Saigon Fight Night

Epic first clash between top boxers from Vietnam going head to head against professional boxers from Australia, Sweden, and the Philippines. Will the Vietnamese boxers live up to the hype?

Nguyen Du Gymnasium

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November 3, 2018

Saigon Fight Night

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Lorence Rosas sitting
1/6/2023

MATEO TAPIA MEETS THE KING

Nov 3, 2018 #VSP organized the first #Victory8 event in Ho Chi Minh city.  

At the time, there was very little information available of Vietnamese boxers (not even on YouTube). We were searching high and low for local boxers. Then DJ Duy suggested a retired boxer named Truong Dinh Hoang. We couldn't pronounce his name so started to call him TDH and gave him a ring name "The King" to make it easier to remember.  We were worried how a retired Amateur boxer would do against a hot young professional boxer from Australia.  

Our worries quickly faded at the weigh in!  

The moment when TDH walked up to @mateo.tapia, we knew this would be a great fight!  

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Mateo Tapia who was 20 years old at the time is now undefeated #1 in Australia with 15wins (9KO), soon moving to the US to pursue world titles.  

TDH has since become a WBA Asia Champion on our 3rd Victory8 "Legends of Hoan Kiem".

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#vsppromotions #vspboxing #victory8boxing #vietnamboxing #ProfessionalBoxing #boxing #inspirational #nevergiveup

Lorence Rosas sitting
1/5/2023

TIME TO GO PRO ????

@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

Lorence Rosas sitting
9/6/2022

NGUYỄN THI THU NHI THIS THURSDAY

Vietnam's Nhi will fight to unify world titles with Yokasta Valle in Costa Rica this Thursday.

Nhi holds the WBO title, whilst local cult status heroine Yokasta Valle owns the IBF version.

VSP Promotions have long been an admirer of Nhi, and she competed at our very first Victory8 event in HCMC. The Vietnam girl made headlines winning an exhibition match with retired world champ Gretchen Abaniel, and was awarded a $20,000 USD prize for her efforts !

Nhi has come a long way since then, and we wish her lots of good fortune in her next big challenge in Costa Rica.

GO NHI !!!!

Lorence Rosas sitting
4/4/2022

LINN SANDSTROM DEBUT 2018

Recent Philippines visitor Linn Sandstrom made her pro "exhibition " debut in HCMC in late 2018.

This was very much "swimming with sharks" for Linn, who was matched with Vietnam national champion and SEA Games gold winner Nguyen Thi Tam. When this fight took place, Linn had been learning boxing for only 1.5 years!

Don't let it be said that Linn Sandstrom doesn't love a  decent challenge!

Lorence Rosas sitting
12/29/2021

Nguyen Van Duong qualifies for the Tokyo Olympics

Trong phương hướng phát triển Boxing Việt Nam từ năm 2022, ông Vũ Đức Thịnh - Trưởng bộ môn Boxing-Kickboxing TCTDTTD cho rằng cần cải tổ và có cơ chế hợp tác để chuyên nghiệp hóa Boxing Việt Nam.

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.

Nguyen Van Duong fighting for the Olympics qualifier

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?

Vu Duc Thinh talking about how to improve Vietnam Boxing

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 !!!

Lorence Rosas sitting
1/9/2022

SCORING IN BOXING...THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HMMM....

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.

Danilo Creati fights Tran Duc Tho in Victory8 Welcome to Vietnam

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.

Winner Nguyen Van Duong posing with the ring girls in Victory8 Legends of Hoan Kiem

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?  

Jye Lane Taylor vs Nguyen Van Hai in Victory8 Saigon Fight night

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.  

Danilo Creati about to throw his right uppercut against Tran Duc Tho in Victory8 Welcome to Vietnam
Danilo Creati about to throw his right uppercut against Tran Duc Tho in Victory8 Welcome to Vietnam

Iconic image of Truong Dinh Hoang against Mateo Tapia in Victory8 Saigon Fight Night
Iconic image of Truong Dinh Hoang against Mateo Tapia in Victory8 Saigon Fight Night

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.

Vu Thanh Dat is declared victorious against Jino Rodrigo in Victory8 Welcome to Vietnam
Vu Thanh Dat is declared victorious against Jino Rodrigo in Victory8 Welcome to Vietnam

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?

Danilo Creati vs Tran Duc Tho in intense fight. Victory8 Welcome to Vietnam
Danilo Creati vs Tran Duc Tho in intense fight. Victory8 Welcome to Vietnam

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!

Lorence Rosas sitting
12/29/2021

PENGUE LOOKS TO BIGGER THINGS IN 2022

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.

Lorence Rosas sitting
12/29/2021

Michael Pengue wins WBC Australasian title

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.

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Elorde boxers
November 14, 2022

DOES IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS ?

WBC champion Defry Palulu was meant to fight a novice professional named Charly Suarez back in March 2020.

The fight was canceled due to the pandemic !

Indonesia’s best fighter and his team were supremely confident of victory, and rightfully so.

Palulu was on a hot winning streak with a 21-2 record, which compared very favourably with the King's Warrior's 3-0 relative inexperience !

Fast forward to The Grand Ho Tram Vietnam on Saturday December 10, and now the clash of two of Asia's very best 130lb fighters, who were always destined to meet -  has been set !

Defry Palulu has now recaptured his pre-pandemic form with four successive wins since resuming.

Charly Suarez has stayed busy at home, picking up wins against quality locals, and grabbing WBA and Philippines national titles in the process.

Palulu feels that Suarez doesnt have the power to make an impact at top level. It's an opinion that has even been echoed by many in the Philippines. The Indonesian is also of the belief that previous opponents have allowed the pinoy star to impose his "amateur" style way too easily. He contends that many have simply followed Suarez around the ring, thus falling victim to his mesmerizing hand and foot speed.

The Indonesian southpaw champion says all of that nonsense will finish on December 10 in Vietnam !

It seems hard to imagine anybody in world boxing outpointing Philippines' Charly Suarez, but can he be stopped ?

"That is our plan !  Team Palulu have worked very hard for this, and we will not let this opportunity slip.

Suarez does not have the power to hurt me, or even hold me off. But I know when I catch him, he will go down.

Indonesia will have a new IBF champion on December 10."

Charly Suarez v Defry Palulu

12 rounds  IBF Asia Super Featherweight 130lb

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

Elorde boxers
November 14, 2022

VIETNAM v PHILIPPINES FOR THE IBF CROWN

Dinh Hong Quan is gaining the reputation as one of Vietnam's most improved and fearless fighters.

On December 10, the man revered as the Black Hawk, will defend his IBF title on home soil against one of Asia's best at 126-130lb - Philippines' very own Arnel Baconaje.

This will the third defense for the Vietnam champion, and admirably, he has taken on quality opposition each time. The Black Hawk originally won the IBF belt on foreign soil against the very experienced Korean Dong Hee Kim, dispatching his opponent with a showreel left hook !

Since then he has defended against emerging pinoy boxers Delmar Pellio and Jules Victoriano, both of whom enjoyed physical batlles with the Vietnam boxer.

Arnel Baconaje represents another rise in class for Quân, and there is no doubt that at 130, the Philippines man known as "The Silencer" would start an overwhelming betting favourite. But this battle will be at 135lb,  and will be held in Dinh Hong Quân's backyard.

It's Vietnam v Philippines  its Black Hawk v The Silencer  and its the IBF Asia title on the line !

Dinh Hong Quân v Arnel Baconaje

12 rounds  IBF Asia Lightweight title

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

Elorde boxers
November 13, 2022

THE UNSEEN HAMMER TO HAUNT SUAREZ

Indonesia’s top fighter Defry Palulu is Vietnam bound, and intent on reclaiming his lofty place in the world rankings.

The accomplished southpaw was the WBC Asia champion back in 2019, and was looking to leverage that belt towards some bigger bouts.

He was actually slated to fight novice professional  Charly Suarez back in March 2020, a match that he was confident of winning, and one where he undoubtedly would have started a betting favourite.

But the pandemic made a mess of best laid plans, and  Palulu was stripped of his WBC belt due to his inability to defend that title. Boxing in Indonesia had completely shut down, and the champion was without a bout for almost 2 years !

Now the Unseen Hammer is back !

Defry Palulu has won 4 on the trot since resuming, taking his impressive tally to 25-2, and has run himself into a rich vein of form.

His most recent win against India #1 Asad Khan was equal parts flawed and impressive, yet it was enough to highlight that Palulu had recaptured his pre-pandemic form.

The Unseen Hammer has a deceptively effective style that has seen him incur only one solitary loss in 8 years - a disputed split decision at that !

He is a southpaw that changes direction and cuts the ring with ease, yet throws punches from unorthodox positions. He varies his power cleverly, and has great insticts when it comes to throwing the "money" shot. Palulu has the sort of thudding power with an often surprising delivery that has deservedly earned him that ring monicker of the "Unseen Hammer".

The Philippines' Charly Suarez has looked outstanding soaring unbeaten in 13 fights, but it is fair to say that Defry Palulu represents a significant test for his debut international bout. Suarez has certainly brought all his wonderful amateur attributes to the pro arena, yet there are many skeptics, and Palulu is one of those.

Despite his skills, many doubt that Charly Suarez has the power to worry the world top 10, and Palulu intends to exploit that deficit. He also believes that Suarez has been "followed" around the ring by previous frustrated opponents, and that he has the tools to cut the ring and corner the Philippines  man.

Palulu is confident that the world title charge of Charly Suarez will end on December 10.

That claim remains to be seen, but what is certain, is that this December match in Vietnam will be an intriguing clash of styles  and it's a rare treat to get to see two fighters of this calibre in the ring together !

Defry Palulu (Indonesia) v Charly Suarez (Phil)

12 rounds  IBF Asia Super Featherweight title

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

Elorde boxers
November 12, 2022

NGUYỄN VĂN HẢI v PAISAL PANJAITAN (IDN)

4 rounds  Lightweight 61kg

Vietnam legend Nguyễn Văn Hải will take on hot unbeaten Indonesian boxer Paisal Panjaitan  (3-0) at the beachside venue of The Grand Ho Tram next month.

Hai resumed from a very long break for a points loss to the promising Jerald Into, but is sure to be in devastating shape for this Vietnam bout.

Paisal Panjaitan has scored one knockout and two easy points victories in his three wins, and will be looking to make a statement in his first international bout.

HUGE FIGHT !

Action live from The Grand Ho Tram Strip Vietnam

Saturday December 10

Elorde boxers
November 11, 2022

SUAREZ ARMY COMING FOR DEFRY PALULU !!

It pays to dress for success, and big thanks go out to Raoul Navarrete and the team at Be Athletic for this inspirational fight gear for the huge Charly Suarez v Defry Palulu bout coming up next month in Vietnam.

Now we know that Palulu is touted as one of Indonesia's best fighters since Chris John, and we know he was a WBC champion, and we know he has a 25-2 record, and we know his only loss in 8 years was by controversial split decision, and we know he has even said that Suarez has no power and wont crack the world top ten   ........

BUT  !!!

Will he look as stylish as Team Suarez?

Ahhhhh that's impossible to imagine!

Watch out Palulu, the Suarez army is coming !

BE ATHLETIC  - for all the best boxing and fun sportswear.

Charly Suarez v Defry Palulu

12 rounds  IBF Asia Super Featherweight title

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

Elorde boxers
November 11, 2022

SILENCE IS GOLDEN AT THE GRAND HO TRAM

December is the month where all the best known boxers in Vietnam will head to Hanoi to compete in the national sports championships.

So how do you find Vietnam prospects that are willing to fight, when all the best known boxers have headed north for the festival?

VSP Promotions recently advertised that three of the Philippines top professional fighters will come to VSP Gym next month, and are also offering to participate in 4 round bouts at Ho Tram on December 10 against any Vietnam boxer brave enough to put their hand up!

So the call from VSP went out :

"We are looking for Vietnam Tigers who are willing to jump in with these professional killers from the Philippines  - JonJon Estrada, Mark John Yap and Jetro Pabustan."

We had so many that wanted to test themselves, and despite their lack of experience, there were three brave Vietnam boys who's enthusiasm and appetite for adventure shone through.

Le Hoang Hiep was one of the most fearless, and he begged for the match with Jetro Pabustan. Despite being a 51kg Flyweight and devoid of recent fights, the 22 year old Gorilla was desperate  for action, and said "I'll start training from today if you give me a shot at the Silent Operator!"

And so the match was made, "Young Blood" Le Hoang Hiep will have his date with destiny when he meets Jetro Pabustan at The Grand Ho Tram Vietnam on December 10.

Congratulations

young man, but a word of warning, be careful of what you wish for.

As they say SILENCE IS GOLDEN!

Elorde boxers
November 10, 2022

THE SILENCER TO SHOOT BLACK HAWK DOWN !

Arnel "the Silencer" Baconaje is Vietnam bound, and he has only one objective on his mind.

To defeat the man known as the "Black Hawk", Vietnam's Lightweight champion Dinh Hong Quan, and return to his native Philippines wearing his IBF belt.

Cocky Buffalo prospect Quan has successfully defended the IBF belt twice already, and whilst they have been hard fought bouts against quality pinoys, it is also fair to say that the young Vietnam boxer is still making technical improvements with each challenge.

He is also getting bigger and stronger.

But the Silencer has no interest in any of that !

As its equally fair to say that he is far more experienced boxer than the two previous opponents of Dinh Hong Quan, and is more definitely more skilful at landing meaningful punches. The Philippines boxer from Iloilo has landed 11 knockouts in his 15 wins.

This is a classic main event, where based on experience, the Philippines Arnel Banconaje is the man to beat and would start a solid favorite.

But you can't rule out the Black Hawk, as he just keeps improving and rising to each new challenge.

If you're a Vietnam fan and haven't seen Baconaje before, check out some of his bag work from late last week. Crisp and precise.

He will be looking to clip the wings of the Black Hawk on December 10.

Arnel Baconaje v Dinh Hong Quan

MAIN EVENT

12 rounds  IBF Asia Lightweight Championship

The Grand Ho Tram Strip Vung Tau Vietnam

Saturday December 10

Elorde boxers
November 8, 2022

VIETNAM: ARE YOU READY FOR THE YAP ATTACK?

Mark John Yap takes his ethereal boxing skills to Vietnam on December 10 when he takes on former youth champion Pham Minh Quân.

Quân is one of many quality young fighters that train with Matrix Gym in Ho Chi Minh City, and has taken on an exciting challenge to test his game against one of the Philippines best.

The Journeyman has been in sublime form of late, performing superbly in a WBA Asia match with Charly Suarez, and followed that up with a strong win over tough Papua New Guinea boxer Junior Kauko Raka.

Pham Minh Quân v Mark John Yap

4 rounds  Super Featherweight 59kg  Exhibition

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

Elorde boxers
November 8, 2022

HO TRAM CALLING FOR "YOUNG BLOOD"

He's part Russki, part Gorilla, and Ho Chi Minh City's street thug Le Hoang Hiep is headed for The Grand Ho Tram this December.

Hiep will compete in an exhibition match with top Philippines' bantamweight Jetro Pabustan, and "Young Blood" is looking forward to the opportunity.

When asked about the task of taking on an internationally performed boxer with 31 wins and a 4kg weight advantage, the Thug Life inspired character was unrestrained in his typically psycho style:

"Tell that boy I'm sending him home to his momma in a zipped bodybag!"

Wow - confidence is definitely KING !

Jetro Pabustan v Le Hoang Hiep

4 rounds  Bantamweight exhibition bout

The Grand Ho Tram Strip Vung Tau Vietnam

Saturday December 10

Elorde boxers
November 7, 2022

CHARLY SUAREZ (13-0) v DEFRY PALULU (25-2)

@ The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam !!!

Saturday December 10

Watch all the action live with many of Asia's best :

Vietnam - Nguyen Van Hai and Dinh Hong Quan

Uzbekistan  - Olimjon Nazarov

Indonesia  - Defry Palulu and Paisal Panjaitan

Philippines  - Arnel Baconaje, Mark John Yap, JonJon Estrada, Charly Suarez and Jetro Pabustan

Thailand - Jakrawut Majungoen and Anuson Thonglueang

South Korea - Chan-Ho Song

Elorde boxers
November 6, 2022

THE BEST OF THE PHILIPPINES !!!

Who said blondes have more fun ?

Pinoy power is heading to Vietnam.

And it's SMILE POWER!

We got Mark John Yap, Jetro Pabustan, Charly Suarez, Arnel Baconaje and da baddest of da baddest "the Wolverine" JonJon Estrada!!!!

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP  VIETNAM

Saturday December 10th

Elorde boxers
November 6, 2022

SUAREZ TAKES ON PALULU DEC 10 IN VIETNAM

FORMER Olympian and current World Boxing Association Asia super featherweight king Charly Suarez takes on Indonesian Defry Palulu on Dec. 10, 2022, at The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vung Tau City, Vietnam.

The 34-year-old Suarez has already become one of the best Pinoy fighters despite only being a pro for just four years. The former amateur standout is dominating the local boxing scene by beating fighters like Marjohn Yap, Tomjune Mangubat, Delmar Pellio and recently Carlo Magali.

Suarez has had an impressive year thus far, winning all his in dominant fashion. He started the year with a 12th-round technical knockout of Mangubat, followed by a one-sided unanimous decision beating of Junny Salogaol. He then outclassed crafty veteran Yap by unanimous decision and also defeated tough Magali also by a unanimous verdict.

Suarez is now finally ranked in the World Boxing Council at No. 37 in the super featherweight class.

The 31-year-old Palulu, in the meantime, is on an impressive run, winning 10 of his last 11 fights. He hasn’t been beaten in six years. The last time he tasted defeat was when he lost by split decision to Jason Butar Butar.

Palulu has fought the likes of former world title challenger AJ “Bazooka” Banal and Isack Junior. He’s coming off a unanimous decision over Asad Asif Khan last June 12.

Suarez is 13-0 with seven knockouts, while Palulu is 25-2-2 with 14 knockouts.

Also in the same card, Arnel Baconaje (15-5, 11 KOs) challenges hometown bet Dinh Hong Kwan (9-1-1, 4 KOs) for the latter’s International Boxing Federation Asia lightweight belt.

Elorde boxers
November 5, 2022

D'HAMMER STALKED BY A KILLER !

Quality match up at 130 between RoyRoy Sumugat and Ivor "the Killer" Lastrilla.

The Killer showed enterprise and even dominace early in this match, with Big Roy Sumugat keeping a cool head and probing for opportunities as the fight progressed.

D'Hammer was really composed and strong at the end of this one, and showed he has plenty more great performances to come. Lastrilla was impressive in parts of this contest to, he sets up some combinations on southpaw Sumugat that were really thoughtful.

This Sumugat v Lastrilla match up was really good to watch !

Elorde boxers
November 5, 2022

"THE BOXING MECCA OF ASIA"

The Grand Ho Tram in Vietnam has grand plans !

Saturday December 10  

Full fight card coming soon, but already signed :

Vietnam - Dinh Hong Quan

Philippines - Arnel Baconaje

Indonesia  - Defry Palulu

Philippines  - Charly Suarez

Uzbekistan  - Olimjon Nazarov

Vietnam  - Nguyễn Văn Hải

Indonesia  - Paisal Panjaitan

and will soon include top fighters from South Korea and Thailand.

This end of year festive event at The Grand Ho Tram wil also give young Vietnam hopefuls Phan Minh Quân, Le Hiep and Thai Hoang Huy the chance to share the ring with Philippines idols Mark John Yap, Jetro Pabustan and the Wolverine JonJon Estrada.

Elorde boxers
November 4, 2022

PALULU v SUAREZ @ THE GRAND HO TRAM

Indonesian champion Defry Palulu (25-2) takes on the Philippines' champion Charly Suarez (13-0) at The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam on Saturday December 10th.

This is ONE versus ONE where the thudding style of the Indonesian southpaw will be looking to disrupt the plans of the livewire Suarez.

This is already shaping as a phenomenal card, where the main event sees the Vietnam lightweight champ Dinh Hong Quan (9-1) will defend his IBF Asia title against top class pinoy Arnel Baconaje (15-5) in what is as close to a 50/50 match as you will ever likely see !

Elorde boxers
November 3, 2022

THE NIGHTMARE RETURNS !

Many great bouts at the BATTLEFIELD, and there were also some stand out performances by boxers that were on the wrong side of the judges scorecards. Eduardo Mancito resumed from a break, and looked in outstanding shape for his match with hot Lightweight prospect Jerald Into.

Mancito had some significant issues with the height and range of Into, and started to solve these to a degree late in the match. The Nightmare  did some good work in this encounter, and will no doubt be vastly improved by meeting a shorter opponent and back in his usual weight class for his next assignment.

Elorde boxers
November 2, 2022

SUAREZ v MAGALI - BEST OF THE BEST

Charly Suarez and Carlo Magali go at it for WBA Asia and RP national title supremacy!

Suarez will return on December 10 in Vietnam to close out the year, taking on his first foreign challenger.

Elorde boxers
November 3, 2022

INDO CHAMP SIGNS TO FIGHT SUAREZ DEC 10

Indonesia’s best fighter and former WBC champion  Defry Palulu has signed on to fight Charly Suarez in Vietnam next month.

Palulu was on a shortlist of a number of national champions to fight Suarez, but interestingly, was the only one to call the King's Warrior out.

The Indonesian champ bears the ring name "The Unseen Hammer", which bears testament to his deceptive southpaw style and thudding hands. Palulu was robbed of his WBC title when his country closed for the pandemic, and he was unable to defend his belt. He has since resumed with four straight wins, and boasts the excellent record of 25 and only 2 losses, the most recent being a contentious split decision many years ago.

The Unseen Hammer has also had success in the hurt department, having knocked out 15 of his opponents !

The match between Charly Suarez and Defry Palulu will take place at The Grand Ho Tram on December 10, and is Suarez's first foreign assignment in the pro ranks.

The Indonesian champion represents a mouth watering match up for his initial foray, as Palulu has been very dismissive of the amateur style and lack of firepower that he perceives from Suarez. He also recognizes the skills in the unbeaten pinoy, but believes that he will cut the ring on Suarez far better than previous opponents.  Further, he has stated that Suarez does not punch hard enough to worry the top 10, and he will not only damage his world ambitions, he will do damage to the Philippines freak talent.

Contract signed, done deal, December 10 !

Elorde boxers
November 1, 2022

NGUYEN VAN HAI v PAISAL PANJAITAN

https://thethao.vn/vo-thuat/boxing/nguyen-van-hai-chuan-bi-dau-vo-si-indonesia-bat-bai-tt59326.html?fbclid=IwAR0GX0CHB_aJLNjvf98kGrKaoLvqecAkZ_KRBSM-3iQZ0GUhbiAnxZB48Mw

Elorde boxers
November 1, 2022

DINH HONG QUAN v ARNEL BACONAJE

DINH HONG QUAN v ARNEL BACONAJE

IBF Asia Lightweight title

LIVE FROM THE GRAND HO TRAM VIETNAM

Saturday December 10


Elorde boxers
October 30, 2022

SANDSTROM WINS WBA INTERCONTINENTAL

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!

Elorde boxers
October 28, 2022

DINH HONG QUAN TO FACE BACONAJE DEC 10

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!

Elorde boxers
October 28, 2022

THE UNSEEN HAMMER!

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!

Elorde boxers
October 28, 2022

PINOYS HEAD TO VIETNAM DECEMBER 10

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.

Elorde boxers
October 28, 2022

PALULU VOWS TO "DAMAGE" SUAREZ

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.

Elorde boxers
October 26, 2022

THE FEROCIOUS RING WALK

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!

Elorde boxers
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.

Elorde boxers
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!

Elorde boxers
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 !

Elorde boxers
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 !

Elorde boxers
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.

Elorde boxers
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 !

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