie indigenous star and Ladrada will battle out 8 rounds tomorrow night at the Gold Coast on the undercard of the Mairis Briedis world cruiserweight title defense. Briedis has suffered only one loss in a glittering career,  that being at the hands of current heavyweight world champ Oleksandr Usyk.

BACONAJE TESTS ENGLAND IN AUSTRALIA
June 30, 2022

BACONAJE TESTS ENGLAND IN AUSTRALIA

*story courtesy of Yahoo! News

Arnel Baconaje will gun for his second straight win as he takes on Aussie prospect Jackson Jon England on Sept. 2, 2022 in Australia.

Baconaje beat journeyman Leonardo Doronio last March 12 in Parañaque City. He will be gunning for his first win overseas after losing to Yasutaka Ishimoto in Japan, Lingjie Xia in China and Ivan Kozlovsky in Russia.

The 24-year-old England is looking to bounce back after suffering a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of unbeaten Paul Fleming on March 23, 2022 in Sydney. The 28-year-old Baconaje is 15-5 with 11 knockouts, while England is 13-2 with eight knockouts.

Meanwhile, featherweight prospect Lorenz Ladrada locks horns with Aussie hard-hitter Dana Coolwell on July 2 in an eight-round contest at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia.

Ladrada is looking for his second straight win after beating Jason Buenaobra by unanimous decision in his last fight on Dec. 4 in Parañaque City.

This will be Labrada’s biggest fight to date and his first international fight.

Coolwell, a former Australian champion, wants to return to his winning ways after losing to Ender Luces in an International Boxing Federation Youth super featherweight fight last April 13 in Queensland. The 23-year-old Coolwell’s other loss is also via a split decision Jake Wyllie last year. The 25-year-old Ladrada is 11-2-1 with three knockouts, while Coolwell is 7-2 with five knockouts.

THIS DOG GOT MORE THAN JUST YAP !
June 29, 2022

THIS DOG GOT MORE THAN JUST YAP !

Outstanding pinoy Mark John Yap returns to the local fight scene on Sunday August 7th, where he takes on rising star Charly Suarez for the WBA Asia title.

Yap has proved to be one of the Philippines most successful exports in recent years. Between 2015 and 2018, he literally tore the Japanese bantamweight division to shreds, winning and successfully defending the OPBF title on no less than four occasions. He then returned to the Philippines, and in front of his home town, knocked out the exciting 130lb prospect Ulysses Lagos (12-2)

The experienced Mark John Yap has met some of the world's best fighters, and had no hesitation jumping at the opportunity to fight the freakish Suarez.

"I know with the right preparation, I can give anyone a great fight, and I really look forward to seeing if Suarez is as good as they say".

Mark John Yap heads to Manila on August 7th with the phenomenal record of 30 wins and 15 knockouts. Considering his calibre of opponents in the last 8 years, the talented "Journey Man" could easily have amassed 50 wins !

THE SILENCER HEADING DOWN UNDER
June 28, 2022

THE SILENCER HEADING DOWN UNDER

Big news breaking is that outstanding Philippines boxer Arnel Baconaje has secured a big fight in Australia on September 2nd.

The man known as "the Silencer" will take on gifted local Jackson Jon England who boasts a 13 and 2 record. England was responsible for perhaps the best fight seen in Australia this year, when narrowly outpointed by Paul Fleming for four major titles, including WBC, WBA and IBF belts.

The match in Perth on September 2nd gives Jackson Jon England a chance to avenge that controversial loss, but his task against Baconaje, who is among Philippines elite, will be daunting.

THINGS ARE LOOKING FINE AND “DANTE” !!LITO DANTE FIGHTS FOR  WBF INTERNATIONAL BELT
June 25, 2022

THINGS ARE LOOKING FINE AND “DANTE” !!LITO DANTE FIGHTS FOR WBF INTERNATIONAL BELT

*story courtesy Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines – With the Philippines beginning to open further after two crippling years of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, boxer Lito Dante is one of those eager to reclaim his old life and, well, battle for a championship.

On Sunday, Dante (18-11-4) will fight Cebuano pugilist Clyde Azarcon for the WBF International minimumweight championship at the Elorde Sports Complex in Sucat, Parañaque.

The bout against Azarcon will be Dante’s second of the year after the 32-year-old Bohol native knocked out Ryan Ralozo last April 30. Because of the quick win, Dante did not sustain any serious injuries that allows him to fight four months later.

“Matagal-tagal din tayo walang laban,” smiled Dante. “Kaya naghahabol din.”

Dante, who now calls Valenzuela home, also has a dual purpose in needing to win this fight.

“Kung pagpalain tayo at manalo sa laban na ito, makakabalik ako sa world rankings,” explained the man nicknamed “Naruto.”

His inactivity during the global lockdown saw him unable to defend Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation minimumweight title that he won in 2019.

“Excited ako sa laban na ito at makabawi, enthused Dante who has been training under the watchful eye of Florence Ferrer, former national team boxer, Southeast Games medalist, and known for training the first ever Filipina world boxing champion in Gretchen Abaniel.

He won’t find it easy against Azarcon, who is five years his junior and has a better overall record at 17-4-1. Furthermore, he is taller and has a slightly longer reach.

Azarcon, though, is coming off a loss to John Paul Gabunilas last March 19.

“Ang masasabi ko lang is pagbubutihin ko ang pag-ensayo at sa pagdating ng laban sa Agosto,” summed up Dante.

Dante will be co-headlining the August 7 event along with former Olympian Charly Suarez (11-0), who will defend his WBA Asia super featherweight belt against Marjohn Yap (30-16). Meanwhile, Allan Villanueva (11-2) and Al Toyogon (12-6-1) slug it out for the vacant WBF Asia Pacific lightweight championship.

RICA AQUINO:TRADING HER VIOLIN FOR BOXER’S GLOVES
June 24, 2022

RICA AQUINO:TRADING HER VIOLIN FOR BOXER’S GLOVES

*story courtesy philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines – "What is a pretty and educated girl like you doing in sweaty boxing gyms and trying to knock someone out?"

Rica Aquino has heard it before.

It’s a little more “complicated” than that.

Aquino graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of the Philippines and played with the Manila Symphony Orchestra for 10 years. She also taught music at Brent International School for six years.

Well, she still performs when the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra needs an extra musician and teaches music literature at the Philippine High School for the Arts.

But when Aquino is outside the performance hall and classroom, she’s a professional boxer.

“I have been fascinated with fighting sports (even as a child) but as a child playing the violin and as a professional musician, I was restricted in terms of the sports I wanted to do,” Rica related. “So I took up combat sports when I was an adult already and after I had resigned from the orchestra.”

Now, as a 39-year old, Aquino is looking to make her mark in professional boxing.

“I love the competitive aspect of the sport, the discipline, and of course, the risk and thrill of competing.”

Boxing is actually her third sport as she previously took up Muay Thai where she was a National Games silver medalist. She then took up mixed martial arts under the famed Team Lakay of Mark Sangiao.

On August 7, Aquino (0-0-1) will take part in her second professional fight at UKC Annihilation at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.

She will square off against a familiar foe from the past in Erika Ballen, who she first tangled with in 2017 as an amateur.

“We faced each other in 2017 and now, five years later, things have changed,” said Aquino, who won that encounter via first round technical knockout. “I’m excited to see how much we have changed and developed.”

Rica previously fought Indian boxer Deepika Tiwari, who brought her 1-1-2 record to the ring against the Filipina. The fight ended in a draw.

“The fight card in August is amazing,” enthused Aquino. “I am honored to be fighting with my idols Charly Suarez and my teammate Lito Dante. Some of the other boxers are also my friends so I am excited for this card.”

“I have been training hard for this fight as women’s fights are few in this country. I will give it my best and try to get that first professional win.”

LADRADA SET FOR AUSSIE ASSAULT
June 23, 2022

LADRADA SET FOR AUSSIE ASSAULT

Bukidnon's Lorenz Ladrada resumed from a 2 year hiatus in early 2021, only to enjoy the busiest of years,  winning 4 of his 5 matches, and pleasingly, showing constant improvements with each outing.
His consistency has been rewarded with a fight in Australia against one of that country's best super featherweight prospects,  the very "Deadly" Dana Coolwell. The Aussie is one of those beautiful indigenous fighters, really fast hands, lots of clever volume, and blessed with intuitive skills and movement! And similar to Ladrada, each time we see Coolwell he just gets better and better. His last match was a narrow points loss for a world youth title that many believe he won.
This is a really interesting fight!
Coolwell is 2 to 3 weight classes above Ladrada, who also happens to be the much shorter boxer.
But the Aussie bout will be on the "middle ground " of featherweight, and as you can see from today's picture, Ladrada will strip very strongly at this weight. Dana Coolwell is tall and still growing, so it remains to be seen if he can bring his usual energy and pop to this world title undercard.
This is one of best undercards in Australia this year, and Ladrada v Coolwell is the main support to the world cruiser title between Mairis Briedis and Jai Opetaia.
Action coming from the Gold Coast July 2nd.
GO LADRADA !!!

LADRADA ON WORLD TITLE CARD JULY 2
June 20, 2022

LADRADA ON WORLD TITLE CARD JULY 2

Bukidnon's Lorenz "Cerberus" Ladrada ventures to Australia to face outstanding prospect Dana Coolwell at the Gold Coast on July 2nd.

On what is a night showcasing some of of Australia's best talent, Ladrada fights on the main undercard to a cracking world title Cruiserweight showdown between Mairis Briedis and Jai Opetaia.

Dana Coolwell is a natural super featherweight,  and Ladrada a super bantam, yet the Aussie match will be held on middle ground of featherweight !

Whilst Coolwell will hold a height and reach advantage, what will be key is whether he can maintain his outstanding workrate at this lower weight class. If down on energy,  he faces a tough night at the office with the Philippines' Lorenz Ladrada !!

SUAREZ DEFENDS WBA ASIA BELT vs YAP
June 19, 2022

SUAREZ DEFENDS WBA ASIA BELT vs YAP

FORMER Olympian Charly Suarez returns to the ring on Aug. 7 to defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia super featherweight belt against what should be one of his toughest opponent to date, veteran Marjohn Yap, in the main event of UKC Tiger - “Annihilation” at the Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Center in Parañaque City.

The 33-year-old Suarez hopes to get a world ranking and an impressive win over an experienced former regional champion like Yap could boost him up the super-featherweight ladder.

Suarez started the year 2022 with a 12th-round technical knockout of prospect Tomjune Mangubat to win the vacant WBA Asia super-featherweight strap in Parañaque City last March. He followed it up with a unanimous decision win over tough Junny Salogaol last June 10 in Bohol.

Yap, on the other hand, is on a three-fight slump, fighting in the US and Dubai.

The 33-year-old Yap lost to one-time world title challenger Angelo Leo, undefeated American up-and-comer Angel Alejandro and unbeaten Cuban prospect Jadier Herrera.

Before his short campaign in the US, Yap had an impressive seven-year stint in Japan, where he won the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) bantamweight belt and went 12-5. He won against the likes of former interim WBA minimumweight champion Juan Jose Landaeta and three-time world title challenger Hiroyuki Kudaka.

Suarez is 11-0 with seven knockouts, while Yap is 30-16 with 15 knockouts.

Also featured in the same card are two World Boxing Foundation (WBF) regional bouts.

Clyde Azarcon (17-4-1, 6 KOs) fights against battle-scarred veteran Lito Dante (18-11-4, 10 KOs) for the vacant WBF International minimumweight strap, while Allan Villanueva (11-2, 8 KOs) slugs it out with Al Toyogon (12-6-1, 8 KOs) for the vacant WBF Asia Pacific lightweight belt.

Also booked in the undercard is Vietnamese Van Hai Nguyen (2-0, 1 KO) taking on fellow unbeaten prospect Jerald Into (4-0, 4 KOs).

*story courtesy SunStar

*photo: Suarez and Vietnam's Nguyen Van Hai

FIGHT FRENZY IN MANILA AUGUST 7TH
June 17, 2022

FIGHT FRENZY IN MANILA AUGUST 7TH

With three Championship title matches in one event, UKC Tiger ANNIHILATION brings to you triple-header championship matches with 18 undercard bouts!

Featuring the title defense of WBA Asia Super featherweight champion Charly "King's Warrior" Suarez, as well as two vacant championship matches for the WBF International Minimumweight title and the WBF Asia Pacific Lightweight title.

All of these must-watch fights are set to take place at the Grand Ballroom, Elorde Sports Complex, Sucat, Paranaque City on August 7th.

"ANNIHILATION" VIETNAM STYLE !
June 15, 2022

"ANNIHILATION" VIETNAM STYLE !

One of the most interesting bouts at ANNIHILATION UKC will feature the appearance of Vietnam's Nguyen Van Hai.

Hai is regarded as the most experienced "multiple forms" fighter in Vietnam, whether it be with gloves, kicks or sticks!

Despite not having competed as a boxer in a long time, Hai has the muscle memory to fight any size, and at any time. The 59kg fighter was listed to fight Jino Rodrigo at 64kg as recently as March, but was unable to fulfill due to planes not flying.

This time around, he is pitched against the very promising and unbeaten southpaw Jerald Into at 61kg, a fighter that achieved 4 KO in his wins thus far. Into obviously has power, but impressively, sets everything up with a nice jab and is very clever at precise shot selection.

Nguyen Van Hai is well known in Vietnam for sparring westerners literally 30kg heavier than himself, so its fair to presume that nothing daunts this man, and his clash with Into will be one of the highlight bouts on Sunday August 7th.

TOP PROSPECTS UNVEILED IN BOHOL
June 11, 2022

TOP PROSPECTS UNVEILED IN BOHOL

There were lots of promising fighters at last night's show in Bohol, spearheaded by victories by local Virgel Vitor and Davao's Charly Suarez in the co-main events.

Rhonvex Capuloy is definitely one to keep on the watch list, scoring a stoppage win with a body shot in the second round.

Perhaps the most competitive contest of the night was between Joseph Sumabong and Zandy Padiran, with Sumabong prevailing with a points win.

This was high quality work from both fighters, and whilst Sumabong deserved the decision with some artful strikes, Zandy Padiran was ultra impressive. It is almost impossible to believe that these two fighters only have four wins between them, as they both showed signs of being way more experienced. Definitely put a watch on these two, they are both excellent.

SUAREZ DOMINANT IN BOHOL
June 11, 2022

SUAREZ DOMINANT IN BOHOL

Charly Suarez was in training mode with a shutout win over a tough and resilient Junny Salogaol in Bohol last night.

The King's Warrior was chasing some rounds in preparation for his upcoming title defense,  and Salogaol did admirably to weather the storm and survive the 6 rounds. While it's fair to say that Suarez's opponent came to survive rather than compete, the plan worked, and the King's Warrior was able to dazzle the crowd with his footwork, hand speed and withering combinations.

WBA title defense is coming August 7th !

This will be a stacked show, and held in the Elorde Ballroom in Paranaque and must not be missed. It's possibly the last chance to see Charly Suarez to fight in front of his home crowd, so get there to cheer him on. LOUDLY!!!

Announcement on who will be the Suarez opponent, and the rest of the fight card coming soon.

SUAREZ FACES SALOGAOL IN BOHOL
June 10, 2022

SUAREZ FACES SALOGAOL IN BOHOL

FORMER Olympian Charly Suarez keeps himself busy in a six-round fight against journeyman Junny Salogaol on June 10 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

Suarez is coming off the biggest win of his career after stopping young prospect Tomjune Mangubat to win the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia super featherweight belt last March 12 in Paranaque City.

The 33-year-old Suarez is preparing for a title defense in August against a foreign opponent.

Salogaol, in the meantime, is a very experienced fighter that has elite opposition, the likes of Hiroaki Teshigawara and Joe Noynay.

He’s dropped his last four contests and is coming off a split decision loss against former regional champion Jessie Cris Rosales.

Suarez is 10-0 with seven knockouts, while Salogaol is 14-19-5 with 13 knockouts.

Virgel Vitor faces Jecker Buhawe in a six-round co-main event.

Vitor won three straight fights since losing to veteran Mark Anthony Geraldo. He’s coming off a unanimous decision win over Lorence Rosas last December.

Buhawe, on the other hand, is on a six-fight slump and is fresh from a second round knockout in the hands of Jun Blazo last April.

Vitor is 16-2 with nine knockouts, while Buhawe is 16-16-1 with 10 knockouts.

In the undercard, Danrick Sumabong (11-2, 8 KOs) locks horns with Royder Lloyd Borbon (6-12-1, 6 KOs); Rhonvex Capuloy (7-2, 4 KOs) fights Vicento Casido (6-4-1, 2 KOs); Joseph Sumabong (1-0, 1 KO) trades leathers with Zandy Padiran (3-3-1, 1 KO); Chris John Daan (1-0) is up against Cedie Noblefranca (0-7-1); and Richard Taculod makes his pro debut against Steve Noblefranca (1-4-1).

* story courtesy of SunStar

Fights start at 6pm

WATCH IT LIVE AT: https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion

POSTCARDS FROM BOHOL !
June 9, 2022

POSTCARDS FROM BOHOL !

Make sure you tune in tomorrow night for some fun fight action direct from the mystical island of Bohol.

All boxers made weight at a very relaxed event held earlier today.

Danrick Sumabong and Virgel Vitor are two of the better known fighters taking part in Friday's pro card, which will be preceded by some high octane amateur action.

Watch the fights on Elorde TV, and shared here live, from 6pm.

IT'S BEACH WEATHER IN BOHOL
June 9, 2022

IT'S BEACH WEATHER IN BOHOL

Junny Salogaol and Charly Suarez look ready to hit the blue water, and they will, but not until after tomorrow's big event on the picturesque Island of Bohol.

Both fighters weighed in at 132 for their bout on Friday evening, with Salogaol looking the bigger of the two.

Junny resumes from  SD loss to Jessie Cris Rosales at super lightweight (140) and Suarez is a touch above his usual fight weight of 130.

Charly Suarez will defend his WBA title in Manila on August 7th, and the sojourn to Bohol is a great opportunity to help prepare for that match. It is expected that Suarez will be facing an unbeaten foreign boxer, with news on that coming soon.

BOHOL IN FOR A BANGING GOOD TIME
June 8, 2022

BOHOL IN FOR A BANGING GOOD TIME

Boxing fans, don't miss some top class fighters showing their stuff this Friday evening on the beautiful island of Bohol.

Rhonvex Capuloy, Virgel Vitor, Danrick Sumabong and none other than the King's Warrior Charly Suarez will take part in this fantastic provincial offering to boxing lovers.

The appearance of Philippines best boxer Charly Suarez is a huge treat for locals, as it is likely the last opportunity to seem him perform live. His bout will be a prelude to a WBA defense in Manila on August 7th,  which will likely mark the champ's last local appearance for some time.

It is expected that Suarez will fight overseas in October, and again in Vietnam on December 11th, in pursuit of more titles and world rankings.

News on a Suarez opponent for August 7th in Manila is expected to break soon.

WOLVERINE SPAR WARS IN OSAKA
June 7, 2022

WOLVERINE SPAR WARS IN OSAKA

JonJon Estrada working with former WBO world champ Tomoki Kameda today in Osaka.

Kameda is known as "El Mexicanito" The Little Mexican, whilst Estrada has achieved cult status as "the Wolverine "

Based on the ring monikers, you know that their sparring was no place for the faint hearted!

Tomoki Kameda returns to the ring on July 30 against William Encarcion, and will look to add to his impressive resume of 38 wins and 20 knockouts.

The Philippines Estrada is likely to fight in Japan on July 23, carrying a record of 15 wins, 14 by sadistic stoppage!

BOHOL BOXING IS BACK THIS FRIDAY
June 6, 2022

BOHOL BOXING IS BACK THIS FRIDAY

Boxers need to keep busy!

Charly Suarez defends his WBA title in Manila on August 7th, but will take part in a  provincial event this Friday to assist in his preparations for that task.

And because Bohol love their boxing!

Some great fighters will compete at the show, including local star Virgel Vitor (16 wins), Danrick Sumabong (11 wins) and Rhonvex Capuloy (7 wins).

This is a great opportunity for Suarez to get some rounds in before his Manila assignment on August 7th.

Expect a WBA title opponent to be named for the King's Warrior in coming days.

IT'S UP, UP AND AWAY !!
June 5, 2022

IT'S UP, UP AND AWAY !!

The true to life, modern day action hero himself, THE WOLVERINE,  JonJon Estrada on the plane this morning and heading to Osaka.

Estrada won't be on holiday while he's there, he has the important job of preparing former world champ Tomoki Kameda (38 wins) for his upcoming bout with some torrid sparring sessions.

All we can say is, good luck Kameda, you're gunna need it!

ANNIHILATION THE NAME OF THE GAME
June 4, 2022

ANNIHILATION THE NAME OF THE GAME

Annihilation UKC is assembling an all star cast for Sunday August 7th!

We are going for an international flavour and have already secured Michael Pengue (Australia), Linn Sandstrom (Sweden) and the iconic Nguyễn Văn Hải (Vietnam) to come to Manila and mix it up with the Philippines fighters.

The biggest news is that Charly Suarez will defend his WBA belt, and we are very close to terms with a foreign opponent that claims he will halt the world title aspirations of the local star.

We say - bring it on!

This will be a MUST NOT MISS event,  big news breaking soon on the full fight card!

LET'S GET FEROCIOUS !
June 3, 2022

LET'S GET FEROCIOUS !

Nobody does SELF BELIEF better than George "Ferocious" Kambosos.

And nobody disputes the ethereal skills of Devin "the Dream" Haney.

But as Kambosos bluntly puts it

"Haney will be ready for this fight, but I am ready to go to WAR!"

Great pic sums it up at today's media conference, courtesy of:

Vinny Nguyen photography

CERBERUS HEADING TO OZ
June 2, 2022

CERBERUS HEADING TO OZ

VSP young gun Lorenz Ladrada heads to Queensland in July to fight top flight Aussie Dana Coolwell, and what's more, its on a World Title undercard!

Bukidnon's Ladrada has yet to fight this year, but had a successful 2021 with 4 wins from 5 outings. His lone loss was a split decision to the very exciting Gary Tamayo.

Dana Coolwell is one of the best prospects in Australian boxing, and is coming down from 130 to take on Ladrada.

As reported by promoter Tasman Fighters:

#COOLWELL | #LADRADA | #JULY2 | #GCCEC

This Card is Taking on Legendary Status

Fresh off an incredible performance Dana Coolwell immediately heads back to the canvas to face off with Filipino Lorenz Ladrada (11-2-1) July 2nd on the Opetaia v Briedis IBF World Cruiserweight Title undercard - Utterly Unmissable Boxing

Coolwell will be looking to stomp any fire out quickly after a close fight last time he graced the canvas. You’ll want tickets to this amazing card - be quick - tickets are running out FAST.

HAVE GUNS WILL TRAVEL !
June 2, 2022

HAVE GUNS WILL TRAVEL !

Banging times ahead for some of the Elorde crew.

Gretel De Paz heads to Australia in June, then Lorenz Ladrada to Australia, Cris Ganoza and the Wolverine JonJon Estrada to Japan, and Jules Victoriano to Vietnam, all in July.

Ranny Quizo also meets Rodel Suganob in a local derby that same month.

DON'T FORGET we will have a big card for Manila on August 7th, where we are working to get the Philippines best Charly Suarez his first foreign opponent in the professional ranks.

Also very exciting news breaking late last night is the appearance at this show of the promising and unbeaten Jerald Into.

For those who aren't familiar with the name, you are sure to hear a lot more!

This is a boxer who has settled his first  4 fights with dramatic Knockouts !

PACQUIAO : NO LIMITS TO WHAT KAMBOSOS CAN ACCOMPLISH !
May 28, 2022

PACQUIAO : NO LIMITS TO WHAT KAMBOSOS CAN ACCOMPLISH !

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has delivered a stunning endorsement of Sydney fighter George Kambosos jnr ahead of his world title defence against American Devin Haney, declaring: “Nobody could have done what George has done.”

Kambosos, 28, will attempt to become the first boxer to hold all four belts in the lightweight division when he fights Haney at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on June 5.

George Kambosos Jr has pledged to send American boxer Devin Haney home with no spoils from their epic bout

There is mounting speculation that Pacquiao, who did more than 250 rounds of sparring with Kambosos during his career, will be among the 50,000-strong crowd for the fight.

In a rare interview, the 12-time world champion told the Good Weekend Kambosos looked incredibly sharp in preparation and will win world titles for as long as he wants.

“I look at the training videos he has been posting on his various social platforms and I’m amazed at what he’s doing in the gym,” Pacquiao said. “No-one is in better condition. You can tell he wants to keep those belts for as long as possible.

“It’s been a long journey for George, and he has sacrificed a lot to get to the top — I do not see him letting that go. How many world titles can he win? He’s only limited by his imagination and his ambition. So far, George has accomplished everything he has set his mind to.”

The relationship between Pacquiao and Kambosos first blossomed when the little-known fighter from Sylvania was sparring at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles in early 2017.

Roach thought he would be an ideal sparring partner for Pacquiao for his fight against Brisbane schoolteacher Jeff Horn at Suncorp Stadium; a fight Horn won in a stunning upset.

Kambosos helped Pacquiao prepare for two more world title fights, including training camps in Manila and running the hills around General Santos, where Pacquiao grew up on the street before boxing became his salvation.

“From the beginning I knew, and my team knew, George was a very good fighter,” Pacquiao explained. “That is why I wanted George in all my training camps. It went beyond giving me good work. He made me work. He was a sparring partner in name only. You could sense he had big ambitions in boxing. He wanted to be the best and he treated his sparring sessions with me as part of his education. I never saw the same fighter twice. He was more than a sparring partner. He was a training partner.”

Often, on long road runs, Kambosos and Pacquiao would draw away from the rest of the pack.

“George worked harder than anyone in the camp,” Pacquiao said. “I think that is why we got along so well. He would be right there with me running the hills every morning, doing sit-ups next to me after the run, full workouts in the gym every afternoon. He was always doing the extra work. He never cut corners on himself, and it was that work ethic that showed me he had the drive to do what so few in boxing can, and that is to become a world champion.”

It was that single-mindedness that propelled Kambosos to his own upset victory over Teofimo Lopez in New York last November, a result which delivered him the IBF, WBA and WBO world titles. Haney holds the WBC title.

As Kambosos explains to the Good Weekend on Saturday, he was prepared “to die” in the ring against Lopez given how much was on the line for his family and his career. Instead, the 13-1 underdog won via a split points decision.

"The fight he took to Teofimo Lopez … I do not think anyone else could have done what George did that night,” Pacquiao said. “He showed in the Lopez fight that not only can he give out punishment, but he can also take it, and that comes from working hard every day in training and staying fit in between fights. George has so many strengths, physically and mentally. He is not predictable. He sees the whole ring and uses it to his advantage. He keeps everything together. He is very disciplined.”

Despite holding three world title belts, and the victory over Lopez, Kambosos remains a clear outsider ($2.51) with bookmakers against Haney ($1.56). Kambosos said he was determined to make sure his first title defence in Australia was against a quality opponent.

“I could’ve fought a no-name,” Kambosos said. “Made $3 million to $4 million. Look at me, my first big defence in Australia lasts two rounds. Sorry fans … I can’t do that. I’m the top dog in the division but the underdog in this fight. It’s exactly where I want to be.”

BACONAJE AND ESTRADA SHARPEN TOOLS
May 26, 2022

BACONAJE AND ESTRADA SHARPEN TOOLS

Arnel Baconaje and JonJon Estrada will head to Japan to punch holes in former WBO world title holder Tomoki Kameda.

The Japanese fighter has been relatively quiet during the pandemic, but resumes on July 30 to take on quality Dominican William Encarcion.

Kameda boasts an impressive 38 and 3 record, and interestingly, his only loss in recent years was to the unbeaten Rey Vargas, the very same Mexican that is soon to face Mark Magsayo!

Opportunities to work with foreign fighters are always great ways to build skills, but one also has to spare a thought for the rugged Kameda. It surely will be no picnic trading leather with the Wolverine and the Silencer.

Double Trouble!

GRETEL DE PAZ AUSTRALIA JUNE 15
May 23, 2022

GRETEL DE PAZ AUSTRALIA JUNE 15

SEA Games silver medallist and Victory8 World Team member Gretel De Paz will make her return to the ring in Brisbane next month.

De Paz will take on rising Aussie star Taylah Robertson, who is a former esteemed amateur. The clash represents a rise in weight class for the Philippines fighter, but she definitely possesses the heavier hands, and she is likely to give Robertson plenty to contend with.

WE'RE CLIMBING TO THE SUMMIT !
May 17, 2022

WE'RE CLIMBING TO THE SUMMIT !

The Suarez team spotted earlier today, plotting and planning the year ahead.

Charly Suarez went to 10 and 0 and top seventy in the world, when he recently captured the WBA Asia title in Manila.

The King's Warrior was to defend that title in Dubai this June, only to have the match postponed, in part, due to boxers trying to avoid the Philippines star!

OK plans change!

Suarez team stay busy, so he will have a regular bout in June, and follow that up with a title defense locally or abroad 6 weeks later.

VSP Promotions will stage an iconic event in Vietnam in December,  and plans are already in place to secure Suarez a world rated opponent for the HCMC outdoor show. It is expected that many thousands of people will watch the King's Warrior, and some other pinoy stars, fight at the extravaganza.

IT'S FIGHT DAY !!
May 14, 2022

IT'S FIGHT DAY !!

DOMINATION UKC is already underway, with many of Manila's best amateurs doing their thing before the professional card later today.

Ranny Quizo and the Wolverine JonJon Estrada are big fight fans when they aren't in the ring themselves, and arrived early to get a good seat.

If you are in Manila, make sure to get down to the Elorde Flash Grand Ballroom in Paranaque and catch all the action live. It will be a great day.

We will also stream the fights here later today.

THE HAWK HAS EYES LOCKED ON TAMPIPI
May 13, 2022

THE HAWK HAS EYES LOCKED ON TAMPIPI

Gary Tamayo ranks as one of the Philippines best prospects, and Danny Tampipi surely is one of the more tricky. Both southpaw, both measure the distance well and know how to land shots.

Gary "the Hawk " Tamayo sits at 6 wins and a loss, and could just as easily be unbeaten.

Boy Tirador aka Freaky Tampipi,  dropped star boxer Pete Apolinar,  and also endured six rounds with the very bad intentioned Arnel Baconaje.  That's great form for this !

Expect Tamayo brilliance mixed with power, and Danny Tampipi out to totally clip the Hawk's wings.  Nice fight!

DOMINATION Ultimate Knockout Challenge

Tomorrow !

WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion

IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO!!!
May 13, 2022

IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO!!!

Two of the very best and most experienced fighters in the Philippines will be featuring at Domination UKC tomorrow.

Richard Pumicpic resumes from a short lay off, after an accidental head clash forced his most recent foray to be deemed a "no contest ". The man known as "the Beast "has already notched up an incredible 22 wins, many of those against top class international boxers. Pumicpic, it's also accurate to say, is probably the Philippines most "robbed" fighter on the road!

Edison Berwela has been out of the ring since early 2020, so it's great to see this top performer finally back in action.

Berwela has an excellent record of 18 wins, and his recent defeats were all narrow points losses for international belts. The best of Edison Berwela will be seen perhaps now at featherweight, so both he and Pumicpic will be using tomorrow's lightweight 4 round clash as a stepping stone to their respective divisions.

Expect to see some really skillful work (albeit a little rusty!) from Richard Pumicpic and Edison Berwela in Paranaque City tomorrow. Both boys are main event fighters when at their peak, so it's fantastic to see them doing their thing tomorrow.

DOMINATION Ultimate Knockout Challenge

Elorde Flash Grand Ballroom

Paranaque City, Manila

Saturday May 14th

WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion

COUNTING DOWN THE MINUTES!
May 12, 2022

COUNTING DOWN THE MINUTES!

The Ultimate Knockout Challenge "Domination " is only days away, but when you are making your debut, that can seem an eternity !

Elorde prospect Clarence Breboneria is one of a quality group having their first pro bout this Saturday, when he takes on Dennis Irenio in what should be a cracking 130lb bout. Breboneria is definitely one to keep your eye on, as he has more than held his own sparring far more experienced fighters in his preparation.

In contrast, team mate JL Laurente is a virtual "old hand", having won his first three matches. His most recent appearance resulted in a draw with the vastly improved Jufel Salina, and a repeat of that form will see him very hard to beat this Saturday.

DOMINATION Ultimate Knockout Challenge

Paranaque, Manila

Saturday May 14th

WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion

SANDSTROM GAINS MAJORITY DECISION
May 11, 2022

SANDSTROM GAINS MAJORITY DECISION

In a great and often see-sawing battle over 8 rounds, Linn Sandstrom gained a majority decision over a gritty Floryvic Montero.

In a match where both girls displayed good touches, it was perhaps the accuracy of Sandstrom that laid the platform for the win.

Philippines Montero looked excellent in patches, and no doubt contended with some ring rust, but showed she will be a vastly improved fighter at her next appearance.

SANDSTROM AND MONTERO WEIGH IN
May 10, 2022

SANDSTROM AND MONTERO WEIGH IN

Philippines Floryvic Montero and Sweden's Linn Sandstrom just made weight for tomorrow night's clash in Newcastle Australia.

Multi discipline fighter Montero was slightly the heavier, but both girls looked in great shape and are sure to create fireworks when the bell goes.

Sandstrom is now based in Australia, and was a recent visitor to Manila in March, where she fought on the undercard of the Charly Suarez v Tomjune Mangubat WBA title event.