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

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

Which HOIANA stoppage still lives in your head?

#VSPPromotions #HOIANALEGENDARY #ProBoxing #KO #BoxingVietnam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And then the shot everyone wasn’t talking about.

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

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

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

So here’s the real question:

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

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

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

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

It wasn’t enough.

All three judges: 97–93 Cortes.

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

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

What’s next for Magsayo after this?

MAGSAYO vs CORTES — UD LOSS

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

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

So where is the love??

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

But there’s a little history here.

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

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

“I’ll send him back to his 9-5!”

And then went even further on social media:

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

Tough talk.

Now Mark Magsayo has the honour.

Shut this guy up — once and for all.

MAGSAYO vs CORTES

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

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

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

Congratulations all fighters who took part.

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Papua New Guinea

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

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

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

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

Afternoon session is about to start.

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

Elorde Sports Center, Parañaque City, Manila

Sunday, August 30, 2026

MORNING SESSION

Starting approximately 9:00 AM

MORNING SESSION CHAMPIONSHIP

Adam Farhan Nazrine  vs Mandeep Singh

168 lbs — 8 rounds

Vacant WBC Asian Silver Super Middleweight Title

This is the championship centerpiece of the morning session.

Some particularly interesting international matchups

Hazman Siew vs  Singha Siringuan

126 lbs — 6 rounds

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

Adam Farhan Nazrine vs  Mandeep Singh

168 lbs — 8 rounds

WBC Asian Silver Title

The only championship bout on the morning card.

Keng Fai Hui vs  Mark Angel Sadang

160 lbs — 4 rounds

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

Weights right !

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

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

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And Papua New Guinea are just getting started!

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

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

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

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

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

But PNG boxing is only just getting started.

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

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

Papua New Guinea is only just getting started

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What are you doing on August 30?

Watching boxing in the Philippines—that's what!

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

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

Hungry dogs fight harder.

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

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

For the real fight fans - enjoy their contest  !

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It's more fun in the Philippines  !  

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

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

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

KA-BOOM !!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3.  Prepare all your gears the night before.  

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

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

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

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

#professionalboxing #proboxingreferee #IBF #Tonyweeks

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Quá già. Quá chậm. Hết sức. Chỉ là cái bóng của ngày xưa.

Đó là những gì người ta đã nói về huyền thoại Việt Nam Nguyễn Văn Hải trong những tuần gần đây.

Nhưng người ta cũng nói rằng: càng bị nghi ngờ, chiến thắng càng ngọt ngào.

Và vào Chủ Nhật, ngày 21 tháng 6, "Sát thủ Hà Nội" sẽ bước lên sàn đấu để khiến tất cả phải nhớ lại anh là ai.

Các bạn trẻ – hãy luôn tôn trọng các bậc tiền bối.

Trong suốt một thời gian dài tưởng chừng như vô tận, Nguyễn Văn Hải luôn là một trong những tên tuổi lớn của làng quyền Anh Việt Nam.

Nhưng thời thế đang thay đổi.

Võ sĩ trẻ triển vọng đến từ Sài Gòn, Ly Quốc Dung, đã âm thầm xây dựng thành tích chuyên nghiệp bất bại 4-0 — và anh ấy trông gần như không thể bị đánh bại trong suốt hành trình đó.

Hơn thế nữa, Dung không hề e ngại khi phải đối đầu với một huyền thoại như Nguyễn Văn Hải. Thực tế, anh tin rằng người đàn anh sẽ sớm bị bỏ lại trong cái bóng của mình.

Dung nói rằng anh quá nhanh, quá khó nắm bắt, và đơn giản là quá điển trai đối với “Hanoi Hitman”.

Và biết đâu anh ấy đúng.

Chúng ta sẽ có câu trả lời vào Chủ Nhật, ngày 21 tháng 6

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Hôm nay là đối thủ, ngày mai lại là đồng đội.

Trần Đức Thọ của Việt Nam và ngôi sao người Ý Danilo Creati trên chuyến tàu ở Seoul, South Korea.

Cả hai đều giành những chiến thắng ấn tượng chỉ vài giờ sau khi bức ảnh này được chụp.

Có dấu hiệu nào của sự hồi hộp trước trận đấu không?

ĐẲNG CẤP!

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Võ sĩ người Papua New Guinea Fidelis Laia mới đây đã có trận ra mắt nhà nghề trên một sự kiện quyền Anh quốc tế tại Việt Nam mang tên Trigger Promotion 7.

Biệt danh "Bougainville Bomber", Laia đã để lại nhiều ấn tượng dù phải chấp nhận thất bại tính điểm trước tay đấm chủ nhà đầy lì lợm Cao Quốc Việt. Ngay sau trận đấu, anh tuyên bố sẽ sớm trở lại với một phiên bản hoàn thiện và mạnh mẽ hơn.

Và đúng như lời hứa, Laia không hề lãng phí thời gian.

Tháng tới, anh sẽ tới Surfers Paradise, bang Queensland (Úc) để thượng đài cùng võ sĩ chủ nhà Jesse Travers, một cái tên được đánh giá là có thực lực nhưng vẫn chưa nhận được sự chú ý tương xứng.

Travers sở hữu nền tảng nghiệp dư rất đáng nể và từ lâu đã được xem là một võ sĩ giàu tiềm năng. Trong quá khứ, anh từng có những trận đấu rất sít sao với các đối thủ chất lượng như Clay Waterman và Steve Spark.

Sau bảy năm rời xa võ đài, Travers trở lại thi đấu vào tháng 4 năm nay và ngay lập tức gây ấn tượng mạnh khi hạ gục Blake Payne ngay trong hiệp đầu tiên. Giờ đây, anh sẽ hướng tới việc nối dài đà thăng tiến đó khi đối đầu với vị khách đến từ Papua New Guinea.

Tuy nhiên, Laia không hề e ngại thử thách phía trước.

"Đây là cơ hội tuyệt vời để tôi bước thêm một bước trên con đường sự nghiệp," Laia chia sẻ.

"Tôi sẽ tăng hạng cân để đấu với võ sĩ người Úc này, nhưng điều đó không thành vấn đề vì trước đây tôi đã từng thi đấu ở hạng cân đó.

"Tôi biết mình bắt đầu sự nghiệp quyền Anh nhà nghề khá muộn, vì vậy tôi phải trân trọng và nắm bắt mọi cơ hội đến với mình."

FIGHTS IN THE CITY

Được tổ chức bởi Jamie Myer Productions

Jesse Travers vs Fidelis Laia

Thông tin sự kiện:

Ngày: 18 tháng 7

Thời gian: Từ 17:30

Địa điểm: Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Úc See less

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41st IBF ANNUAL CONVENTION in Vietnam is now complete and we are happy to report mission success.  

300 delegates from 40 countries explored and experienced beautiful Vietnam.  We expect over 150 delegates to extend their stay in Vietnam while over 80% say they plan to come back to Vietnam for future vacation.  We continue to promote Vietnam as a potential destination for international sports events and we need to make it easier for event organizers to get approvals.

Enduring theme of these events is about being "One & Family".  It starts with the "Love & Respect" for the sports that brought us together.  To help each other get better, to share experiences, and remembering that it is all about protecting the safety of the boxers in and out of the ring.  It is not about power over them but rather power to serve, guide, advice, and respect the path they chose. We strive to make it a little smoother and safer.

VBO is pleased to welcome Vietnam Boxing Federation - VBF to join the convention in the organizing committee.  We are joining hands to restart professional boxing in Vietnam.  Stay stuned.  

We will release more photos once IBF has had the chance to review them and release it officially.  

#ibfconvention #grandhotram #vbo #IBF #VBF #professionalboxing #41stibfconvention

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