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 !! "
Bacolod's Genesis Servania will fight China's rising star Aketelieti Yelejian for the WBO Asia Lightweight title this November.
The highly-anticipated match up will take place on the undercard of the IBF world title fight between Pedro Taduran and Zhu DianXing at Jeju Island, South Korea.
Aketelieti Yelejian, who suffered a narrow loss to the Prince Albert Pagara in June, rebounded with an impressive IBF Asia victory against Korean Jin Su Kim in Vietnam recently. He is a very rangy and deceptive boxer known for his relaxed combinations, and he's supremely confident in his ability to take down Servania and claim the title.
"I've studied Servania's style, and I know I have the skills to outmaneuver him," Yelejian said yesterday.
"I'm excited to represent China on the international stage once more, and bring home an impressive win against a top and proven boxer like Genesis."
Servania, a seasoned veteran with a 35-4 record, boasts a reputation for toughness that has come from battles at the top level. And has still possesses some of the best body shots in the sport of boxing.
This important title shot gives the filipino the opportunity to re-establish himself on the world scene once more, and it's best remembered that his only defeats have came against world-ranked champions like Oscar Valdez and Andres Cortes.
But the China team have already confidently stated that Yelejian's youth, speed, height, and reach may all prove too much for the Filipino boxer.
Their optimism also exudes for the world title bout, where surprisingly, they are quite dismissive of Pedro Taduran's hopes of beating star Zhu DianXing. They actually rate their boxer so highly, they have predicted that the champion has no chance of retaining the belt.
These claims set up an intriguing backdrop for two massive Philippines v China feature bouts.
Fight Details :
- Date: Saturday, November 23rd
- Location: Jeju Island, South Korea
- Title: WBO Asia Lightweight
- Contenders: Aketelieti Yelejian (China) vs. Genesis Servania (Philippines)
