The BIGGEST and the BEST boxing event in the history of Vietnam is here. With over 25,000 live spectators and 80million views on social media, the show lights up the night sky of legendary Hoan Kiem lake in the capital of Vietnam.
Hoan Kiem Lake
,
October 19, 2019
@tue_tam_boxing (Nguyen Thi Tam) is definitely a girl that's got it all to make it as a professional boxer. As an amateur, she swept top spots in Vietnam and abroad. She is currently ranked #1 in the world in Boxrec as an amateur. There no more to prove in Amateur competitions. Is it time for her to go pro?
#nguyenthitam #victory8boxing #vsppromotions #boxingtraining #professional #proboxing #girlboxer
A meteroic two years for the King's Warrior Charly Suarez, a Philippines amateur star and relative late comer to the professional ranks.
Since January 2021 Suarez has had 10 fights,10 wins, a Philippines national title, and also WBA and IBF Regional titles.
Now Philippines #1 and World #52
And you ain't seen nothing yet !
VSP Promotions are looking towards doing many more events next year after the recent success of "Fortunes of War".
VSP Boxing will host 10 events in 2023 for local Vietnam boxers who are wanting to join the pro ranks. These will kick off in February.
We will also be doing 3 big international shows bring top foreign boxers into Vietnam - the first of these being scheduled for March.
And Victory8 will be back !
Think Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi and 25,000 people!
More updates on a massive 2O23 coming soon !
In great news for fight fans, Claudevan Sese is all set to return to the ring this October, after an extended hiatus during lockdown.
The firebrand style of Mr. Heart Throb has been sorely missed of late, being so distinguishable by his fast hands and feet, and even the theatrical style that he brings to the ring each time.
And if you need reminding, here is a glimpse of Claudevan Sese back in 2019, when he took on a former Vietnam national champion, the "smiling assassin" Tran Van An.
The last time we brought fighters from around the world to Vietnam, the response was quite unbelievable.
The Legends of Hoan Kiem show in Hanoi attracted a crowd of 25,000, and was viewed by millions more on live TV and streaming. The matches from that historic event have since generated more than 30 million views.
THIS DECEMBER VICTORY8 IS BACK!
Vietnam's best will be matched with top professional fighters around the world in an electric 4 round format. Fast and furious!
We are currently scouting for iconic locations in HCMC and Vung Tau.
Breaking news on this soon.
This was a classic match up, held at the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake in the Vietnam capital of Hanoi.
This fight attracted a crowd of 25,000 people, and a television audience of millions.
Expect to see another big Victory8 event make its long awaited return in HCMC later this year.
Vietnam team and Victory8 boxer Thomas "Infamous" Wu finally makes his pro debut in Florida this Friday night.
Thomas Wu was part of a high talent Vietnam team that took on international boxers in Hanoi in late 2019, and he put on a great display, trading punches with Australasian champion Michael Pengue.
22 year old Wu will take on Anthony Curtiss, a veteran with 3 wins on his resume.
Both these fighters are extremely tall for welterweights, with Vietnam atomic blonde Thomas Wu at over 6 feet and no problems on the scales. This debut fight will be over 4 rounds, and based on his performance at Victory8, expect to see INFAMOUS to kick some butt and make some seriously noise !
GO VIETNAM !!
Bên cạnh các hoạt động của Boxing bán chuyên như việc tập trung lực lượng chuẩn bị cho SEA Games 31, ASIAD 19 sẽ diễn ra trong năm 2022, phương hướng phát triển nền Boxing chuyên nghiệp Việt Nam là một trong những chủ đề được quan tâm trong thời gian trở lại đây.
Cùng với các cấp quản lý nhà nước như Bộ môn Boxing - Tổng cục Thể dục thể thao hay Liên đoàn Boxing Việt Nam, sự xuất hiện của những đơn vị tư nhân đã thổi một làn gió mới vào quá trình đào tạo các võ sĩ chuyên nghiệp. Dù vậy, để có thể thực sự tổ chức một nền boxing nhà nghề thực thụ, Boxing Việt Nam cần có những thay đổi nào. Ông Vũ Đức Thịnh, trưởng bộ môn Boxing/Kickboxing, Tổng cục Thể dục thể thao đã có những chia sẻ về vấn đề này.
PV: Trong thời gian vừa qua, Boxing Việt Nam đã chứng kiến một số lần hợp tác giữa các đơn vị quản lý nhà nước với những đơn vị tư nhân, ông đánh giá thế nào về tính hiệu quả của sự hợp tác này?
Ông Vũ Đức Thịnh: Trước đây, bộ môn cũng đã làm việc với các trung tâm đào tạo võ sĩ chuyên nghiệp, như Nguyễn Văn Đương với VSP, Trương Đình Hoàng tại Saigon Sports Club. Các vận động viên được tập trung tập huấn, thi đấu nhiều và thể lực chuyên môn tăng lên rất tốt. Về trường hợp của Thu Nhi, tôi cũng đã sang Campuchia theo dõi trận đấu tranh đai WBO Châu Á – Thái Bình Dương. Tôi đánh giá Cocky Buffalo là đơn vị rất tâm huyết trong việc đưa các võ sĩ thi đấu chuyên nghiệp.
Một số vận động viên từ đội tuyển Quốc gia cũng từng tham gia các sự kiện do Cocky Buffalo tổ chức. Trong thời gian tới khi tình hình dịch bệnh được kiểm soát, chúng tôi sẽ làm việc lại với CLB để có phương án hỗ trợ vận động viên đội tuyển tập luyện, thi đấu chuyên nghiệp tăng tính cọ xát.
PV: Theo như nguyện vọng của một số đơn vị, ông có thấy cần phải đưa ra một cơ chế hợp tác chung, thay vì các trường hợp đơn lẻ như trước đây?
Ông Vũ Đức Thịnh: Về vấn đề này, đúng là cần có một cơ chế làm việc. Ví dụ như trường hợp của võ sĩ Nguyễn Văn Đương, khi kí hợp đồng với VSP để thi đấu chuyên nghiệp nhưng vẫn do đội tuyển Quốc gia quản lý. Có nhiều phương án, ví dụ như để võ sĩ kí hợp đồng thi đấu các sự kiện do công ty tổ chức nhằm tăng khả năng cọ xát. Hoặc các công ty cùng với đội tuyển chi trả lương cho võ sĩ tập luyện thi đấu song song.
PV: Lại nói về vấn đề chuyên nghiệp hóa Boxing Việt Nam trong thời gian qua, các đơn vị tư nhân cũng có tâm tư về những hạn chế trong việc phát triển Boxing chuyên nghiệp, ông có nhận định gì về vấn đề này?
Đặc biệt, trong thời gian tới, Boxing Việt Nam cần có những thay đổi gì để phù hợp với những cơ hội trước mắt?
Ông Vũ Đức Thịnh: Quả thực, Việt Nam chưa tổ chức được các giải chuyên nghiệp, những sự kiện đã xuất hiện đều do những công ty, đơn vị tư nhân tự thân thực hiện. Như VSP với Victory 8, Cocky Buffalo chủ động đưa VĐV ra nước ngoài thi đấu, cách làm này rất tốt mà theo tôi các cơ quan quản lý cũng cần chung tay thực hiện.
Trên thực tế, Liên đoàn Quyền Anh Việt Nam đã có tổ chức Ban chuyên nghiệp để thực hiện những công tác trên. Tuy nhiên trong thời gian vừa qua, Ban chuyên nghiệp theo tôi đánh giá hoạt động vẫn chưa hiệu quả và không đóng góp được gì vào công tác chuyên nghiệp hóa cho Boxing Việt Nam.
Thời gian tới, khi Liên đoàn Quyền Anh Việt Nam tổ chức kiện toàn lại bộ máy, theo tôi, ta có thể chọn ra một trong số các công ty có năng lực, tiếp xúc những Liên đoàn quốc tế để tổ chức các sự kiện chuyên nghiệp.
Tôi đã từng làm việc với một số đơn vị, nếu ta giao công tác của Ban chuyên nghiệp cho đơn vị tư nhân, họ có quyền đào tạo vận động viên, đồng thời có nhiệm vụ kêu gọi tài trợ để đầu tư cho Boxing Việt Nam. Họ cũng rất sẵn sàng với phương án này.
Khi đó, Liên đoàn và Bộ môn có thể tập trung đào tạo hệ bán chuyên, còn Ban chuyên nghiệp và công ty tư nhân sẽ đảm nhận nhiệm vụ với hệ chuyên nghiệp, bao gồm tổ chức thi đấu hoặc có thể cả tranh đai quốc tế.
Nếu tổ chức lại được bộ máy Liên đoàn Boxing Việt Nam và Ban chuyên nghiệp hoạt động đúng như tên gọi và vai trò, tôi tin các sự kiện thi đấu chuyên nghiệp sẽ được tổ chức thường xuyên hơn, tạo thêm nhiều cơ hội thi đấu cho các vận động viên.
Xin cảm ơn ông !!!
World team fighter and Vietnam nemesis Jye Lane Taylor returns to the ring at the Star Centre in Sydney tonight.
It is the first time the "Fast Lane" has being sighted since June this year, when he knocked out Aussie Paul Roberts in impressive fashion.
Boxing fans will remember Victory8 Hanoi 2019, where Jye Lane Taylor put on a clinic against quality Vietnam team member Pham Duc Doan. Jye is one of the best prospects in Australian boxing, and everyone at VSP is wishing him lots of luck in tonight's battle with Manuer Matet.
The handsome Philippines boxer is no other than "Mr. Heartthrob" Claude Van Sese here in Hanoi with the Vietnamese beauties. Sese came to Vietnam to participate in the famous Victory8 boxing event organized by VSP Boxing on Oct 19, 2019. The event drew over 25,000 spectators and over 50million views on social media. Sese faced Nguyen Van Gioi who is probably one of the best boxers in Vietnam who possesses speed and good ring strategy. You can catch all the action at VSP Promotions' YouTube Channel.
So, you are watching a boxing match and it is clear that Boxer A is getting his faced punched in by the Boxer B. After many rounds, the final bell rings and you are 100% certain that the Boxer B had won the fight but suddenly judges award the win to the Boxer A and you are left thinking "what just happened?". This post will shed some light as to how this could easily happen.
At VSP, we have our own boxing gym (VSP Boxing) where boxers under company management are trained for professional matches. We also have our own boxing promotions company (VSP Promotions). We even have our own boxing event brand called Victory8. What I am about to tell you is something which happens behind the curtains that may help you understand why some boxing matches end up favoring a boxer who you are quite sure lost the match.
To fully understand what happens, you need to put yourself in the shoe of the Boxer and his/her manager. the manager generally thinks that if the boxer has an "unbeaten" record, it will help him go up the rank. This achieves two objectives. It can lead to the manager asking more money for the boxer to fight from the promoter. Secondly, the manager is hoping that a streak of victorious matches will allow the boxer to fight for the championship title which can be quite lucrative. Depending on the country/region, a regional championship title can earn 5~10,000 USD while world title can be anywhere from 50,000~1,000,000 dollars earning per fight depending on many factors which I will post another time. So, if you are the manager for the boxer, you would think your job is to try to get the boxer to fight an opponent whom you are quite confident can be beaten. (This often leads to a terrible quality fight because it is lopsided match).
Promoter (that's us) is the company that organizes and pays for everything and everyone. Here, "everyone" includes the boxers, referees, and the judges. Now, what happens when boxers are managed by a company instead of an individual? And what if that company happens to also be the "Promoter" of an event in which those boxers fight?
Let's think about a situation whereVSP has organized a boxing event in Vietnam between our Vietnamese fighters and Thai fighters. To make the scoring "fair", VSP flies in referees & judges (R&J) from Japan, China, and the Philippines. The promoter would be paying for their flight tickets, their fees, hotel, meals, as well as transportation. Lobbying can start even before the R&J arrive in Vietnam.
How about this: The promoter upgrades the flights of R&J to a business class and personally picks them up from the airport. The promoter then put them in a nice hotel with complementary drinks and takes them out to good restaurants. There, he talks about how wonderful some of the boxers are in the event (our boxers of course). The promoter never once said who the judges should vote for but as you can see, the R&J may have started to develop a certain bias.
Did you know that R&J are often part time jobs for many? Imagine you are one of the judges invited to come to Vietnam. You are treated very well, paid well, and even taken around by the promoter for shopping. You know that some of the boxers in the event are managed by the promoter. Now, let's say the fight was a close fight, who would you favor? If you voted against the promoter's boxer, maybe you won't be invited in the next event. Perhaps your professionalism would be so solid that none of these treatments would affect your judgement but would you be able to say the same for all of your peers?
At VSP, we don't believe in setting up our boxers to win in a match. How would a boxer improve if he is fighting an opponent worse than him all the time? We think this is a remanent of the old ways. Instead, we match our fighters such that the spectators would enjoy watching! What is the point of putting up boring shit fights that nobody wants to watch? We tell all our boxers, "It is not our job to make you win. It is our job to give you worthy challengers that will push yourself to be better" The boxing world need to change and embrace a new paradigm where the focus should be putting up fights that are 50:50 and that leads to exciting fights that viewers can appreciate and thus drive more following.
Let's change the old ways and make Boxing Great Again!
Michael Pengue has been a regular fixture at VSP and Victory8 events in Vietnam. The Aussie boxer was outstanding in his performances for the World team, so it gave us all at VSP a lot of gratification and pride when Pengue raised the WBC Australasian belt recently.
Mickey Pengue had way too few opportunities to showcase his skills since 2019, but his WBC win was a really staunch reminder of what this talented fighter is capable of when in form. Jorge Kapeen proved to be a quality opponent, and he was the measuring stick that qualified it was a great return for Pengue to grind out an emphatic unanimous win.
Pengue, who is trained by Tony Del Vecchio at the world famous Bondi Boxing Club, will now take a well earned break, before setting sights on some bigger opportunities in 2022.
Vietnam's Nguyen Van Hai makes a dream come true for the rugged and too hard to tame pinoy Jino Rodrigo, who makes this special request:
"I WANT A VIETNAM FIGHTER!"
The King's Warrior Charly Suarez does more of the "Walk the Walk" when he tackles the outstanding Roldan Aldea for the WBA Asia title. Suarez has been on a rampaging path up the world rankings, and the non believers are becoming quieter and quieter! Be in zero doubt, SUAREZ is the Philippines BEST FIGHTER, so don't miss the chance to see an icon of the sport this March in Manila.
Vietnamese lightweight Nguyen Van Hai (2-0, 1 KO) has been challenged to fight dangerous Pinoy “The Silent Beast” Jino Rodrigo of Antipolo, Rizal in March; and the tough challenge has been accepted, said VSP Boxing Promotions earlier today.
The fight will fire up the ring as part of an exciting event in March in Manila, headlined by unbeaten hard-hitting Davaeño super featherweight “King’s Warrior” Charly Suarez (9-0, 6 KO’s). The Vietnamese 135-pounder Nguyen Van Hai has long been regarded as a excellent, experienced amateur fighter, although he hasn’t seen any action at all in 30 long months. Still, Hai has kept himself running, working out, sparring, and profusely sweating every day in the gym, with the mind set of “never giving up.”
As an amateur boxer, Nguyen Van Hai won the Vietnam national championships, and claimed medals in Asian Games in various weight-classes. But due to limited opportunities to battle as a pro, Nguyen Van Hai hasn’t fought much, currently being unbeaten in just 2 fights one of them he won by KO. That’s why, Nguyen Van Hai signed with VSP Boxing Promotions last year, in an attempt to kick off his pro boxing career, searching for a brighter future for his family.
...........
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 11 Dec 2021
MICHAEL PENGUE NOW A WBC CHAMP !
Big congratulation to one of the most popular boxers to compete in Vietnam at VSP events. Mickey Pengue was twice a World Team member at the big Victory8 shows, and Vietnam fighters commented that the style of Pengue was their favourite amongst the visiting team.Michael Pengue was part of a crack international squad that fought in Vietnam in late 2019, and included pinoys Charly Suarez, Jenel Lausa and Virgel Vitor.
DINH HONG QUAN v ARNEL BACONAJE
IBF Asia Lightweight title
LIVE FROM THE GRAND HO TRAM VIETNAM
Saturday December 10
Congrats to Victory8 fighter Linn Sandström, who was successful in her WBA assault in York Hall London just moments ago. The Swedish boxer first appeared as a novice performer in Vietnam at Victory8 in 2018, where she challenged national champion Nguyễn Thi Tam at Nguyễn Du Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City.
Sandstrom has since forged a pro career and showed continued improvement, winning in Australia, the Philippines, Costa Rica and tonight's bout in England. Her WBA win over Croatian Sara Marjanovic was Linn Sandström's 7th in the paid ranks, and she's just getting started !
GO SANDSTORM!
Vietnam's Lightweight champion Dinh Hong Quan will face Philippines Arnel Baconaje at the Grand Ho Tram Strip for the IBF title on December 10. This will be as significant a main event as the country has ever seen, where incumbent champion Dinh Hong Quan (9-1) faces his sternest test to date against the skilful pinoy boxer.
The Vietnam rising star has the size advantage, yet Baconaje has bowled over some of the Philippines' biggest and best scoring, 11 knockouts in his 15 wins to date.This is a massive main event with both fighters having the genuine attributes to claim the IBF prize.
Dinh Hong Quan will join the Manny Pacquiao training camp in preparation for his December assignment, whilst Baconaje is currently in Japan working with pound for pound star Naoya Inoue. The match between Dinh Hong Quan and Arnel Baconaje will take place at The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam on Saturday December 10th.
Fight card and ticket information coming soon!
Have to love the ring name! Defry Palulu is Indonesia’s best fighter and is IBF approved.
He has a 25 win and 2 loss record and was a WBC regional champion before the pandemic robbed him of that title. So he's not happy!
Congratulations to the Philippines fighters that will be competing at the Grand Ho Tram in Vietnam on Saturday December 10. Arnel Baconaje and Charly will contest IBF titles in two of the main event matches.
Baconaje will take on incumbent lightweight champion Dinh Hong Quan, a Vietnam fighter that has recent history with pinoys Delmar Pellio and Jules Victoriano. Charly Suarez is expected to have a confirmed opponent soon.
Indonesia’s best fighter has given his take on the recent deeds of Charly Suarez, and also his prospects of matching up with the King's Warrior in the near future: "I am aware that I am on a shortlist of fighters for the IBF title in December with Suarez, but if he is serious about being world champ, then pick me - as I am his ticket !
From what I hear, nobody wants any part of Suarez - the Aussie, the Japan, and even I'm hearing American!And from what I see, I am the ONLY guy to call this amateur out, to expose him in the pro ranks.
But I will make a prediction, that based on what I have seen recently of Charly Suarez, not only will I damage his hopes of a world title, I will do some serious damage to his body also. The guy has zero power, so I don't see how he will compete with a top ten fighter "
Defry Palulu is a former WBC belt holder with a record of 25 and 2. He has encountered only one loss in the last 9 years, a controversial split decision defeat that he later avenged. Charly Suarez will contest the IBF Asia title at The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam on Saturday December 10th.
Big thrill to see "the Ferocious" Carlo Magali back in the ring at Sunday’s BATTLEFIELD. Carlo is one of the most rugged fighters in Philippines boxing, and he turned out in career best shape for his stoush with Charly Suarez in the main event.
Magali started very strongly and in fact edged Suarez in round 3, but it became obvious that the King's Warrior was not going to risk trading with the battle hardened warrior.The match up turned out to be stylistically wrong for Magali, but he certainly showed the physical menace that would really hurt a less lateral opponent than Suarez. We really look forward to The Ferocious appearing again soon, and watching him bust up whatever is in front of him!
*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.
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!
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 !
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 !
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.
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 !
Eddie Alcoba jr Wins by KO
Romeo Tenorio Wins by UD
"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.
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
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.
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 !
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
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 !
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
