TRẦN VĂN THẢO

TRẦN VĂN THẢO

Trigger

Super Bantamweight, 122 lbs (55 kg)

Age :

33


Height :

168

cm


Stance :

Orthodox


Region :

HO CHI MINH CITY


Country :

VIETNAM


Record : PRO DEBUT


Record :

18

Wins

(

10

KO)

/

2

Loss

/

Draws

As one of the first boxers to go pro in Vietnam, Thao is the first generation of pro boxers to make it to the world stage.  

TRẦN VĂN THẢO

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TRẦN VĂN THẢO

In the news

VẬY RỐT CUỘC CÓ GÌ TO TÁT?
June 11, 2025

VẬY RỐT CUỘC CÓ GÌ TO TÁT?

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!

VIETNAM THAO : SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY
June 5, 2025

VIETNAM THAO : SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY

Trần Văn Thảo vs. Tomoya Tsuboi – 
WBO Asia Pacific Title Bout Set for Sunday in Tokyo

This Sunday, June 9, 2025, Vietnamese boxer Trần Văn Thảo will face Japan’s Tomoya Tsuboi at the Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo. 
The bout is part of the Prime Video Boxing 13 event and will be contested for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight Title.

Trần Văn Thảo (18-1, 10 KOs), known as “The Trigger,” is one of Vietnam’s most accomplished professional fighters, with experience fighting across Asia and a reputation for sharp counterpunching and ring control.

His opponent, Tomoya Tsuboi, is a decorated Japanese amateur who won gold at the 2021 AIBA World Championships and bronze medals at both the 2022 Asian Games and Asian Amateur Championships. 
Tsuboi turned professional in March 2025 and won his debut by second-round stoppage against Boonrueang Phayom.

This matchup pits Thảo’s professional experience against Tsuboi’s elite amateur pedigree, with regional title stakes and future world rankings on the line.
WHO WILL SHINE FOR VIETNAM IN 2025 ?
January 6, 2025

WHO WILL SHINE FOR VIETNAM IN 2025 ?

Lots to look forward to for our future stars in the year ahead !!

HCMC WANTS PRO BOXING !!!
The Ho Chi Minh Boxing Federation (HBF) are not just looking for more opportunities for their athletes to compete, they also see the benefits that action-packed sports entertainment like pro boxing potentially bring to this vibrant city.

The HBF have already taken the visionary steps to inform their friends and industry in many social media posts. 
HBF boss Mr. Nguyễn Vinh Nghi is only relatively new to his role - but has already made a huge impact for Vietnam 🇻🇳 professional boxing. 
He has been pivotal in getting Vietnam boxers opportunities to fight overseas, and provided stewardship for the most recent local event in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Expect to see many more exciting events in Saigon this coming year - starting February. 

Vietnam 🇻🇳 boxers were also were becoming an exciting brand as last year progressed, and were in increasing demand. 
VSP sent boxers to Australia,Tanzania, Russia, Dubai, South Korea, Taiwan and China.

2025 will see that PRO BOXERS become 🇻🇳 Vietnam's proudest export.

BRING IT ON !!!
TRAN VAN THAO WIN WBO GLOBAL
May 6, 2024

TRAN VAN THAO WIN WBO GLOBAL

Congratulations to Vietnam hero Van Thao Tran for a unanimous decision win over Jakrawut Majungoen for the NEW WBO GLOBAL Bantamweight champion.
#WBO
#Korea
#VBO
WBO TRIPLE TITLE
May 4, 2024

WBO TRIPLE TITLE

All boxers passed the weight in today for tomorrow's Triple WBO title event,
For the Vacant WBO Global Bantamweight title, and the vacant WBO Global Featherweight title and the vacant WBO International Flyweight title!
Here in Goheung, Korea.
CHIẾN THẮNG NGHẸT THỞ CỦA TRẦN VĂN THẢO TRƯỚC VÕ SĨ TRUNG QUỐC
January 13, 2024

CHIẾN THẮNG NGHẸT THỞ CỦA TRẦN VĂN THẢO TRƯỚC VÕ SĨ TRUNG QUỐC

🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳

Đối mặt võ sĩ trẻ Li Gui Ming, Trần Văn Thảo có được lợi thế nhờ các tình huống tấn công tốc độ ở những hiệp đầu tiên. Dù vậy, sức chịu đòn bất ngờ giúp Li Gui Ming vùng lên ở nữa cuối trận, buộc Thảo phải dùng chiến thuật di chuyển lùi chủ động ra đòn trước. Càng về những hiệp cuối, Trần Văn Thảo càng phải sử dụng các pha cắt góc, né tránh tối đa sức ép từ võ sĩ Trung Quốc.

Sau 8 hiệp đấu, Trần Văn Thảo giành chiến thắng đồng thuận trên cả ba bảng điểm của các giám định với tỷ số 78-74 78-72 77-75.

------------------------------------
Các trận đấu được phát sóng độc quyền truyền hình trên TV360 . Truy cập https://tv360.vn/app tải ứng dụng TV360 để xem trực tiếp toàn bộ các trận đấu của giải boxing WAR IN PARADISE
#Webthethao #WBO #WarinParadise #VoThuat #TV360 #TranVanThao
VBO TAKES THE FIGHT TO FOREIGN SOIL !
January 13, 2024

VBO TAKES THE FIGHT TO FOREIGN SOIL !

Mr. Danrex Tapdasan of WBO and Dr. Lim Song of #VBO leads officials training for KBC, KBA, and KBC officials in Korea. This 2-days training saw veteran referee & judges from Korea as well as promoters and managers come together to learn about the latest unified boxing rules.  

As to why VBO is supervising an event in Korea with PBC, Dr. Lim Song said: "I am humbled that VBO is recognized by established international commissions such as PBC, KBC and KBF. It is important that VBO continue to actively engage international professional boxing community to develop more opportunities for our boxers, and that they are treated fairly when they fight overseas."  

#vietnamboxingorganization #VBO
Trần Văn Thảo in Korea
January 11, 2024

Trần Văn Thảo in Korea

Trần Văn Thảo - Đại diện đầu tiên của Việt Nam góp mặt tại giải đấu WBO Title Match: War in Paradise sẽ có màn so găng hứa hẹn vô cùng hấp dẫn với tay đấm người Trung Quốc Li Gui Ming diễn ra vào ngày 13/1 tới đây!

Hãy cùng điểm qua một chút thông số của cả 2 võ sĩ trước trận ở graphic dưới đây nhé!

#vietnamboxingorganization #cockybuffalo #WARINPARADISE #vsppromotions 

#Webthethao #WBO #WarinParadise #VoThuat
Trần Văn Thảo - Đinh Hồng Quân cập bến Hàn Quốc
January 11, 2024

Trần Văn Thảo - Đinh Hồng Quân cập bến Hàn Quốc

Trần Văn Thảo - Đinh Hồng Quân cập bến Hàn Quốc, chuẩn bị cho buổi cân kí WBO Title Match: War in Paradise

Sáng ngày 11/1, hai võ sĩ Trần Văn Thảo và Đinh Hồng Quân đã cùng ban huấn luyện và các đồng đội team Cocky Buffalo cập bến thành phố Incheon, Hàn Quốc vào lúc 9h địa phương (tức 7h sáng Việt Nam) dưới cái lạnh -1 độ thấu xương, sau chuyến bay kéo dài 5 tiếng để chuẩn bị cho sự kiện WBO Title Match: War in Paradise. Cả hai sẽ có một ngày chuẩn bị trước buổi cân kí chính thức vào sáng ngày 12/1.

Ở ngày thi đấu 13/1, Trần Văn Thảo sẽ gặp đối thủ người Trung Quốc Li Gui Ming ở hạng bantamweight (53,5kg). Trong khi đó, Đinh Hồng Quân sẽ có trận đấu đầu tiên ở hạng super-lightweight (63,5kg) trước đối thủ Yoji Sato (Nhật Bản)

#Webthethao #WarinParadise #TranVanThao #DinhHongQuan #Vietnam
Nhà vô địch IBA thế giới Trần Văn Thảo
January 9, 2024

Nhà vô địch IBA thế giới Trần Văn Thảo

Nhà vô địch IBA thế giới Trần Văn Thảo (16 thắng, 1 thua, 10 thắng bằng knock-out) sẽ đối đầu võ sĩ người Trung Quốc Li Gui Ming (5 thắng, 4 thua, 1 bằng knock-out) ở hạng cân 53,5kg.

Trước đó hồi tháng 11 năm 2023, Văn Thảo đã có chiến thắng mãn nhãn bằng tính điểm trước võ sĩ dày dặn người Mexico Kenbun Torres tại sự kiện WBO Global Title Match diễn ra tại The Grand Ho Tram Strip (Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu) sau 12 hiệp đấu căng thẳng. Đối thủ Gui Ming Li của Trần Văn Thảo năm nay mới 23 tuổi, đã thượng đài 10 trận và được trang BoxRec đánh giá 1,5 sao cùng vị trí Top 4 trong số 24 võ sĩ chuyên nghiệp tại Trung Quốc.

Trần Văn Thảo là võ sĩ Boxing chuyên nghiệp đầu tiên tại Việt Nam. Thi đấu từ năm 2015, Văn Thảo đã đánh bại nhiều đối thủ tới từ Thái Lan, Philippines, Indonesia. Anh cũng là võ sĩ đầu tiên giành được một danh hiệu chuyên nghiệp với đai WBC Asia Interim năm 2017. 

Hiện tại, Trần Văn Thảo đang được xếp hạng 2 sao trên BoxRec cùng vị trí Top 1 hạng cân 53,5kg tại Việt Nam; hạng 103 trên 1053 võ sĩ cùng hạng cân trên toàn thế giới.

#webthethao #WBOTitleMatch #TranVanThao #cockybuffalo
TRAN VAN THAO - KOREA JANUARY 13TH
January 6, 2024

TRAN VAN THAO - KOREA JANUARY 13TH

Trào đón năm 2024 với trận đấu tại Hàn Quốc 🇰🇷
Việt Nam 🇻🇳 vs 🇨🇳 Trung Quốc

Inspector: Mr.Lim Song VBO Samson Iu PBC
Promoter: Cocky Buffalo Promotions
VIET "DOUBLE TROUBLE" KOREA JANUARY 13TH
January 3, 2024

VIET "DOUBLE TROUBLE" KOREA JANUARY 13TH

Two of Vietnam's best performed professional boxers Tran Van Thao and Dinh Hong Quân will star at a big event in Korea next week. 
"War in Paradise" will take place at the Paradise City Casino in Incheon, courtesy of the efforts of prolific promoter Cocky Buffalo. 
The event will be supervised by Mr. Lim Song of Vietnam Boxing Organization and Mr. Samson Iu of PBC Macau. 

#cockybuffalo #vietnamboxingorganization #vbo #vspboxing #vsppro
WHAT'S COMING IN 2024 ????
December 29, 2023

WHAT'S COMING IN 2024 ????

While everyone is sleeping off the effects of too much food and beer - some of us are still working !!
Mr. Sang Bum Kim of Cocky Buffalo has been a great supporter to the fight industry and Vietnam boxers this year, and the big news is, he will be doing an iconic International show at Paradise City Korea on January 13th 2024.

This event will highlight three of Vietnam's best professionals - Nguyễn Văn Hải, Tran Van Thao and Dinh Hong Quân. 
These boxers are all booked in for huge bouts with foreign opponents, most notably Nguyễn Văn Hải. The "Hanoi Hitman" will take on Philippines 🇵🇭 star Genesis Servania, a winner of 33 of 36 fights.
Also appearing on the card is a very popular recent visitor to both Vietnam and VSP Gym - 🇧🇼 Botswana’s Moabi Ngaka.  
"The Eagle" will fight in Korea as a prelude to a big event planned for Maun Botswana on March 30th. Vietnam boxers will be represented at this show also.
More exciting developments coming soon.

#CockyBuffalo #vspgym #vietnamboxingorganization #vspboxing #vsppro #boxingvietnam #VSPPromotions #Webthethao #quickom
WBO IN KOREA
December 17, 2023

WBO IN KOREA

Nhà vô địch IBA thế giới Trần Văn Thảo và lão tướng Nguyễn Văn Hải du đấu tại Hàn Quốc

Ba võ sĩ Trần Văn Thảo, Nguyễn Văn Hải và Đinh Hồng Quân sẽ cùng nhau tranh tài trước các đối thủ nước ngoài tại sự kiện quyền anh chuyên nghiệp diễn ra ở Incheon, Hàn Quốc.
Cụ thể, sự kiện mà ba võ sĩ Việt Nam sẽ tham gia tranh tài là sự kiện do Cocky Buffalo tổ chức với tâm điểm là ba trận đấu tranh đai và bảo vệ đai vô địch.
Cuộc đối đầu chính của sự kiện là trận bảo vệ đai vô địch WBO Global hạng cân Minimumweight của nhà vô địch người Trung Quốc Dianxing Zhu (11-1, 10 KOs) trước đại diện đến từ Philippines Richard Garde (8-1, 7 KOs). Trước đó, tại sự kiện quyền Anh WBO Global Title Match diễn ra ở Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu tháng 11 vừa qua, nhà vô địch người Trung Quốc đã bảo vệ thành chiếc đai vô địch của mình khi đánh bại võ sĩ thách đấu từ Thái Lan Sanchai Yotboon.
Hai trận đấu tâm điểm khác của sự kiện là các cuộc so tài cho chiếc đai vô địch WBO Oriental giữa Olimjon Nazarov (28-5, 15 KOs) vs. Wulan Tuoleazi (15-5-2, 7 KOs) ở hạng cân Flyweight và Takahiro Tai (4-1, 4 KOs) vs. Lap Cheong Cheong (10-0, 4 KOs) ở hạng cân Super Flyweight.
Đặc biệt, sự kiện quyền anh chuyên nghiệp diễn ra tại Incheon, Hàn Quốc lần này thu hút được sự quan tâm lớn của người hâm mộ đến từ Việt Nam bởi sự tham gia của các võ sĩ Nguyễn Văn Hải, Trần Văn Thảo và Đinh Hồng Quân.

Lão tướng Nguyễn Văn Hải đang có một năm hoạt động tích cực khi liên tiếp tham gia các sự kiện quyền anh lớn nhỏ cả trong nước lẫn quốc tế. Lần gần nhất thượng đài tại sự kiện boxing quốc tế WBO Global Prelude, lão tướng của Việt Nam chỉ mất chưa tới 12 giây để hạ gục võ sĩ người Bangladesh Abdul Motalib.
Mặt khác, nhà vô địch IBA thế giới Trần Văn Thảo cũng không hề kém cạnh người đàn anh khi đã có một năm 2023 thành công. Trần Văn Thảo đã đánh bại võ sĩ người Mexico giàu kinh nghiệm Kenbun Torres trong lần tái xuất ở sự kiện quyền Anh WBO Global Title Match để nâng thành tích chuyên nghiệp của mình lên con số 16-1 ấn tượng. 

#cockybuffalo #vietnamboxingorganization #vsppromotions #webthethao #vspboxing #quickom #boxingvietnam
"TRIGGER" THAO GETS A MEXICAN GUN FIGHT
November 27, 2023

"TRIGGER" THAO GETS A MEXICAN GUN FIGHT

When you're talking boxing, you're talking tough and Mexican in the same breath !

So Vietnam's Tran Van Thao aka "the Trigger", despite a ring absence of more than a year, wasn't looking for anything easy when he chose Mexican Kenbun Torres as his opponent.

As you can see, both boys were SHREDDED and turned up in DEMON shape at the weigh-in, and this fight lived up to all the hype.

Great job boys !

Tran Van Thao will be back in the ring in January, on a huge card that will include Genesis Servania and another top

🇵🇭

Philippines boxer (soon to be announced) at the Paradise City in Incheon Korea.

Vietnam

🇻🇳

will like have another representative in the form of the "Hanoi Hitman" Nguyễn Văn Hải, and also a recent visitor from Botswana

🇧🇼

Moabi Ngaka is rumoured for possible inclusion.

Watch the full fight here : https://youtu.be/JFyFGS8juow?si=kBNMrmYQVIKIMjMW

TRAN VAN THAO STEALS THE SHOW
November 17, 2023

TRAN VAN THAO STEALS THE SHOW

"The Trigger" Tran Van Thao brought the big drama show to The Grand Ho Tram today, showing attitude in a feisty face off with granite Mexican Kenbun Torres.

Six great fights are scheduled for Ho Tram tomorrow night, with the highlight being a WBO Global title contest.

Vietnam's Thai Hoàng Huy will be the other home team representative, and he battles Botswana former amateur star Moabi Ngaka.

LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE  !!!
November 17, 2023

LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE !!!

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino will be the focal point of the best fight action Asia has to offer this Saturday night.

The headline event is the WBO Global bout between China's Zhu Dianxing and Thailand's Yotboon Sanchai over 12 rounds.

The China star was recently in Vietnam, where he totally dismantled top local Sam Minh Phát, and took his superb record to 10 wins with only one loss.

The main undercard bout is of huge interest to Vietnam fans, as it marks the return of "Trigger" Tran Van Thao to the squared circle.

Thao is Vietnam's best performed professional, winning 15 of his 16 bouts to date, and he looks to make his first match in over a year a memorable one. Trigger takes on tough Mexican Kenbun Torres, and when we say that, we are recommending that TOUGH and MEXICAN be made into one word ! Torres is dangerous too - in his 12 wins, 9 have tasted the canvas.

The other bout of note for Vietnam is the match between fledgling boxer Thai Hoang Huy and Botswana talent Moabi Ngaka (pictured).

Former Muay Thai student Huy turned to boxing only this year, yet has already picked up 4 wins and  scored  2 knockouts for the highlight reel.

African visitor Moabi Ngaka is known as "The Eagle" and at first glance, it's easy to see why. Ngaka is very tall and rangy, and likes to attack his prey from range.

This Botswana boxer has won two gold medals in national youth championships before turning pro, so he will have the experience edge over his very willing Vietnam opponent, but this has the makings of a really interesting fight.

"Ho Tram RUMBLE" will boast 6 great fights, with the action getting underway around 6.30pm.

Latest news

SUAREZ STAYS UNDEFEATED
October 25, 2022

SUAREZ STAYS UNDEFEATED

*story courtesy Daily Tribune

Utilizing his all-around skills, Rio Olympics veteran Charly Suarez kept his unbeaten record intact with a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision win over rugged Carlo Magali over the weekend in Sucat, Parañaque. Suarez was defending the World Boxing Association super-featherweight title and likewise vying for the Philippine crown and easily got the job done by earning scores of 119-109 (twice) and 118-110 on the judges’ scorecards.

The crowd at the Flash Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Center rallied behind Magali but Suarez had no trouble keeping his foe at bay with shots fired from long range. The victory raised Suarez’s record to 13-0 with seven knockouts and the Magali conquest put him on line for a quick return to the ring on 10 December in Vietnam.

“We are fast-tracking his climb to the world ratings,” Suarez’s chief trainer and longtime national team pal Delfin Boholst. Charly’s ripe (for a title shot) because of his age and his wealth of experience (fighting in the amateur ranks),” Boholst added. Though already 34, Suarez has fought extensively and once faced Vasyl Lomachenko, now regarded as one of the world’s finest fighters.

THIS COULD BE INTERESTING!
October 25, 2022

THIS COULD BE INTERESTING!

Hot on the heels of Charly Suarez's clinical WBA and National title win yesterday, the champion's focus now moves to his next assignment. The King's Warrior has been approached to fight in Vietnam in December, and the Philippines' most "ducked" fighter is looking to take his first international scalp on foreign soil.

It seems at this stage, the US, Australia and Japan have stamped Suarez papers as "too dangerous", and given his amateur and pro record, this is hardly surprising! So the search is on for top quality guns that are ready to be lit up by Suarez.

One name that interestingly resurfaced recently was that of a fighter who apparently still holds an opinion on the Philippines star. Charly Suarez was recently made subject of a “call out” by Indonesia’s #1 fighter Defry Palulu, a hard hitter with a 25 and 2 record.

Palulu is classed as one of his country’s best since the mighty Chris John, and the heavy handed southpaw was meant to defend his WBC regional belt against Suarez back in 2020, a match that was cancelled due to the pandemic. At the time Palulu was confident of dismantling the fledgling pro Suarez, and to this day, he still remains optimistic about the task:

Charly Suarez has done very well in his career so far, but I feel I am now a stronger fighter than i was back in 2020, and I just know he hasn’t yet fought someone of my ability. I am hearing that he is the best in Asia at 130, some say even in the world, but I know that I have the power to hurt him and slow his fast hands. "I have been in with many "amateur style" boxers before, and it always ends the same way for them!” warned the man aptly tagged “the Unseen Hammer” !!

Defry Palulu is unbeaten in three fights since returning from the pandemic, and has experienced only one loss in the last 9 years - a split decision loss that he later avenged. VSP Promotions will look into this guy -  if the quotes are real, and he's ready to walk the walk, this could be interesting!

WARRING PARTIES CALL A TRUCE
October 24, 2022

WARRING PARTIES CALL A TRUCE

Champion Philippines boxer Mark John Yap and Team Raka trainer Ephraim Montoru meet after the historic bout between PNG and Philippines.

What was the topic they discussed? " Mark, which one in your opinion is better?

The San Miguel or riding the Red Horse? "was Ephraim's opener !

THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOUR
October 24, 2022

THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOUR

Papua New Guinea's very popular Junior Kauko Raka enjoys a meal with other competing boxers after yesterday's huge BATTLEFIELD card in Parañaque Manila.

Raka put on a stoic display in a cracking undercard fight with Philippines champion Mark John Yap.

Junior Raka pressured Yap throughout, winning the admiration of the crowd.

This was the first match for the PNG PRODIGY in almost two years, so expect to see a vastly improved fighter in future bouts.

And our advice is that anyone that is thinking of facing Raka ,?  

WATCH OUT !  You are in for one hell of a fight!

PNG PRODIGY IS ON THE MARCH !

D'HAMMER MUSCLE GETS THE JOB DONE
October 24, 2022

D'HAMMER MUSCLE GETS THE JOB DONE

Despite a slow start, RoyRoy Sumugat wore down a very good looking Ivor Lastrilla.

Lastrilla appeared to outbox Sumugat in the opening sequence, and he looked to be in career best form. He definitely created problems for RoyRoy, and there are wins in store for this smart boxer without doubt. But it was Sumugat to the fore in latter rounds, with his accuracy and nice combination punching earning him the stoppage.

BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD
October 23, 2022

BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD

After the gunshots have fallen silent, and the smoke has cleared !

Huge performances tonight from Mark John Yap and Junior Kauko Raka.

Yap showed all his boxing skills and put an exclamation mark on why he has been a multiple title holder. This "Journeyman" has a lot left in the tank, and he looks invigorated at 130lb.

Raka was a junkyard dog, constantly pressing the champion Yap onto the back foot. Junior Raka showed understandable signs of ring rust, but it was a wholehearted display that won the plaudits of Philippines fans, and was sure to make PNG proud.

Make no mistake, Raka will derive huge benefit from tonight's performance and he will be a menace to top fighters in the division.

Top quality bout. Bravo !

MAGALI AND SUAREZ PICTURE PERFECT

MAGALI AND SUAREZ PICTURE PERFECT

"The Ferocious" Carlo Magali looking absolutely shredded at the BATTLEFIELD weigh in just moments ago.

National champion Magali takes on the unbeaten freak talent King's Warrior Charly Suarez in a bout which will decide both RP and WBA Asia titles.

Both fighters weighed in within the Super Featherweight limit at 129 pounds.

Action takes place tomorrow at the Elorde Sports Centre in Parañaque.

CHARLY SUAREZ READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD’S BEST
October 21, 2022

CHARLY SUAREZ READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD’S BEST

The Philippines’ Charly Suarez will headline a huge card in Manila this Sunday, when he defends his regional WBA belt agsinst national champion Carlo Magali.

Suarez is without peer in Philippines boxing right now, and arguably sits with Naoya Inoue as the most technically gifted fighter in all of Asia,

The Davao native sits unbeaten at 12 and 0, and such has been his dominance against quality local opposition, he has scored 7 knockouts so far in his pro career.

Carlo Magali will be another solid test for Suarez. A winner of 25 fights, Magali has a very awkward and resilient style that has upset more heavily favoured opponents. Blessed with a great chin and thudding power, the man that has earned the ring name “The Ferocious” is regarded as a killer in his homeland, and in the literal sense.

National champion Magali had an historic battle with Australia’s top 130 Davey Browne a few years back, and such was the bludgeoning that Magali delivered, the unbeaten Aussie lost his life as a result of his injuries.

Carlo Magali comes into Sunday’s match in career best condition, as reported by his camp, so it will be interesting to see if he can subdue the freakish Suarez in any way.

Charly Suarez will be looking to put on another electric display in Sunday’s WBA title defense, and is eyeing off bigger bouts in future. News just broken is that he will head to HO Tram Vietnam on December 10 and look to win the IBF belt, against a soon to be named opponent. The unbeaten boxer will be focussed on world top 10 fights in 2023, and with wins over world champs Oscar Valdez and Joe Cordina in the amateurs, he has every reason to have claims to the throne now that Shakur Stevenson has departed.

“I will fight anyone, anywhere !” beamed the ever smiling Suarez.

BATTLEFIELD: SUAREZ V MAGALI

How to watch:

VSP Promotions Facebook      https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions

What time?

US East Coast        6am

US West Coast       3am

UK                          11am

Vietnam                  5pm

Philippines              6pm

Australia and PNG  9pm

THE RAKA BOYS HIT MANILA
October 18, 2022

THE RAKA BOYS HIT MANILA

Papua New Guinea's boxing star Junior Kauko Raka touched down in Manila late last night, but the Prodigy Team are already in the Elorde Gym early this morning.

Junior Kauko Raka went through a light workout, ably assisted by trainers Nelson John and Ephraim  Montoru.

Despite the fact that the harder preparation has already been done, Raka will work in the gym this week to ensure he is on track for Saturdays weigh in.

Raka will compete in the 59kg Super Featherweight class (130lb) against Philippines international star Mark John Yap.

RAKA TEAM IS BATTLEFIELD BOUND !
October 17, 2022

RAKA TEAM IS BATTLEFIELD BOUND !

Papua New Guinea's Junior Kauko Raka ready and waiting to embark on his Philippines adventure at Port Moresby Airport. Raka will take on one of the Philippines greatest - Mark John "The Journeyman" Yap in what is guaranteed to be no place for the faint hearted.

Yap is the winner of 30 bouts, and tore some of Japan's best fighters to shreds in accumulating three OPBF championship belts. In contrast, Junior Kauko Raka has 2 pro wins, yet has as many as 7 knockout wins in "unofficial" contests.

This potential match up is already shaping as a red hot bonfire  NOBODY IN THE PHILIPPINES WANTED TO FIGHT MARK JOHN YAP!

But Junior Raka jumped at the chance to fight him "GIVE YAP TO ME!" Great stuff! So excited to see these two greats!

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila, Sunday October 23rd

BE THERE, OR WATCH IT  LIVE !

AKA KEEPS THE PNG FLAG FLYING
October 16, 2022

AKA KEEPS THE PNG FLAG FLYING

The great man Martin Beni put Papua New Guinea's boxing on the map back in the 1970's when he was successful against many of Australia's best fighters. Beni went on to beat an Australian and Commonwealth Lightweight champion, and at his peak, was rated in the top 30 fighters in the world at that weight.

On Sunday October 23rd, Junior Kauko Raka continues the PNG proud tradition of love of sports and boxing, when he takes on a formidable task in the shape of Mark John Yap. The Journeyman is one of the Philippines best, with 30 professional wins and 3 OPBF titles on his resume.

Says Raka on the topic of national hero Martin Beni:

"Martin lived his life around the boxing ring and while it was shocking and sad to see him pass in front of us; he was someone that remained true to the sport all the way to his last day.

When I joined boxing, I would always hear stories of Martin Beni and how he fought some of the best fighters in Australia and I’m so honoured to have met and worked alongside him.

I grew as a boxer with Martin ever since I started as an amateur in 2009.

There was a lot of struggle with boxing when I joined but despite all the politics and issues with who was in charge of the sport, he always remained true to the sport.

Before I turned professional, he would come around for some of my fights and talk to me and give me advice on what I was doing wrong.

One thing that I would always remember him by was his belief in me.

I made him a promise that I would win an internationally recognised title. I came close to fulfilling that promise but it wasn’t to be. I will keep pursuing that promise with the time I have left in my career."

Junior Kauko Raka v Mark John Yap

8 rounds  Super Featherweight 130lb

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila

Sunday October 23rd

KNOCK KNOCK ! HERE COMES D'HAMMER!
October 14, 2022

KNOCK KNOCK ! HERE COMES D'HAMMER!

RoyRoy Sumugat v Ivor Lastrilla

8 rounds  Super Featherweight 130lb

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila

Sunday October 23rd

Be there or watch it here live !

JUNIOR RAKA PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY
October 14, 2022

JUNIOR RAKA PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY

Great to see Papua New Guinea embracing boxing and recognising the achievements of athletes like Junior Kauko Raka.

Big thanks to the Pang family and Northern Property Valuers for assisting the PNG PRODIGY Junior Raka on his journey to the Philippines, and his big fight with Pinoy star Mark John Yap.

"DEADLY" DEMPO RETURNS FOR BATTLEFIELD
October 11, 2022

"DEADLY" DEMPO RETURNS FOR BATTLEFIELD

Manila Lightweight DEADLY Daffy Dempo is back in action next Sunday with a highly anticipated bout with fellow Manila boxer Jonniel Laurente.

This will be the first match for the popular boxer since 2019, when Dempo comprehensively outscored Danny Manosa. Prior to that, DEADLY was involved in a drawn bout with the wild man Jino Rodrigo, who also appears on this card.

Daffy Dempo v Jonniel Laurente

8 rounds Lightweight 132lb

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila

Sunday October 23rd

JAHZEEL STRIVING FOR PERFECTION
October 10, 2022

JAHZEEL STRIVING FOR PERFECTION

Palawan boxer Jahzeel Trinidad aims to keep his unbeaten record (6 wins) intact when he tackles JC Francisco (8 wins) next week.

This will be his toughest test so far, but this high energy boxer known as "Lion Hearted" has all the right tools to make it a thriller with the more experienced Francisco.

Jahzeel Trinidad v JC Francisco

8 rounds Flyweight  112lb

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd

STARS SPARRING AT COCKY BUFFALO
October 9, 2022

STARS SPARRING AT COCKY BUFFALO

Nguyễn Văn Duong and Brazil's outstanding  Esquiva Falcao are just two of the big names taking part in the "friendly" at Cocky Buffalo gym in Ho Chi Minh City today.

Falcao was a silver medallist winner at the 2012 Olympics, and has since gone on an unbeaten 30 fight winning streak as a pro. The world #14 will spar Vietnam Lightweight champ Dinh Hong Quan as part of today's exhibition.

NGUYỄN VĂN DUONG IN HCMC TODAY
October 10, 2022

NGUYỄN VĂN DUONG IN HCMC TODAY

DInh Hong Quan, Nguyễn Văn Duong, Vu Thanh Dat and many others joining Brazilian champ Esquiva Falcao in a friendly sparring day today at Cocky Buffalo gym in District 7 HCMC today.

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

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

Papua New Guinea's Junior Kauko Raka offers to go toe to toe with Cagayan de Oro's outstanding boxer Mark John Yap.

Junior Kauko Raka v Mark John Yap

8 rounds   Super Featherweight 130lb

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd

CAÑEGA ON THE RAMPAGE !
October 9, 2022

CAÑEGA ON THE RAMPAGE !

Expect things to get crazy !

Ali Cañega v Jerwin Mejes

8 rounds Super Lightweight  140lb

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd

CLAUDEVAN READY TO BREAK HEARTS
October 9, 2022

CLAUDEVAN READY TO BREAK HEARTS

Mr. Heart Throb is BACK, and he is aiming to leave a long trail broken hearts, starting this October 23rd!!

Claudevan Sese v Albert Alcoy

6 rounds  Super Bantamweight 122lb

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd

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

"YOUR MOVE, MR. RAKA !"

Mark John Yap v Junior Kauko Raka

8 rounds  Super Featherweight 130lb

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd

MAGALI  "ALL BUSINESS !"
October 7, 2022

MAGALI "ALL BUSINESS !"

COUNTDOWN for Suarez v Magali

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd

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

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

Papua New Guinea's hard man Junior Kauko Raka responded to recent suggestions that Mark John Yap would put an exclamation mark on their clash by going for the knockout. Whilst Yap, and perhaps the whole of the Philippines, know what potential dangers  the PNG Prodigy brings to the ring, they are also aware that the safest plan is to get him out of there as soon as possible.

The scheduled 8 round fight will take place in just over two weeks from now, and Raka had this to say:

"Knockout ? Well let's see!

We won't be running like ring girls, and I'm ready to fight toe to toe, so he won't have to go looking for me. We will see who stays standing!"

Spoken in true Warrior spirit!

PNG's Raka has experienced only one loss in 10 bouts, a points decision at the hands of top flight pinoy Roldan Aldea in a WBA title match. The powerful Port Moresby boxer has scored 7 knockouts along a path of destruction, and notably, is yet to be dropped.

This will be a compelling match up, with "The Journeyman" Mark John Yap starting a warm favourite, but likely to experience a torrid time with his PNG foe.

D'HAMMER HAS BLUE SKYS IN HIS SIGHTS
October 6, 2022

D'HAMMER HAS BLUE SKYS IN HIS SIGHTS

D'HAMMER HAS BLUE SKYS IN HIS SIGHTS

RoyRoy Sumugat v Ivor Lastrilla

8 rounds Lightweight 135lb

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd

THE BEST IS YET TO COME !
October 6, 2022

THE BEST IS YET TO COME !

The Journeyman Mark John Yap is in training in Manila, and has promised to be at his destructive best this month when he contests the main undercard match prior to the giant Charly Suarez v Carlo Magali clash.

Yap is slated to fight Papua New Guinea's premier boxer Junior Kauko Raka, and is philosophical, despite suffering 4 losses on the trot. But the defeats need to be examined more closely and put in perspective !

Three of these losses were at the hands of top class unbeaten foreign opponents, where matching was done at the very last moment to ensure making weight would prove extremely difficult. Nonetheless, Yap produced really good touches in each of these bouts, and actually dropped the unbeaten Cuban Jadier Hererra whilst incurring a points loss.

Mark John Yap prepared in the altitude of Baguio prior to his August stoush with Charly Suarez, and the hard work showed. It was an impressive performance by the Journeyman, and it is really doubtful that any local other than the freakish Suarez could have repelled him that day.

Yap did his early preparation in Cagayan de Oro for his date with Raka, and is now in Manila being mentored by Elorde's Jetro Pabustan. He has a pragmatic view on his impending battle:

“If I’ll have the opportunity to knock him out, then I’ll knock him out,” said Yap.

“If he’s tough, then I’ll try to do my best and dominate him.”

If he's tough ? Well, one thing we know about the PNG Prodigy Junior Raka is that he's carved from granite, and has skills, so this should be a thriller !

And for the Journeyman, you just know that this international star will produce something special this month and even more, the best is yet to come !

Mark John Yap v Junior Raka (PNG)

8 rounds  Super Featherweight 59kg

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd

REBOOT - A NEW BEGINNING !
October 5, 2022

REBOOT - A NEW BEGINNING !

This great pic was from the Reboot show way back in February 2021, and it was a major accomplishment by Mam Cucuy Elorde to pull it off!

Charly Suarez had been inactive (as were all local pinoy fighters) and the pandemic was proving to be a terrible time for many boxers who could not return home, and even worse, having a daily battle to feed themselves and their families.

VSP asked Mam Cucuy if it was possible to create a show so that Charly Suarez could resume his career. Despite all odds, she put together a great card that  also unearthed another big talent - the Wolverine JonJon Estrada!

The event was aptly named Reboot  "New Beginning" ,and even though there were only 5 bouts, and the boxers had to endure a "quarantine bubble", it was a lot of fun and marked the start of boxing again in the Philippines.

Boxers that starred at THE BEGINNING :

The Wolverine JonJon Estrada

King's Warrior Charly Suarez

Cerberus Lorenz Ladrada

Remon "Bad Bad" Basas  

Ali "Carnage" Cañega

Apocalypse Glenn Bismanos

The Sniper Ben Ligas

The Bull Alphoe Dagayloan

The Prince Andrew Laurio

Ranny "the Cleaner" Quizo

"DONE TRAINING"
October 5, 2022

"DONE TRAINING"

Clarence Breboneria and  Mark John Yap finish their working day with more rounds in the bank.

Breboneria had a battle with Dengue fever earlier this year, but is now back to full health, and is aiming to be at his energetic best for his upcoming bout.

The Journeyman Mark John Yap will be appearing at the BATTLEFIELD this month in an absolute belter of a match up with PNG’s Junior Raka.

Yap has ventured from CDO to Manila to have the final touches put on his preparation by coach Jetro Pabustan.

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila Sunday October 23rd