Paul Stephen “Showtime” Fleming (born April 3, 1988) is a professional boxer and tattoo fanatic from Tully, Queensland. He was an Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holder and represented Oz in the 2008 Olympics under the featherweight division.
Paul had a stellar amateur career record of 83 W – 17 L before opting to turn professional. His debut fight against veteran Shane Green on November 29, 2008 turned to a 3rd-round TKO victory. The 32 year-old Fleming has since compiled an amazing professional record of 27 wins with 1 draw. He was also recognized by the Australian Olympic Committee as an Australian Indigenous Olympian.
Paul Fleming is arguably the most talented fighter that Australia has ever produced, and he carried an unbeaten record of 28-0 to the ring when he recently took on Charly Suarez in Sydney.
The Aussie champ put four titles on the line, and a world title eliminator was also up for grabs.
In what was a cracking contest, Fleming brought all his trademark energy and flair. The man known as "Showtime" is renowned for making great fights, his previous effort having been voted Australia's best of the year in 2022.
Suarez waits for notification from the Fleming team as to whether they wish to option a rematch clause in their contract.
The King's Warrior Charly Suarez has just walked in to Kevin Betts Stadium in Sydney.
Suarez v Fleming coming soon!
*story courtesy of Manila Standard
Former Olympian Charly Suarez has vowed to go all out against fellow undefeated Paul Fleming of Australia in their International Boxing Organization super featherweight title bout on Wednesday in Sydney, Australia.
"Pambihira lang itong ganitong pagkakataon. Ito na talaga chance ko,” said Suarez, who at 34 cannot afford to be delayed any longer in his quest for a world boxing title. “Ang totoo kong kalaban is sarili ko. Kahit saang larangan, malaking part ‘yung maturity. Iba ka nang mag-isip kaysa dati.”
“Basta ako lalaban ako at dapat makuha ko ito. Ito na ‘yung level ng mindset ko ngayon. ‘Di ko na pakakawalan, wala ng excuse,” added Suarez, a former Filipino Olympian, who spent most of his boxing career as a national athlete.
After beating all his first 14 opponents, eight of them via stoppage, Suarez is facing his toughest test in his two-year professional boxing career—a taller foe, who has 29 wins with 18 knockouts and without a defeat.
Suarez’s manager and coach Delfin Boholst said they have done everything in their training camp to make Charly stronger than ever.
“Makikita natin si Charly may edad na pero, ‘yung body niya sariwa. Sa laban makikita niyo talaga ‘yung ginawa namin na preparation ni Charly,” he said.
Without the backing of a moneyed manager and promoter, Suarez’s camp turned to friends and supporters for their needs. Some of those who answered their plea for support were former Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas and businessman-philanthropist Edward Aguilar.
Sinas and Aguilar, who are close friends and partners in several business ventures, provided financial support for training and other needs of Suarez.
Suarez is coming off a big conquest of the International Boxing Federation Asia junior lightweight title with a technical knockout win over Defry Palulu of Indonesia at the Grand Ho Tram Hotel in Vietnam last Dec. 10.
Two months earlier, the many-time Southeast Asian Games champion decisioned compatriot Carlo Magali to successfully defend the World Boxing Association Asia Super Featherweight title.
As an amateur, Suarez won three Southeast Asian Games golds—two in the lightweight division (2011 Jakarta, 2019 Manila) and one in the featherweight category (2009 Laos)—plus a bronze in 2017 in Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, the left-handed Fleming said he won’t be underestimating Suarez as he has set a fight strategy that suits him against a smaller opponent.
“If Suarez comes at me, I have a counter-punching strategy, and if he stays away then I will come at him,” the Australian said.
SUAREZ FLEMING Media Day
Shirts off, smiles all around as the Philippines Charly Suarez and Aussie Paul Fleming meet for the first time today in Sydney.
story courtesy BoxingTalk.com
Australia’s undefeated indigenous boxer Paul Fleming is on a mission to win his next three fights and set up the opportunity to capture a 130-pound title. After years of low activity (three fights since the start of 2019), Fleming's next step takes place in St. Marys, Sydney on March 15th when he faces undefeated Filipino challenger Charly Suarez. Fleming comes from the small town of Tully in outback northern Australia where he first started boxing at age 12 in 2001.
Fleming (29-0-1) finds himself carrying on the tradition of past Australian indigenous boxers such as Aboriginal boxing legend Lionel Rose who unified the world titles (1964-76), superstar rugby league players and champions of the boxing ring Tony Mundine and his son Anthony Mundine Jr., Dave Sands inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame as “the greatest boxers never to have won a world title”, 2005 world champion Robert Peden, Wally Carr, who competed in six divisions over a stellar fifteen-year career, and Daniel Geale who won two titles before losing to Gennady Golovkin at Madison Square in 2014.
While Fleming takes confidence from his unbeaten streak, he accepts as “a matter of fact” that he has been ignored on the international stage. “By now I should have become a world champion. I see it as the way of the boxing world, and the cards didn’t fall my way. But I feel my destiny is in the winning circle, as the coming world champion.“
As for Suarez (14-0), Fleming says, “Suarez, like me, hasn’t been beaten. This is where our paths come together – here in Sydney – and I am ready.”
The left-handed Fleming said he won’t be underestimating Suarez, who is 34 years old and almost 4 inches shorter in size. “All my fights have been about fighting with a winning strategy,” he asserts. “If Suarez comes at me I have a counter punching strategy, and if he stays away then I will come at him.”
Fleming has spent several months sparring with top Aussies, including the Maloney brothers. “Neither of us held back while sparring.” he said after some competitive rounds with Andrew Moloney.
But Fleming knows that the window is closing for him to win a world title. "What’s been so good for me in boxing is that I have not been beaten, not once. I haven’t been bashed, and I have gained a lot of experience. I’ve fought against the best in Australia and now it’s time to break out and take on the best in the world... after this the world title will be one big step closer.”
Set to be Australia's very best fight of 2023.
The match up of the Philippines and Australia's two unbeaten champions.
Paul "Showtime" Fleming 28-0 goes head to head with the King's Warrior Charly Suarez 14-0 for the IBF, WBC, WBA and IBO belts.
Wednesday March 15th in Sydney Australia.
CHARLY SUAREZ OFFICIALLY "DOWN UNDER"
The King's Warrior Charly Suarez has touched down in Sydney ahead of his clash of "Philippines Best v Australia's Best" next Wednesday night March 15th.
Suarez takes on gun Aussie Paul Fleming 28-0 for four belts, including what are likely IBF and IBO World title eliminators.
The Philippines star got some rounds in at Bondi Boxing Club with former world champion TJ Doheny. The Irish star will face off with Sam Goodman as the main undercard to the Tszyu-Harrison event in Sydney this Sunday.
And what was the gossip that came from the "friendly" sparring between Suarez and Doheny?
"Goodman is in for one helluva fight !"
Watch live on fite.tv
https://www.fite.tv/watch/fleming-vs-suarez/2pcqh/
The word is that Australian Paul Fleming has been on fire in training, and has been shredding sparring partners in advance of his huge clash with Charly Suarez on March 15th.
So much so that Team Fleming has been forced to bring some big names into camp in order to be pitch perfect for Suarez.
George Kambosos has done rounds, and now former world champ Andrew Maloney is the latest to lend his skills. The boys did some high quality rounds this week and Fleming really impressed.
The Aussie star will spar again with Maloney this Sunday as part of a public workout to promote the impending battle with Suarez.
There is huge confidence coming from those close to Fleming that he will not only hand the whiz kid Suarez his first defeat, it will come by way of stoppage.
Paul "Showtime" Fleming is unbeaten in 28 fights, with 18 of those wins coming by way of KNOCKOUT.
Australian champion Paul Fleming 28-0 meets Philippines freak talent Charly Suarez 14-0
Wednesday March 15th Sydney
Philippines best Charly Suarez goes head to head with Australia’s best Paul "Showtime" Fleming.
Wednesday March 15th Sydney Australia
Philippines star Charly Suarez heads to Australia next month to take on the unbeaten local champion Paul Fleming (28-0)
Suarez was an acclaimed amateur, and despite a relatively recent transition to the pro ranks, the King's Warrior has already racked up 14 impressive wins.
And identical to Fleming, the Davao fighter also retains an unbeaten record.
But what seems astounding about Suarez is that, for a boxer with such a wealth of amateur experience, he has improved markedly since turning pro.
So much so, he actually appears to be an even better prospect at the longer round format.
That said, Suarez was touted as the "next big thing" when he decided to finally go pro, and here is some ringside action taken from the first professional performance of Charly Suarez.
He shows all that dynamism that he is renowned for, and it will give you some insight as to what Australia will be getting come March 15th.
https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions/videos/527622426120815
"Charly Suarez, your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to take down undefeated 28-0 Australian champion Paul "Showtime" Fleming, and bring back the WBC, WBA, IBF and IBO belts. All of them !
In doing so, you will do your country a great service, and you will go to top 10 in the world, and become mandatory for IBF and IBO World titles. You will also become the likely target of Liam Wilson, the first man to drop Emanuel Navarrete.
This message will self destruct in 10 seconds.
Good luck Charly "
Philippines Charly Suarez looking to bring down Aussie champion Paul "Showtime" Fleming and move into the world top 10 with the WBC, IBF and IBO.
Don't miss history in the making !
Wednesday 15th March
Kevin Betts Stadium
Paul Fleming has questioned the experience of Liam Wilson's team after the younger man's controversial world-title loss, saying he would never have let the weigh-in go ahead.
And the ageing super featherweight says he will not be a "rebound fight" after being called out following Wilson's gut-wrenching defeat in Phoenix.
Wilson has appealed against the decision in his loss to Emanuel Navarrete, keeping alive slim hopes of a rematch after footage showed a 27-second allowance - almost triple the traditional count - when the Australian floored the red-hot favourite in the fourth round.
The rank outsider, in his US debut, also weighed in about 2kg lighter than expected in a bizarre lead-in drama that had Wilson's camp threatening to boycott the WBO title fight after claims of cheating.
Wilson was eventually stopped in the ninth round on Friday by a resurgent Navarrete, who became a three-division champion and improved to a perfect 11 wins in world-title fights to set up a lucrative blockbuster with fellow Mexican Oscar Valdez.
"I would have said, 'No way, these scales aren't right' and stopped it then and there and requested another set of scales," Fleming told AAP of the weigh-in drama in which Navarrete came in narrowly under the 59kg limit.
"I guess that's just inexperience."
Keen to capitalise on a profile boost after scaring the likely future hall-of-famer, Wilson has called out Fleming for an all-Australian blockbuster.
But Fleming (28 wins, one no result) fights at the same weight, is world ranked by rival bodies the WBA and IBF and is quickly rebuilding his following in a late-blooming career.
If the 34-year-old beats impressive Filipino Charly Suarez (18-0) on March 16 in Sydney he will move closer to an overdue title shot - but potentially further from a duel with WBO favourite Wilson.
He just got his shot at the world title," Beijing Olympian Fleming said.
"I'm nearly 35 and still haven't had mine, so it's the Suarez fight first and then I'm not going to fight Liam for his ego or a rebound.
"I only want fights that'll move me closer to a world title.
"If it is one of those, then 150 per cent let's do it; we've been calling for it and it's a bit funny now it suits him he's calling it out."
If the pair continue to diverge it could mean they only fight to unify different world-title belts.
"Liam's very dangerous very early, but from what I've seen he loses his way (in the later rounds)," Fleming said.
"He's got a good left hook, but that one shot ain't going to work fighting me.
"I'm more elusive; you've got to have more in your repertoire."
The team of Liam Wilson have turned their attentions to Australian indigenous star Paul Fleming, and possibly to Teofimo Lopez conqueror George Kambosos, if they are not granted a rematch after Saturday's controversial title fight in the US.
The No Limit team have lodged a complaint regarding the delay (up to 28 seconds) afforded to Emmanuel Navarrete after Wilson dropped him in the 4th round of their fight.
Paul Fleming has an outstanding record of 28 and 0, and many regard the man dubbed "Showtime" as the most naturally talented Aussie fighter in recent years. He is also ranked in the top 15 with the IBF, WBA and WBC, and will force his way into the top 10 assuming he is successful in his next bout on March 16th.
Paul Fleming meets Philippines star Charly Suarez in Sydney, and it appears the teams of Wilson and Fleming are both totally overlooking the unbeaten pinoy.
The word is strong in Australia that the Fleming team are extremely confident of delivering the King's Warrior his first loss, and are predicting it to come in spectacular fashion. They feel a knockout win is required to stamp his claims to being Australia's best in the weight class.
Alternatively, a win by Suarez elevates the Philippines man to #3 with the IBF, and a possible mouth watering clash with Liam Wilson.
Sydney Australia Friday March 17th
*special thanks to Pareng B.Vlog for the awesome video and support toward Philippines boxers.
One of Australia's most colourful and entertaining fighters is also one of that country's BEST EVER.
Paul Fleming 28-0 will take on Philippines freak talent Charly Suarez in Sydney on March 17th.
The indigenous star known as SHOWTIME has got it all.
https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions/videos/695818145579601
This just got made !!!!!!
Yes, it's official - Philippines best Charly Suarez will take on Australia's best Paul Fleming in a showdown for the IBF intercontinental, WBA Oceania and WBC Asia titles. The iconic bout will take place in Sydney on March 17th.
A win for either fighter will likely catapult them into a world title mandatory position. Both fighters are unbeaten, both are former Olympians, and both are blessed with supernatural hand and foot speed. Indigenous prodigy Paul Fleming was responsible for the "Fight of the Year" in Australia in 2022, and the man known as Showtime is peerless when it comes to non stop action.
To counter the claims of the Aussie, Charly Suarez has been on an ominous run of 10 wins in the last two years, all against quality opponents. Tellingly, he has barely broken a sweat in his rankings surge, and lost few, if any, rounds.
This is a HUGE FIGHT for both Australia and the Philippines, and a dominant performance by Suarez will certainly put the world on notice.
On June 3rd, VBO President Dr. Lim Song attended 40th IBF Convention in Atlantic city, USA. There, Dr. Song made a formal proposal to host 2026 IBF Convention in Vietnam.
The global convention bring together 300~400 experts in the professional boxing industry across the world.
Hosting a Global Convention for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in Vietnam would offer a multitude of benefits, not just for the boxing community but for the country as a whole.
1. Elevating Vietnam's Boxing Profile:
Global Recognition: Hosting a major IBF event would significantly raise Vietnam's standing in the international boxing world. It would put the country on the map as a serious contender for future top-tier boxing events and potentially world title fights.
Showcasing Local Talent: It would provide an unparalleled platform for Vietnamese boxers, coaches, and officials to interact with global leaders, learn best practices, and gain exposure. This could accelerate the development of local boxing talent and potentially lead to more Vietnamese champions on the world stage.
Professional Development: The convention would likely include seminars, training courses, and certification programs for referees, judges, and coaches, significantly improving the quality and professionalism of Vietnamese boxing personnel.
2. Development of the "Sports Economy":
Tourism Boost: A global convention attracts a significant number of international delegates, including IBF officials, promoters, managers, boxers, media, and fans. This influx of visitors would lead to increased spending on hotels, restaurants, transportation, shopping, and local attractions, generating substantial revenue for the local economy.
Job Creation: The event would create temporary jobs in hospitality, event management, security, transportation, and other related sectors.
Media Exposure: Global media coverage of the convention and any associated boxing events would provide invaluable promotion for Vietnam as a tourist destination and a vibrant, modern country, enhancing its international image.
Hosting an IBF convention could stimulate the commercialization of boxing in Vietnam, encouraging more sponsorships, broadcasting deals, and the growth of a professional boxing ecosystem.
3. Soft Power and International Relations:
Diplomatic Engagement: Hosting such an event fosters stronger relationships with international sports organizations and participating countries, enhancing Vietnam's "soft power" on the global stage.
Cultural Exchange: It provides an opportunity to showcase Vietnamese culture, hospitality, and unique heritage to a diverse international audience. Delegates would experience local customs, cuisine, and traditions, leaving with positive impressions.
National Pride: Successfully hosting a prestigious global event instills a sense of national pride and unity among the Vietnamese people.
So, what do you think about Vietnam hosting IBF Convention in 2026?
#vietnamboxingorganization #vietnamboxing #professionalboxing #ibf #InternationalBoxingFederation #SportsEconomy #vietnamsports #pride
Hai võ sĩ Việt Nam 🇻🇳 Thái Hoàng Huy và Trần Tấn Quang Đạo vừa đặt chân đến Úc nhưng đã nhanh chóng làm quen với người bản địa.
Huy, Nguyễn Hải Đăng và Adones Cabalquinto sẽ thi đấu tại sự kiện NO WAY OUT vào tối mai tại Q Room ở Melbourne.
Chương trình do Peter Maniatis Events – một trong những đơn vị ủng hộ boxing chuyên nghiệp lớn nhất nước Úc – tổ chức.
Lễ cân sẽ diễn ra vào cuối ngày hôm nay.
AUSTRALIA - LET'S MAKE NEW FRIENDS 🇦🇺
Vietnam 🇻🇳 boxers Thai Hoang Huy and Tran Tan Quang Dao have only just arrived in Australia, and are already meeting the locals.
Huy, Nguyen Hai Dang and Adones Cabalquinto will be competing at the NO WAY OUT event tomorrow night at the Q Room in Melbourne.
The promotion comes courtesy of one of the country's biggest supporters of professional boxing Peter Maniatis Events.
The weigh-in will be held later today.
Các bạn thân mến – có rất nhiều bình luận xoay quanh trận đấu vừa qua của Trần Văn Thảo tại Tokyo. Nhiều ý kiến mang tính động viên, nhưng cũng không ít những lời chỉ trích khá gay gắt.
Ai cũng có quyền tự do bày tỏ quan điểm.
Nhưng để cân bằng lại những quan điểm đó, tôi muốn chia sẻ với các bạn một góc nhìn có thêm bối cảnh và chuyên môn.
Trong bài viết trước, tôi không chỉ nói Nhật Bản giỏi boxing – tôi nói họ LÀ GIỎI NHẤT!
Nghe có vẻ phóng đại? Vậy hãy đọc tiếp.
Nhật Bản hiện đang sở hữu 5 võ sĩ hàng đầu thế giới ở hạng cân của Trần Văn Thảo, và 8 người trong top 10.
Điều này là cực kỳ hiếm thấy!
Không một quốc gia nào khác thống trị một hạng cân danh giá như vậy – kể cả Hoa Kỳ!
Và đừng quên, Nhật Bản còn có "quái vật" Naoya Inoue, người được xem là võ sĩ hay nhất thế giới hiện nay.
Trần Văn Thảo vừa thượng đài với một tay đấm được dự đoán sẽ là ngôi sao tương lai của Nhật Bản ở hạng Bantamweight – và điều đó hoàn toàn hợp lý vì anh ta từng là vô địch thế giới nghiệp dư.
Đây là một đối thủ rất nghiêm túc – không phải “tay mơ” nào cả.
Tôi đã tham gia boxing quốc tế nhiều năm, và không bao giờ dùng từ “huyền thoại” hay “người hùng” một cách tùy tiện.
Nên hãy hiểu rõ ngữ cảnh sau đây.
Trần Văn Thảo đến từ một đất nước chưa có nền boxing chuyên nghiệp phát triển.
Việc thi đấu thường xuyên và tập luyện với đối thủ đẳng cấp cao là điều gần như không thể tại Việt Nam lúc này.
Đây là bất lợi rất lớn cho các võ sĩ tài năng của chúng ta.
Dù vậy, Thảo vẫn đạt được xếp hạng thế giới, và trở thành võ sĩ Việt Nam đầu tiên được mời thi đấu trên sân khấu lớn nhất thế giới, đối đầu với một đối thủ đẳng cấp cao.
Không những thế, anh còn là trận đấu chính trong loạt trận phụ trước trận tranh đai vô địch thế giới.
ĐÂY LÀ CỘT MỐC LỊCH SỬ CỦA BOXING CHUYÊN NGHIỆP VIỆT NAM!!
Đây là dấu ấn đặc biệt – và Trần Văn Thảo xứng đáng được xem là một người hùng.
TRẬN ĐẤU THÌ SAO?
Vâng – tất cả chúng ta đều xem rồi.
Nhưng điều đáng nể hơn là: Chính Thảo đã can đảm bước vào và chiến đấu.
Thua là xác suất 50% của mọi trận đấu, nhưng Thảo đã cho cả thế giới thấy rằng võ sĩ Việt Nam KHÔNG BAO GIỜ GỤC NGÃ!
Không bỏ cuộc – và phẩm chất đó là điều rất hiếm ở con người. Màn thể hiện của Thảo là nguồn cảm hứng lớn.
Đối thủ trước đó của Tomoya Tsuboi có thành tích 14 thắng – 2 thua, nhưng bị hạ KO chỉ trong 2 hiệp.
Những bài học sau thất bại rất giá trị với mọi võ sĩ – và chính điều đó sẽ giúp Thảo phát triển mạnh mẽ hơn rất nhiều, đặc biệt nếu anh có cơ hội trở lại sàn đấu thế giới.
Giờ đây, Thảo hiểu rõ trình độ cần thiết để thi đấu ở đỉnh cao, thậm chí còn rõ hơn bất kỳ ai trong chúng ta ngồi xem ở nhà.
Tôi là người làm nghề tổ chức, và nếu tôi là promoter phía Nhật, tôi chắc chắn sẽ mời Thảo quay lại lần nữa!
Tinh thần chiến đấu và sự bền bỉ của anh ấy đã nâng tầm thương hiệu boxing Việt Nam trên trường quốc tế – và đó là một thành tựu không thể phủ nhận.
Có bài học rút ra không?
Tất nhiên – là rất nhiều!
Hãy chờ đợi sự trở lại của đại sứ boxing chuyên nghiệp Việt Nam – khỏe hơn, nhanh hơn và thông minh hơn bao giờ hết!
VIỆT NAM 🇻🇳 – VỮNG BƯỚC TIẾN LÊN!
Nguyễn Hải Đăng, võ sĩ 19 tuổi đến từ Việt Nam, sẽ có trận chuyên nghiệp đầu tiên vào tối thứ Bảy này tại Melbourne, Úc.
Nhưng có một vấn đề nhỏ...
Em chưa có quần thi đấu chuyên nghiệp để bước lên võ đài chiến thắng 🤔
✅ ĐÃ GIẢI QUYẾT XONG !!
Một lời cảm ơn đặc biệt gửi đến Huỳnh Hồng Ngọc đã lo liệu mọi thứ cho em trong thời gian cực kỳ gấp rút!
🔥 Chiến hết mình với võ sĩ Úc nhé Đăng!
CHO NÓ BIẾT "ĐỊA NGỤC" LÀ GÌ 😈
VIỆT NAM CỐ LÊN 🇻🇳