Great start of 2022 with double WBA Asia Championship title matches! Charly Suarez and Carl James Martin competes in Super Featherweight and Super Bantamweight respectively.
Elorde Sports Complex
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March 12, 2022
Mindanao fighter Aisah Alico returns to the ring for the first time since early 2019. This southpaw from CDO is an experienced and internationally travelled war monger, and has some of the best fighters in the minimumweight division on her resume. She makes her return here as a flyweight, and despite being able to easily attain the lighter weight class, she comes to TIGER 2022 at the identical height of opponent Linn Sandstrom.
“D’Striker “ is perfectly monikered as she has really good hands, and she does create awkward angles from her southpaw stance. Ring rust may play a big part here for Alico, as her opponent has the advantage of recent competition. But for sure, experience is the trump card for Aisah, having shared the ring with top names like Yuko Kuroki, Momo Koseki, Ayaka Miyao and Philippines’ Jess Pagaduan.
The lack of recent form makes this match up tricky to pick, but it must be said, the CDO based Alico has defeated more experienced girls than Sandstrom in her 7 previous wins. She has also stopped 5 opponents along the way. Hmmmmm!
One thing is for certain though, it is great to have women’s boxing finally back in action once more!
GO GIRLS!!!
The opening men’s bout at TIGER 2022 will almost certain to set the benchmark for fast hands and feet!
A minimumweight clash over 4 rounds between young resuming boxers Malfred Majadas and John Jayvee Antonio, and both boxers have speed to burn!
The “Mad Dog” Malfred Majadas is based in Paranaque, and made his pro debut back in March of 2018, when he defeated Rosenido Autida by majority decision. He was able to maintain a busy schedule, which is great for any aspiring young fighter, winning 3 of his 4 bouts to date. This activity was punctuated by the pandemic, and sadly, we haven’t seen this promising prospect since early 2019.
So what do we know about Majadas? Well, he is relatively tall orthodox fighter. He uses distance quite well, and he has a patient conservative style. He is not a silly risk taker, and he selects his shots. His main attribute has also been constant improvement, and his most recent win against Francisco Morales, was emphatic enough to earn a unanimous decision.
John Jayvee Antonio shapes up as an interesting counter argument to the Mad Dog. This Manila based orthodox has also been absent since early 2019, and has a lesser record at face value of 1 win from 4 outings. But you only need to delve a little deeper to see that Antonio has had the far harder opponents, and his most recent points loss was to Alexander Almacen, a winner of his only 3 bouts.
Antonio is certainly a bit of a dark horse in this bout, but he boxes well, and has some variety in his first attacks which may pose issues for Majadas. He possesses a nice lead left hook, and he also throws his shots with a little more venom than the more amateur styled Mad Dog.
This is a really interesting bout, where both boxers resume from a long break, so there is plenty of guesswork. The “mad Dog” Majadas will be a warm favourite, but styles make fights, and expect Antonio to give him lots to contend with in this opening match.
MALFRED MAJADAS v JOHN JAYVEE ANTONIO
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
WATCH IT LIVE AT: https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Popular Elorde fighter Ali Cañega scored an impressive stoppage win at Ilocos Sur on Saturday. In what was his first appearance since a close tussle with Richard Morales in September last year, Cañega started well, and dominated the action from the opening bell. The man known known as "Carnage " dropped opponent Menard Abila four times in the opening round before the referee called time.
The stoppage victory pushes the unbeaten Cañega to 4 wins in the professional ranks, 3 coming by way of Knockout
2021 was a regrettable year of gym closures, lockdowns, and quarantine bubbles. That not only made putting on an event extremely expensive and difficult, it made including women near impossible.
But all good things come to those who wait, and finally next month, TIGER 2022 sees Linn Sandstrom (1 win) of Australia (by way of Sweden), take on Mindanao’s Aisah Alico (7 wins).
Despite the relative inexperience of Sandstrom , she is on a fast track to learn, and has an interesting back story.
The Brazilian-born fighter was raised in Sweden, where she fell in love with table tennis, and went on to represent her country in the sport.
“Everyone back in Sweden knew me as the girl who played table tennis”
“It is (quite a leap to go from table tennis to boxing), but I’ve been an athlete my whole life so that athlete lifestyle is what I love.”
Sandstrom moved to Australia five years ago and got serious with her ambition to become a pro boxer. While there were skills she picked up in table tennis that came in handy — like hand-eye coordination and footwork — the fight game has one major difference.
“A lot of things are similar except you don’t get punched in the face when you do table tennis,” she said.
Sandstrom will fight Aisah Alico, a southpaw from Cagayan de Oro, before venturing to the States and central America to get some quality sparring. Her ambition is to string some wins together in 2022, and perhaps challenge some bigger names as the gloves start to feel as comfortable as the table tennis racket!
“I’ve had people that really, really want to see me fail. I’m a female that, I’m not just there to say I’m going to do things, I’m here to put in the work and that seems to irritate a lot of people.
“I’m doing me, this is my journey. I’m here to stay now, I’m here to prove a point.”
LINN SANDSTROM v AISAH ALICO
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
WATCH IT LIVE AT: https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion/
This is peak Lomachenko !
So knowing that, it's scary how much Suarez has improved since this match, and you will get to witness that first hand when he meets Tomjune Mangubat for the WBA title next month.
Charly Suarez is now 9 and 0 in the pro ranks, and is yet to drop a round!
Interesting footnote to this match with Lomachenko:
Suarez was unable to take part in the bout, as he had suffered a shoulder injury, making it almost impossible to raise his arm. He had also been contesting lighter weight classes. He was told he MUST fight, so he obliged, and decided to just do his best. After this bout with Lomachenko, Suarez required blood platelet injections and constant physiotherapy for the damaged joint, keeping him out of the ring for almost two years. He regrouped, and became the Philippines most esteemed amateur, winning countless international tournaments, including 3 SEA Games gold medals.
CHARLY SUAREZ v TOMJUNE MANGUBAT
WBA ASIA TITLE
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
WATCH IT LIVE AT: https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion/
Jules Victoriano put on an exemplary boxing performance against a spirited Dave Barlas last night.
Victoriano used his height and reach advantage to perfection, and despite some lunging attacks from Barlas, he was able to enforce an impressive stoppage.
The Elorde boxer, originally from Iloilo, moves to 11 career wins, 8 by way of KO.
Amongst a collection of quality fighters at next month's TIGER 2O22 , the resilient and versatile Pablito Canada Jr. stands tall.
A winner of 7 matches, what has defined his career so far are the resume of opponents he has encountered on his path. The conclusion to be drawn is, Pablito Canada is only chosen for the very most dangerous assignments that other agents ( I mean boxers!) feverishly avoid !
Canada's last win was in late 2019, against Jetro Pabustan, a winner of 30 bouts, and a former WBO world title challenger.
Since then, he has taken on the unbeaten Japanese Ryosuke Nishida in Japan.
Then came Philippines' best boxer, the unbeaten Charly Suarez, and at the heavier class of super featherweight!
And to top that off, he then locked horns with perhaps the Philippines most deadly in KO King JonJon Estrada ! THE WOLVERINE !! Ughhh!
Pablito Canada has fought many of the division's best both locally and overseas, and it is no great surprise that his next opponent is no lesser name!
PABLITO CANADA v RICHARD PUMICPIC
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
WATCH IT HERE LIVE
TIGER 2022 plays host to an array of top name fighters, but without doubt, one of the best match ups is Olivetti’s Remon Basas taking on Jason Buenaobra.
These two boxers could not be any more different in style, yet both are on an upward trajectory. Perhaps the only form line that unites them, is a common opponent in the form of the very talented Lorenz Ladrada.
Remon “Bad Bad” Basas showed promising signs in his first bout of 2021, losing a points battle to Ladrada. Whilst beaten on timing and speed, he showed lots of come forward, and even late into the final round, he still loomed dangerously. He followed up that effort with an excellent win over a vastly improved Marklin Itim, a super close affair that was underscored by a massive punch count for both fighters. But it was the accuracy and shot selection of Basas that swayed the judges, and it was definitely a great showing by the Olivetti boxer.
Jason Buenaobra resumed from a long lay off, and took on Ladrada last December. Showing no signs of rust, “Manefisto” showed beautiful ring control from the southpaw stance, and dominated his opponent for much of the fight. The points loss doesn’t tell the whole story though, as he fought a better version of “Cerberus” Ladrada than Basas did, and he also enjoyed lots of great moments. That fight was also at featherweight, and no doubt, the move to super bantam will really assist his cause.
This one plays out as a total war!
Yes, Jason Buenaobra is the more experienced and technical boxer. But Basas is strong, and he also owns a swarming style that gives rivals no peace, and he will be looking to make this a very dogged, physical contest.
Can he solve the Buenaobra southpaw puzzle? Let’s see, but “Bad Bad” Basas definitely has plans to make life extremely uncomfortable for his classy opponent!
REMON BASAS v JASON BUENAOBRA
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
WATCH IT LIVE AT: www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion/
Young, tall and stylish ! And then some! That's top prospect Jestine Ace Tesoro, a rangy 22 year old who has shown beautiful amateur touches in his five pro wins to date.
Last December, the game Tesoro dived into the very deep end of the pool, taking on the far more experienced and very lethal JonJon Estrada. In a cracking action bout, Tesoro worked a beautiful jab, and even gifted the Wolverine a new pair of "wobbly boots" for his efforts! So of course, we wanted to see more!
Jestine Ace Tesoro returns this March to take on an abundantly skilled "Pride of Palawan " Lorence Rosas. This will be a chess match for sure, as Rosas shoots from unconventional southpaw angles. At almost 5 feet and 9 inches, Tesoro has a significant reach advantage, but Rosas is superb at solving height puzzles. It is worth noting, Rosas gave top prospect Virgel Vitor headaches in their recent clash, despite the significant height and weight advantage of his opponent.
Equal measures of strategic warfare here!
JESTINE ACE TESORO v LORENCE ROSAS
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
When they met in July last year, we had the makings of an epic and intriguing battle.
Roberto Gonzales, a winner of 28 bouts, and one of the Philippines most avoided fighters, looking to get ring time after an extended break.
And Jino Rodrigo, a bona-fide MADMAN, afraid of nothing, and looking for big challenges to make himself a name.
The result?
Exquisite violence !
Rodrigo and Gonzales performing a skilful and brutal dance that MUST be seen again !
Gonzales says he will be far better prepared this time, and Rodrigo, who has been sparring the likes of Joe Noynay says simply, "I'm improved!"
This is bound to be a beautiful and horrific theatre experience in the one viewing!
JINO RODRIGO v ROBERTO GONZALES
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
When it comes to skills and experience, look no further than outstanding super bantam Giovanni Escaner, who resumes at TIGER 2O22 next month. A winner of 20 bouts, national titles, and interim regional belts, Escaner has all the tools to be both boss and teacher!
So who better for young boxing prodigy Carl Jammes Martin to work with yesterday than the "Little Giant" himself!
Wonder Boy is on a fast track to learn as much as possible from top locals like Escaner before he heads overseas. Until then, he has important business at hand, tackling Ronnie Baldonado for the WBA Asia title.
Giovanni Escaner will make his first appearance since 2019, and meets Albert Alcoy, a winner of 15 fights.
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
Arnel Baconaje is without doubt one of the Philippines' best and most technical boxers.
He is also one of the most difficult to match!
"The Silencer" is a very skillful and solidly built 130, with a big KO ratio, and unfortunately, had three opponents drop out en route to TIGER 2O22.
Enter saviour Leonardo Doronio !
The internationally experienced, and former Manny Pacquiao sparring partner, resumed from a lay off in December, and produced a really solid win against Jimmy Borbon at 140 super lightweight. Doronio looked "heavy" in that match, and despite his strong showing against an improved Borbon, gave the appearance that a drop in weight class would really suit.
So when the call went out for a quality opponent for the much ducked Baconaje, Leonardo Doronio was quick to answer. But how to make a fight happen between fighters two divisions apart?
Simple - let's meet in the middle !
ARNEL BACONAJE v LEONARDO DORONIO
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
OK fight fans, here are three of the very best athletes that will be appearing at the upcoming TIGER 2O22 next month.
Arnel Baconaje, Jonathan Almacen and Benny Ligas pictured after yesterday morning's workout, and already looking ready for battle!
Baconaje is one of Philippines elite, and returns to the ring to match up with last start winner, and former Pacquiao sparring partner, Leonardo Doronio.
Jonathan Almacen is a quicksilver light flyweight, and has a much anticipated (and dangerous ) clash looming with the unbeaten John Paul Bentoso, a young killer who has posted all his wins by way of knockout !
Ben Ligas is all set to defend his Philippines national title, and the word is, he is training the house down!
Good luck boys, we know you will put on a great show!
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
Behind the scenes of TIGER 2O22, and in the early hours of Saturday morning (while the rest of us sleep !) rest assured, the stars are hard at work !
Giovanni Escaner, Malfred Majadas, Lorence Rosas and Jason Buenaobra were put through their paces in a darkened Manila, and are set to create some sunshine this coming March !
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
Please note changes:
Jerven Mama withdrew last night due to an ear injury. He has been replaced by the GAB approved boxer Roland Biendima from General Santos City. Biendima is a winner of 15 bouts, and recently fought a points battle with champion Jade Bornea.
We have also added (finally !) a women's bout, where Linn Sandstrom from Australia (by way of Sweden !) takes on Aisah Alico in a flyweight contest.
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
Palawan beach boy Lorence Rosas has arrived in Manila, and is already busy in camp for next month's TIGER 2022.
The x-factor southpaw, labeled the "Pride of Palawan", last fought in December against a much bigger Virgel Vitor, and there was plenty to like about his performance.
Rosas will drop to 126 to take on the promising Jestine Ace Tesoro, a winner of 5 bouts. This is a great featherweight match up, and it will be interesting to see how Tesoro's height and skills fare against the unpredictable southpaw style of Rosas.
LORENCE ROSAS v JESTINE ACE TESORO
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
Michael Dasmarinas has been boxing from the time he was a kid, and since turning professional at the age of 19, has amassed an incredible 30 wins, many at the highest level (20KO). The champ, known as Hot ‘N Spicy, is rightfully regarded as one of the Philippines’ marquee boxing talents, and in 2021 he shared the ring with perhaps the greatest pound for pound fighter on the planet, Naoya “the Monster” Inoue for a world title shot.
The outstanding 29 year old fighter returned to the ring in Manila last December, where he took on the rugged Ernie Saulong. The match was meant to be “stay in shape” bout for Dasmarinas, as he awaited another big international match, however things (as are often the case in boxing!) didn’t go to plan!!
The combatants Dasmarinas and Saulong clashed heads early in the fight, forcing Saulong to retire prior to round four courtesy of an accidental head butt. The match was deemed a NO CONTEST! Ughhh!
Never one to dwell on misfortune, the champion Dasmarinas is back next month for TIGER 2022. And in the best traditions of the tiger, expect to see this pinoy boxing great full of renewed zest and energy for all the challenges of the new and great year!
MICHAEL DASMARINAS v DANNY TAMPIPI
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
WATCH IT HER LIVE !!!
Nguyen Van Hai was pulled from his TIGER 2022 bout with mad dog Jino Rodrigo. At the time, it was expected that he undertake 10 days quarantine. Too long! Philippines' loss is Vietnam's gain, and the Hanoi fighter returns to the ring March 26 in HCMC. The comeback marks more than two years since Nguyen Van Hai and Charly Suarez locked horns at Hoan Kiem Lake back in October 2019.
Mindanao lays claims to being the most prolific breeding ground of talented boxers anywhere on planet Earth ! And this compelling truth is reinforced with the knowledge that four of the six main event fighters are from the warrior isle! Charly Suarez and Ronnie Baldonado hold key roles in both WBA titles at TIGER 2022, and despite facing stiff opposition, and will be out to show that very definitely, DAVAO DOES IT BETTER! Suarez sees a victory over Tomjune Mangubat as a catalyst to his world title aspirations, and is set to deliver a career best performance.
Ronnie Baldonado has already been dismissed as an underdog against the unbeaten Carl Jammes Martin, but he holds no regard for the peanut gallery. Jhong Jhong will be a revelation at the new weight of 122, and has no doubts that Wonder Boy will be in a world of trouble come fight time!
ps those who said Baldonado is too small, compare him to 130 pound Charly Suarez and do a rethink!
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!!
Ronnie Baldonado claims that the Wonder Boy has had it easy in his unbeaten run, and has been given way too much respect from previous rivals. Baldonado, who has not fought since 2019, has been working hard on skills, strength and conditioning in the down time, and promises a more physical athlete in his return bout. Now 25, the former bantam has really developed solid muscle in the gym, and is convinced that 122 pounds is his new home! Those that have seen the recent efforts of "Jong Jong " are true believers also, saying that he is far more energetic and lethal at the new weight.
Baldonado is so confident, he wanted a big match at super bantam, and surely there is none bigger out there right now, than a WBA Asia title shot against boxing prodigy Carl Jammes Martin !
BALDONADO v CARL JAMMES MARTIN
WBA Asia Super bantamweight title
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!!
Just confirmed!!
Ronnie “Jong Jong” Baldonado will take on Carl Jammes Martin for the WBA Asia title in Manila on Saturday March 12. The Mindanao fighter boasts a superb record of 15 wins and 2 losses, and returns to the ring for the first time since late 2019. The solidly built Baldonado has a wealth of experience against varied styles of opponents, including international fights in China and Japan. Winning on the road in China is never easy, but Jong Jong made sure his efforts were not in vain, by knocking out his two opponents in Beijing!
Ronnie Baldonado jumps in weight class to take the Wonder Boy challenge, but the strong orthodox fighter looks a nice foil to Martin’s southpaw magic. He lacks nothing in the power department either, having put 9 of his previous victim’s to the sword. Baldonado will come to Manila all guns blazing, and he certainly won’t be fazed by the reputation of Carl Jammes Martin, nor his unbeaten record!
Expect fireworks here, as Baldonado will have the self belief that he will be the first to put this Wonder Boy on his butt!
Great fight!!
CARL JAMMES MARTIN v RONNIE BALDONADO
WBA Asia Super bantamweight title
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, manila
Saturday March 12
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!!
Just in !
Great news for fight fans is that unbeaten Omega Cebu prospect Carlo Bacaro will make a surprise appearance on the undercard of Suarez / Mangubat this March. Bacaro at only 22 years of age, is already one of the most exciting strikers in Philippines boxing, having landed 6 knockouts in his 8 victories thus far. His appearance at TIGER 2022 will mark a full year since his previous bout, a defining match against the unbeaten Allan Villanueva. The Cebu boxer showed exemplary skills and maturity in that clash, ousting the classy Villanueva via an unanimous decision.
Carlo Bacaro is a stable mate of main event fighter Tomjune Mangubat, and this pair are two of the very best talents emerging from the very strong Omega Cebu stable.
Full fight card news coming very soon!
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!
The very talented southpaw Lorence Rosas returned to the ring after an extended break last year, and despite his best laid plans, the comeback proved to be full of unexpected challenges. Palawan is one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, renowned for its white beaches, clear waters and amazing biodiversity.
But if you are a boxer, it sucks!
No reputable gyms, and no events for aspiring fighters, even quality sparring is near impossible to find. And as if the location isn't difficult enough for a boxer like Rosas, Palawan had some surprises in store last December. Typhoon Odette ravaged Puerto Princessa, and unfortunately, the house of the Rosas family was destroyed. Whilst many others spent Christmas around the tree, Lorence languished in a tent! Not one to be deterred, the very resilient Lorence Rosas attacks the new year with renewed zest, returning for TIGER 2022 on March 12th. And after much logistics, the "Pride of Palawan " has been matched !
Jestine Ace Tesoro is a stylish young fighter on an upswing. Despite losing his most recent bout to the lethal JonJon Estrada, Tesoro had the Wolverine wearing wobbly boots during their epic encounter. This match up will prove to be a really interesting measure of Rosas, who drops to the more suitable featherweight division. In fact if things go to plan, expect to see the talented Palawan boxer settle back at 122 pounds in the near future.
With 2021 best forgotten, the exciting news is that the Pride of Palawan is back, and ready to show the boxing ring is his home away from home !
LORENCE ROSAS v JESTINE ACE TESORO
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!
JonJon Estrada is back to work, and has his sights firmly on his next big opponent, ultra gifted CDO boxer Jess Rhey Waminal. Estrada, known as "the Wolverine", has achieved cult status courtesy of his "don't die wondering" fighting style.
JonJon Estrada has perfected a low, stalking attack that has opponents constantly retreating, often to a violent demise. His record of 13 knockouts from his 14 wins paints a stark picture, as does his ominous recent form. The Wolverine had a blistering 2021, winning his last three bouts with stoppages that would get most men arrested !
Australian trainer Tony Del Vecchio also sung the praises of JonJon Estrada recently :
" I love the pinoy style, they are always very physical, combative and exciting. They turn up to entertain, and to hurt. I have seen some big hitters in the Philippines, but I swear, this guy JonJon Estrada is the scariest puncher I have seen ! Man, the guy has a serious chin too, I saw him fight Suarez, and what can I say, I'm a big fan!"
JONJON ESTRADA v JESS RHEY WAMINAL
Featherweight 8 rounds
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!
Elorde team at this morning's photo call ! Top pros Jules Victoriano, Ranny Quizo, Gretel De Paz, Jover Amistoso and JL Laurente all have big matches at UKC, with Gretel De Paz making her much anticipated Muay Thai debut.
Meanwhile, with an eye to the future, amateur hopefuls Bong Lipata, Raizen Jhay Dela Fuente, and Fernando Olivar are ready to steal all the attention come February 12. These boys are still only teens, and are working hard on their fitness and skills to forge a pro career later on.
Philippines flyweight champ Ben Ligas, seen combining hard work with smiles while training yesterday!
Ligas has a huge task confronting him this March when he defends his title against the precociously talented Jerven Mama. The Mindanao fighter known as "Iron Fist", is one of the rising stars of the Sanman stable, and he has his sights on returning home as the newly crowned national champ.
That's one side of the story!
Meanwhile in Manila, Ben "the Sniper" Ligas keeps toiling, keeps refining his tools to keep that belt from going south. And who better to work with than the OPBF champ Giemel Magramo, a winner of 25 fights including 20 by way of stoppage.
In the very best traditions of "tough love", let's not forget the old adage that "iron sharpens iron!"
We will see !
BEN LIGAS v JERVEN MAMA
Philippines Flyweight championship
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!!
Jerven Mama and Ben Ligas are surely throwbacks to a bygone era, when real fighters were steered by the "duck nobody" policy! Their upcoming match will be for the Philippines flyweight title, where Ligas is the defending champion, and Mama is on a mission to take that mantle back to General Santos City. Both these outstanding young prospects have near identical records, and possess a common ideology :
"If you want to be the best, you've got to beat the best!"
Philippines Flyweight title
BEN LIGAS v JERVEN MAMA
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 5
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!
Ben "the Sniper" Ligas said he'd defend his national title against the very best, and he wasn't kidding! The call went out, and outstanding Sanman boxer Jerven Mama was quick to respond! This match up shapes as one of the best bouts of the year, showcasing two of the potential stars of Philippines boxing.
Ben Ligas (13w) v Jerven Mama (12 w)
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque Manila
Saturday March 5
WATCH IT HERE LIVE !!
The Philippines' most esteemed amateur Charly Suarez was well known for winning multiple Asian and SEA games gold medals, even representing his country at the RIo 2016 Olympics.
But since turning pro in 2019, the "King's Warrior" has looked nothing short of unstoppable, winning nine fights in quick succession, with six of the vanquished finishing on the canvas.
At an exhibition event in Hanoi Vietnam in late 2019, commentators labelled Suarez as in "the top five on the planet" in his chosen weight division. That high praise seems warranted. Read on!
Despite Suarez's loss in Rio, the performance shone a light on his potential to tear up the world pro ranks in the near future.
The pinoy star lost a contentious split decision at the 2016 Olympics, even though he appeared to win ALL three rounds (and actually was scored that way on one of the judges cards). What was very obvious was that Suarez landed the more telling shots, and further, that he would be way better suited to a longer round format than his tiring rival.
And the opponent? Well here's the kicker !
It was British champion Joe Cordina, who is now 14 and 0 as a pro, and currently sits top twenty in the world!
Charly Suarez is without peer as the Philippines best boxer, his skills are ethereal. He is now fully immersed in the rough and tough pro fight game, and while skills pay the bills, this pursuit is clearly very different to the amateurs!
Suarez tackles a regional title in only his tenth bout, and a big win will no doubt propel him up the world rankings.
Standing in his way?
A young colossus by the name of Tomjune Mangubat, who has vowed to leave Suarez's world aspirations in tatters!
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 5
The Wonder Boy Carl Jammes Martin and Ben "the Sniper" Ligas were back at "the office" and hard at work today.
These boys star as the two big undercards at TIGER 2022 to the epic Suarez v Mangubat main event. And both have significant battles of their own!
Martin will fight for WBA south east asian strap, with a soon to be announced opponent.
Ben Ligas defends his national flyweight title against Sanman killer Jerven "Iron Fist" Mama. Sounds positively scary!
TIGER 2022 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 5th
One side has said yes. Now we wait on the other !
Eddie Hearn says Wales' Joe Cordina has agreed terms — purse and all — to face the great Manny Pacquiao on the Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua card at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on December 11.
"We've agreed terms to fight Manny Pacquiao, but we don't know if that's happening," Hearn said on Thursday. "From our side, we've agreed to do it."
So now the ball is in Manny's court.
Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) is a former eight-division world champion and a Hall of Famer. He is 47, and the fight would land one week before his 48th birthday.
He hasn't boxed since July 2025, when he came back from four years away and took then-WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a majority draw. The Mayweather rematch was meant for September. It never happened.
Cordina (19-1, 9 KOs) is a former two-time IBF super featherweight champion, born in Cardiff. His only loss came by eighth-round KO to Anthony Cacace in 2024.
And this has been a long year for the Welshman.
He was meant to face Abdullah Mason for the WBO lightweight title in July, but was refused a US visa over an assault charge. On Tuesday a Cardiff court found him not guilty.
Two days later, his promoter says the Pacquiao deal is done on his side. Talk about a turnaround !
But there's a catch.
The fight would be at welterweight. Cordina won his world titles at 130 lb and has been boxing at lightweight. That's a big jump up to 147 against a man whose last fight was for the WBC welterweight title.
On paper, the weight class and the experience sit with Manny. Youth sits with Cordina — 13 years of it.
And there's a little history here. It would be Pacquiao's first fight in the UK, and his first against a British opponent since he beat Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas in 2009.
The Cardiff card sold out in an hour. With Fury v Joshua on top, Pacquiao lined up for the chief support, and Jai Opetaia v Deontay Wilder still in talks, it's shaping up as a big night for Asia-Pacific fans too.
Will the Pacman sign ?
🇵🇭 MANNY PACQUIAO (62-8-3) v JOE CORDINA (19-1) 🏴
🥊 Welterweight — terms agreed by Cordina, not yet confirmed
📍 Principality Stadium, Cardiff
📅 December 11, 2026, Fury v Joshua card
📺 Netflix
Stay tuned !
Bags packed for flyweight ? Not so fast, champ.
The WBO has ordered negotiations between its minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo and interim champion Ryusei Matsumoto.
Two unbeaten fighters. One belt.
Puerto Rico's Collazo is 15-0 (12 KOs) and holds The Ring, WBA and WBO titles at 105 pounds. Japan's Matsumoto, a slick southpaw from Tokyo's Teiken stable, is 9-0 (4 KOs).
But here's the twist.
Collazo had already moved on. He was set to jump TWO weight classes to challenge Ricardo Sandoval for the WBA and WBC flyweight titles in Chicago on October 10 — until a rib injury in camp knocked him off the card.
Sandoval was upset that night anyway, by replacement Sergio Mendoza.
While Collazo was healing, Matsumoto was working. On September 27 at Toyota Arena Tokyo he outpointed previously unbeaten Mexican Russell Acosta (17-1) for the interim belt: 118-110, 116-112, 115-113.
Now the WBO wants its house in order. The WBC and WBA let interim champions sit on their belts for months. The WBO wants one champion per division.
Good on them !
Fifteen days to do a deal. No deal, and it goes to purse bids.
Collazo says he's back training and hopes to fight again in January or February — and he's already started cutting weight. But dragging his body back down to 105 for one more fight is no small ask.
As BoxingNews24 put it, Matsumoto's team "either get a shot at the real belt or pick it up by default."
Japanese fans are already hoping it lands in Japan.
Does the champ come back down to defend — or does the young Japanese southpaw get his hands on the real thing ?
🇵🇷 OSCAR COLLAZO (15-0) vs RYUSEI MATSUMOTO (9-0) 🇯🇵
🥊 WBO minimumweight title (105 lb)
⏳ 15 days to negotiate, then purse bids
📅 Date and venue to be confirmed
Stay tuned !
By VSP Boxing
🇵🇭 PHILIPPINES – THE CRADLE OF PROFESSIONAL BOXING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA! 🇻🇳
The Philippines is the cradle of professional boxing in Southeast Asia, and hopefully one day Vietnam will follow the same path!
International fights are attracting more and more interest from fans.
Don’t get me wrong, I really love fights between local boxers. But when foreign boxers are involved, the crowd has a fighter representing their homeland to cheer for. At the same time, fans around the world also get the chance to witness the fierce passion of real Philippine boxing through the livestream! 🔥🥊
My friend Cucuy Elorde has a sharp eye for spotting new talent and putting together exciting matchups between promising fighters who are not yet widely known to fans.
Nico Perez and Fidelis Laia each have one win in their careers, and both have just scored impressive knockout wins in their most recent fights! 💥
Even better, when the fight was offered to them, both young men accepted the challenge straight away!
I truly love the spirit of fighters like that! No ducking, no flinching – just courage and a hunger to fight! 💪🥊
Originally posted on VSP Boxing's Facebook
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Bản gốc tiếng Việt
🇵🇭 PHILIPPINES – CÁI NÔI CỦA QUYỀN ANH CHUYÊN NGHIỆP TẠI ĐÔNG NAM Á! 🇻🇳
Philippines là cái nôi của quyền Anh chuyên nghiệp ở Đông Nam Á, và hy vọng rằng một ngày nào đó, Việt Nam cũng sẽ đi theo con đường ấy!
Những trận đấu quốc tế đang ngày càng thu hút sự quan tâm của người hâm mộ.
Đừng hiểu lầm nhé, tôi rất yêu thích những trận đấu giữa các võ sĩ trong nước. Nhưng khi có thêm võ sĩ nước ngoài tham gia, khán giả sẽ có một võ sĩ đại diện cho quê hương mình để cổ vũ. Đồng thời, người hâm mộ trên toàn thế giới cũng có cơ hội chứng kiến niềm đam mê mãnh liệt của những trận quyền Anh Philippines đích thực thông qua livestream! 🔥🥊
Người bạn của tôi, Cucuy Elorde, có con mắt tinh tường trong việc phát hiện những tài năng mới và sắp xếp những trận đấu hấp dẫn giữa các võ sĩ triển vọng chưa được đông đảo người hâm mộ biết đến.
Nico Perez và Fidelis Laia, mỗi người đều có một trận thắng trong sự nghiệp, và cả hai đều vừa có những chiến thắng knock-out đầy ấn tượng ở trận đấu gần nhất! 💥
Điều tuyệt vời hơn nữa là khi được đề nghị so tài, cả hai chàng trai đều lập tức chấp nhận thử thách!
Tôi thực sự yêu thích tinh thần của những chiến binh như thế! Không né tránh, không chùn bước – chỉ có lòng can đảm và khát khao chiến đấu! 💪🥊
By VSP Boxing
IS FUNDORA THE “PERFECT FIGHTER”?
At 1.97m (6 feet 5½ inches), Sebastian Fundora is currently the tallest world champion in boxing, even though he competes at super welterweight (154 lbs).
And his recent performances are making this naturally gifted giant almost unbeatable!
Once seen as one of boxing’s oddities — a “giraffe” or a “weight bully” — Fundora has kept improving against top-level opponents, silencing the critics with impressive performances.
But what about those who say he has an unfair advantage because he has to make a brutal weight cut to reach the super welterweight limit?
Think again!
On Friday, Fundora answered those critics by weighing in at just 152.8 lbs (69.3 kg) ahead of his fourth WBC title defence. His opponent, Ermal Hadribeaj — unbeaten and the mandatory challenger (23 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw, 8 KOs) — came in at 152.4 lbs (69.1 kg).
The two fighters headline The Fight, broadcast today by TNT and DAZN from The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, where Fundora (24 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, 16 KOs) will put his championship belt on the line.
So, is Sebastian Fundora the model of the perfect fighter?
Extraordinary height, ever-improving skills and the ability to compete on equal terms with the best opponents in the world.
You can definitely bet on that!
Originally posted on VSP Boxing's Facebook
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Bản gốc tiếng Việt
FUNDORA CÓ PHẢI LÀ “VÕ SĨ HOÀN HẢO”?
Với chiều cao 1,97m (6 feet 5½ inches), Sebastian Fundora hiện là nhà vô địch thế giới cao nhất làng quyền Anh, dù thi đấu ở hạng bán trung nhẹ (154 lbs).
Và những màn trình diễn gần đây đang khiến gã khổng lồ có tố chất thiên bẩm này trở nên gần như không thể bị đánh bại!
Từng bị xem như một hiện tượng kỳ quặc của quyền Anh — một “chú hươu cao cổ” hay kẻ “bắt nạt bằng lợi thế cân nặng” — Fundora đã không ngừng tiến bộ khi đối đầu với những đối thủ đẳng cấp hàng đầu, khiến các nhà phê bình phải im lặng bằng những màn trình diễn đầy ấn tượng.
Nhưng còn những người cho rằng anh có lợi thế không công bằng vì phải ép cân khắc nghiệt để đạt giới hạn hạng bán trung nhẹ thì sao?
Hãy nghĩ lại!
Vào thứ Sáu, Fundora đã đáp trả những lời chỉ trích đó khi cân nặng chỉ ở mức 152,8 lbs (69,3 kg) trước lần bảo vệ đai WBC thứ tư. Đối thủ của anh, Ermal Hadribeaj — võ sĩ bất bại và là người thách đấu bắt buộc (23 thắng, 0 thua, 1 hòa, 8 KO) — đạt mức 152,4 lbs (69,1 kg).
Hai võ sĩ sẽ là tâm điểm của chương trình The Fight do TNT và DAZN phát sóng hôm nay, diễn ra tại The Cosmopolitan ở Las Vegas, nơi Fundora (24 thắng, 1 thua, 1 hòa, 16 KO) sẽ đặt chiếc đai vô địch của mình lên bàn cân.
Vậy, Sebastian Fundora có phải là hình mẫu võ sĩ hoàn hảo?
Chiều cao phi thường, kỹ năng ngày càng hoàn thiện và khả năng cạnh tranh sòng phẳng với những đối thủ xuất sắc nhất thế giới.
Bạn hoàn toàn có thể đặt cược vào điều đó!
By VSP Boxing
‼️ Breaking: Brandon Figueroa weighs-in at 127.4lbs and has been stripped of his WBA featherweight title after failing to make the 126lb limit.
Tomoki Kameda will be crowned world champion if he beats Figueroa Saturday night after successfully making weight.
By Robert Hill
COOLWELL VOWS TO REWARD HOME FANS
After testing himself against some of the world’s best featherweights on foreign soil, Dana Coolwell (14-4) is ready to return to Australian soil and step into a new weight division. 🇦🇺
But standing across the ring on November 28 will be hard-hitting Filipino Joseph Ambo (15-5-1), who’s coming to Brisbane with plans of his own. Ambo is also no stranger to top level international opponents 🇵🇭
NXT BOXING: THE ASCENSION
Saturday, November 28
The Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
🎟️ GA tickets available via Ticketmaster
🥂 Remaining VIP tables at www.nxtboxing.com
#NXTBoxing #TheAscension #DanaCoolwell #JosephAmbo #AustralianBoxing
By Robert Hill
LAIA versus PEREZ — NOW IT'S OFFICIAL !!
Rumoured a couple of days ago, the matchup is now approved by the GAB (Games and Amusements Board of the Philippines).
Papua New Guinea's Fidelis “The Bougainville Bomber” Laia will face Filipino prospect Nico Perez on Saturday, 28 November at the Flash Grand Ballroom, Elorde Sports Centre, Parañaque, Manila.
Nico Perez is one hungry young fighter!
Just 23 years of age, Perez comes in off a knockout win last December, armed with fast hands, fast feet and a nothing-to-lose attitude. He'll be looking to use his speed and movement to make Laia miss, frustrate the older fighter and make the Bomber look a step too slow.
On paper, Perez appears too quick and elusive to catch — but that's what makes this matchup so interesting!
Laia, of course, has plans of his own !
Hailing from Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, “The Bougainville Bomber” is building a name for himself on the international stage.
His stunning (almost surprising) August knockout of heavily favoured Filipino Jhon Rey Tariao in Manila raised plenty of eyebrows.
Tariao is a big strong man, and Laia dropped him three times before bringing the contest to a spectacular end.
The Bomber was also in Australia recently, where an extraordinary FOUR opponents pulled out late.
That disappointment will now represent an ideal opportunity to showcase what he has to offer.
THIS ONE WILL BE A BELTER!
The Pinoy fans love a fight, and they know a dangerous young prospect when they see one. Perez is on the rise, Laia has momentum, and neither man will want to take a backward step.
Promoter Cucuy Elorde has a knack for putting together the kind of matchups that get people talking, and international contests like this bring something special to the Manila fight scene.
Can Perez's speed and movement outfox the Bomber, or will Laia land the shot that changes everything?
🇵🇬 FIDELIS LAIA vs NICO PEREZ 🇵🇭
Saturday, 28 November 2026
Flash Grand Ballroom, Elorde Sports Centre, Parañaque, Manila
4 Rounds | Super Lightweight
📺 Elorde TV and VSP social channels
Ding ding… then BANG.
Sebastian "The Towering Inferno" Fundora kept his WBC super welterweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday night with one last left hand in the 12th and final round.
Ermal Hadribeaj went down. Got back up. Referee Thomas Taylor waved it off anyway.
Official result: KO, round 12, 2:59. Scorecards Fundora was already winning comfortably — in the bin.
Here's the problem.
Plenty of people say the bell had already gone.
"I didn't agree with the stoppage at all. The bell rung before the punch landed," Terence Crawford said on the TNT/DAZN broadcast. "The man got up. He deserved to go to the final bell."
Tim Bradley called Taylor "one of the best in the business" — but said he had "an off night tonight".
The punch was ruled legal because Fundora started it before the bell. Fair enough. But stopping a man who beat the count, with the fight already over ??
Hadribeaj came in unbeaten (23-0-1), gave away more than half a foot in height, hurt the champion in round two and kept coming. He lost points for holding in rounds three and 11, so this was no robbery on the cards.
He just deserved to hear the bell.
And that wasn't the only sour note on the night.
Sydney's Koen Mazoudier was meant to fight Jermall Charlo. Charlo pulled out injured — the second time that fight fell over. In stepped former WBA super middleweight champion Armando "Toro" Reséndiz, with the fight put together on less than three weeks' notice. Big respect to him for taking it.
Mazoudier — 31, moved up two weight classes, less than two months after a war with Sam Beck on the Gold Coast — went toe to toe for ten rounds and had the Mexican in trouble in the ninth.
The judges? 98-92, 97-93, 97-93.
"I think the official scores should have been closer," The Ring's Doug Fischer posted on X.
Reséndiz himself called him "an Australian warrior". Mazoudier made no excuses: "He was the better fighter tonight."
Class.
As for Fundora — the man who ended Tim Tszyu's unbeaten run in 2024 — he wants the lot. "Let's go for undisputed," he said, with WBA and WBO champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis and IBF champion Josh Kelly expected to meet in early 2027.
📅 Saturday, October 17 (US) / Sunday, October 18 (Vietnam)
📍 The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas
🥊 WBC super welterweight title | Super middleweight co-feature
Mazoudier walked in the underdog and walked out with a whole lot of new fans. He wants back on an American card.
On that showing, he's earned it !
Couldn't make weight on Friday.
Couldn't make the ring on Saturday.
Tomoki "El Mexicanito" Kameda's world title shot in Las Vegas is OFF — called off on fight morning after Brandon "The Heartbreaker" Figueroa fell ill.
Figueroa had already lost his WBA featherweight title on the scales, coming in at 127.4 lb — 1.4 lb over the limit. He then skipped the ceremonial weigh-in.
Kameda? On weight, first try.
To keep the fight safe, Figueroa had to weigh in again at 9am on fight day, no more than 12 lb over the limit. Japan's Sports Hochi reports that neither Figueroa nor anyone from his team turned up.
Instead, a message hit Kameda's phone at 5:40am. Fight off.
Illness happens. We get it.
But you can't blame the man for being angry.
"I think he has failed as a professional," Kameda told Sports Hochi. "We spent a huge amount of money, went away to camp, and came here to fight with our lives on the line."
He's expected to be paid in full. But as he put it: "It's not about the money."
Months of work, including a camp in Mexico trading rounds with Emanuel Navarrete — yes, THAT Navarrete — and nobody to hit.
Third world title shot. Zero punches thrown.
Now the good news.
The WBA featherweight belt is vacant, and Kameda (42-5, 23 KOs) says the WBA and the promoter have promised him priority for the next title fight.
And with Naoya Inoue announcing his move up to featherweight, that vacant belt just got a whole lot more interesting.
"This is not the end," Kameda wrote on Instagram. "I will definitely grab the world champion's belt."
El Mexicanito isn't going anywhere.
STAY TUNED !
Art: Premier Boxing Champions
#VSPPromotions #Boxing #KamedaFigueroa
By Robert Hill
MORE THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER !!
MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
🇦🇺 DANA “DEADLY” COOLWELL (14-4) v 🇵🇭 JOSEPH “THE SCORPION” AMBO (15-5-1)
NXT Boxing brings international action to Brisbane on November 28 for THE ASCENSION, with Queensland's Dana Coolwell taking on Filipino contender Joseph Ambo. 🇦🇺 Coolwell returns home after competing on the undercard of Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul in Texas, where he faced undefeated American Bruce Carrington. 🇵🇭 Ambo brings plenty of international experience of his own, including championship fights in Japan.
VSP Promotions are proud to have supported both Dana Coolwell and Joseph Ambo in many of their recent fights. Both boys are exciting talents and great ambassadors for their countries.
📅 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2026
📍 Fortitude Music Hall | Brisbane
Big thanks to Maria Rekowski and NXT Boxing Promotions for getting this big one together in record time !
Plenty of big names found reasons not to fight him.
Tim Tszyu called him out by name.
No Limit Boxing has locked in the Aussie's challenge for Erislandy Lara's WBA middleweight title — on home soil. Late November is the target window. Exact date and venue still to be confirmed, with Gold Coast, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth all sniffing around the show.
Lara (32-3-3, 19 KOs) is 43 and boxing's oldest reigning world champion. Slick Cuban southpaw. Four successful defences of the WBA belt he won in 2021. Never been stopped.
A nightmare, according to No Limit boss George Rose.
"He's a genius in there and spent a decade making the best in the world look silly," Rose said. "Plenty of big names have found reasons not to fight him. Tim wanted and called for him by name."
Tszyu (28-3, 18 KOs) is riding three straight wins, capped by a unanimous decision over Errol Spence Jr in Sydney in July.
His take?
"Spence was just the appetiser."
He wants the man with the belt. And with Jeff Fenech in the corner, he's chasing a second-division world title — a chapter of the Tszyu name that would be his alone.
Kostya conquered light welterweight. Tim wants middleweight gold in Australia.
📅 Late November 2026 (date TBC)
📍 Australia (venue TBC)
🥊 WBA Middleweight World Title — Tim Tszyu vs Erislandy Lara
Hungry dogs fight harder.
Stay tuned !
#VSPPromotions #Boxing #TszyuLara
91,289 pro boxing events. That's every pro event on record across 23 Asia-Pacific countries, from the history books right up to today.
Impressive ? Look closer.
Australia alone has staged 38,627 of them, 42% of the lot. Japan (16,498) and the Philippines (14,381) come next. Add Thailand (7,048) and those four make up more than 80% of all the boxing ever staged in the region.
Now do the maths on people.
Australia (about 27 million) and New Zealand (about 5 million) hold roughly 32 million people between them. Together they've staged 43,421 events, nearly HALF (47.6%) of everything on the list.
China, India and Indonesia hold more than 3 BILLION people. Their combined total ? 4,654 events. About 5%.
That's about 100 times as many people, and around one-ninth of the shows.
Then the cliff.
South Korea, once a powerhouse, sits at 3,667. China, with 1.4 billion people, has 1,034. Vietnam has 128. Papua New Guinea has 138. Cambodia has 19, Laos 14, Nepal 9.
So let's play "what if".
Australia has staged roughly 1,430 events for every million people. Give the rest of Asia the same appetite and here's what the record books would look like:
🇯🇵 Japan: about 176,000 events (11x today's total)
🇵🇭 Philippines: about 165,000 (11x)
🇻🇳 Vietnam: about 144,000 (more than 1,100x its 128)
🇮🇩 Indonesia: about 405,000 (130x)
🇨🇳 China: about 2 MILLION (nearly 2,000x)
🇮🇳 India: about 2 MILLION (nearly 4,000x)
Fantasy numbers ? Of course. But they show how much room there is to grow. The fighters are there. The fans are there. What's missing is the shows.
And here's the part nobody wants to say out loud. Back in the heyday of the '90s, the region was running 5 to 10 times as many shows as it does today. Fight nights were weekly. Fighters stayed busy. Talent got built.
Today ? Too many good fighters, too few dates.
Hungry dogs fight harder, but they still need somewhere to fight.
Vietnam's number is small. It's also only just getting started.
Stay tuned !
🥊 Top 10 by events:
🇦🇺 Australia 38,627
🇯🇵 Japan 16,498
🇵🇭 Philippines 14,381
🇹🇭 Thailand 7,048
🇳🇿 New Zealand 4,794
🇰🇷 South Korea 3,667
🇮🇩 Indonesia 3,099
🇨🇳 China 1,034
🇸🇬 Singapore 814
🇮🇳 India 521
#VSPPromotions #BoxingVietnam #AsianBoxing
By Robert Hill
Fidelis Laia desperate and date less in Oz
Crazy unlucky?
Or are opponents really starting to take notice?
Last month, Fidelis "The Bougainville Bomber" Laia ventured to Queensland, Australia, ready to make his mark on the international boxing scene. He arrived fit, prepared and hungry to prove himself in the professional ranks.
But what followed was almost unbelievable!
Not one, not two, not even three opponents fell by the wayside.
Fidelis went through no less than FOUR opponents, with the final withdrawal coming after the weigh-in and face-off on fight day !!
But could there be more to the story?
Following his impressive knockout victory in Manila in August, has the relatively inexperienced professional from Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, suddenly become a fighter nobody wants to face?
We'll leave you to draw your own conclusions!
THE BOMBER SPEAKS
Fidelis didn't hide his disappointment, but his determination remains stronger than ever.
"I trained hard, and was really wanting to show the people of Australia my knockout power.
Boxing is a dangerous sport and people get injured, but to lose four opponents?
I really think that when they saw me, they did not want to fight me.
It's a shame, but for me, I will put all my energy into my next fight.
I promise I will bring a lot of excitement to all those that support and follow my journey as a pro."
THE BOMBER COULD BE HEADING BACK TO MANILA!
The good news?
Fidelis may not have to wait long for another opportunity to unleash his power!
VSP Promotions can report that the Bougainville Bomber is likely to return to Manila, Philippines, for another major international bout in late November.
Four Aussie opponents may have slipped away, but Fidelis Laia isn't going anywhere.
His journey is just getting started.
🔥 STAY TUNED — BIG NEWS BREAKING SOON!
By VSP Boxing
It's official!
Dmitry Bivol will defend his unified world light-heavyweight titles against Callum Smith in Yekaterinburg on 12/12!
A true blockbuster!
Originally posted on VSP Boxing's Facebook
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Bản gốc tiếng Việt
Chính thức!
Dmitry Bivol sẽ bảo vệ các đai vô địch thế giới hạng bán nặng thống nhất trước Callum Smith tại Yekaterinburg vào ngày 12/12!
Một trận đại chiến thực sự!
By VSP Boxing
Filipino boxer Raizen Dela Fuente returns to professional action this Sunday when he faces Carl Villafranca in a scheduled four-round flyweight contest at UKC Pro Boxing Series XXXV — October Fist.
Representing Rise Up Boxing, Dela Fuente will be looking to make the most of another opportunity to advance his professional career at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque City.
The 23-year-old prospect has previously appeared on the Manila boxing scene, and recorded a majority-decision victory over Marix Ducot on December 13, 2025.
With the bout scheduled for four rounds, every minute will count as these two promising flyweights look to establish control and make their mark.
EVENT: UKC Pro Boxing Series XXXV — October Fist
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Elorde Sports Center, Sucat, Parañaque City, Manila
BOUT: Raizen Dela Fuente vs Carl Villafranca
DIVISION: Flyweight
SCHEDULE: Four rounds
By Robert Hill
Unbeaten Filipino prospects Angelus “Pitbull” Pilapil and Mac “The Flash” Abila have successfully made weight ahead of their 10-round flyweight showdown at UKC Pro Boxing Series XXXV — October Fist.
The official weigh-in saw Pilapil come in at 50.89kg, with Abila weighing 50.93kg, both comfortably inside the flyweight limit.
The matchup brings together two undefeated fighters with contrasting records and plenty at stake.
Pilapil, 22, enters with a 7-0 record and three knockouts. Representing ARQ Boxing Stable and hailing from Dalaguete, Cebu, he is the reigning WBO Oriental Youth flyweight champion. He claimed the vacant title on February 4, 2026, defeating South Korea’s Dae San Yoon by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the contest 80-72.
Standing across the ring will be Abila, who boasts a 6-0 record with five knockouts. The Polangui, Albay prospect fights out of the Elorde Fight Team and has stopped five of his six professional opponents, making his punching power a key factor in the contest.
Abila, trained by former champ Jetro Pabustan , faces a significant step up against a reigning regional champion, while Pilapil has the opportunity to strengthen his standing with another victory over an unbeaten opponent.
Pilapil has described Abila as “a very good boxer” ahead of the fight, setting the stage for a competitive encounter between two young fighters looking to advance their careers.
With both men undefeated, the 10-round contest promises to be one of the major attractions of the card.
EVENT: UKC Pro Boxing Series XXXV — October Fist
DATE: Sunday, October 11, 2026
VENUE: Elorde Sports Center, Sucat, Parañaque City, Manila
BOUT: Mac “The Flash” Abila (6-0, 5 KOs) vs Angelus “Pitbull” Pilapil (7-0, 3 KOs)
WEIGHTS: Abila 50.93kg | Pilapil 50.89kg
SCHEDULE: 10 rounds — Flyweight
Admission is free, with action scheduled to begin at 10am.
Please arrive early to grab a good seat.
By Robert Hill
Australia’s Jai Opetaia could make a sensational move to heavyweight boxing, with a potential showdown against former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder reportedly being explored for the undercard of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua’s blockbuster clash in Cardiff. According to The Ring’s Mike Coppinger, discussions are taking place about adding the fight to the December 11 event (December 12 AEDT). This has also been circulating on Zuffa socials.
The bout is yet to be confirmed, but it would give Opetaia a high-profile opponent for his potential heavyweight debut. And it would be a serious test.
Wilder remains one of boxing’s most feared punchers, with his devastating right hand responsible for many of his biggest victories. A clash with Opetaia would pit the American’s explosive power against the Australian’s speed, movement and sharp southpaw attack.
For Opetaia, it would be an opportunity to make an immediate statement on the world stage against one of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing. The proposed fight would add further intrigue to a card headlined by Fury and Joshua at Principality Stadium, with the event set to attract a global audience.
However, a move to heavyweight would come while Opetaia still has unfinished business in the cruiserweight division. The Australian has repeatedly stated that becoming undisputed cruiserweight champion remains his priority, despite ongoing difficulties securing the unification fights he has been chasing.
Opetaia stopped Noel Mikaelian in the ninth round in September, but the WBC title was not at stake after the sanctioning body stripped Mikaelian of the belt before the fight. That followed Opetaia losing his IBF title in connection with his March bout against Brandon Glanton.
“I’m chasing the belts,” Opetaia told The Ring last month. “I’ve been chasing these unification fights for so long.”
Meanwhile, another potential obstacle has emerged in Opetaia’s pursuit of undisputed status, with David Benavidez declaring he will target heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk if his planned showdown with the Australian fails to materialise. The two cruiserweight stars have been targeting a fight over Cinco de Mayo weekend next year, but Benavidez has made it clear he has another major opponent in mind.
“If we can’t get that fight on Cinco de Mayo with Jai Opetaia, then we’ll do Usyk,” Benavidez told Inside The Ring.
Benavidez will first face Michal Cieslak in December as he attempts to add the WBC cruiserweight title to his existing WBA and WBO belts. A victory would potentially put three major titles on the line for a showdown with Opetaia, giving the Australian an opportunity to take a significant step towards his long-held goal of becoming undisputed champion.
Whether Opetaia chooses to pursue that objective or entertain a blockbuster heavyweight clash with Wilder remains to be seen. Either way, the Australian could be approaching a defining period in his career.
By Robert Hill
The highly anticipated Charly Suarez vs Vasiliy Lomachenko showdown is off — for now. But if the pieces fall into place, it could still become one of the hottest fights of 2027.
In his prime, Vasiliy Lomachenko moved around the ring like a ghost. There is some irony, then, in the recently un-retired three-division champion spending weeks seemingly ghosting discussions over a potential fight with WBO No. 1-ranked super-featherweight contender Charly Suarez.
According to the Suarez camp, the unbeaten Filipino, 19-0 (11 KOs), is now content to wait for the outcome of the October 24 three-belt unification between WBO/IBF champion Emanuel Navarrete and WBC champion O’Shaquie Foster in San Antonio. Foster has told renowned publication BoxingScene that he would honour his obligation to face Suarez should he defeat Navarrete.
And that potential rematch carries plenty of history ! Navarrete defeated Suarez by a disputed technical decision in May 2025 after video replay appeared to show that Suarez should have been awarded a TKO victory — the cut that stopped the fight having been caused by a Suarez punch rather than the headbutt ruled by the referee.
Meanwhile, Lomachenko's apparent lack of interest in facing Suarez is believed to be connected to his own plans, with the Ukrainian reportedly targeting WBA junior-lightweight champion Anthony Cacace. And that could make things very interesting.
The winner of Lomachenko vs Cacace would potentially be positioned to challenge whoever emerges from Navarrete vs Foster for undisputed supremacy.
So while Suarez vs Lomachenko is off the table for now, the road to 2027 could finally bring the two best together — with considerably more at stake. And if it happens, it may just be one of the biggest unification fights of the year.
By Robert Hill
16 Bouts • Sunday, October 11, 2026
Elorde Sports Center, Sucat, Parañaque City, Manila
The UKC Pro Boxing Series XXXV — October Fist unveils a packed 16-bout program ar the Elorde Sports Center this Sunday, featuring championship action, established contenders, unbeaten prospects, returning fighters and a number of professional debuts.
The card is headlined by a battle of the unbeatens at flyweight, with 6-0 (5 KOs) prospect Mac “The Flash” Abila taking on reigning WBO Oriental Youth Champion Angelus “Pitbull” Pilapil (7-0, 3 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round showdown.
A second major attraction sees Malaysia's WBC Asian Silver Super Middleweight Champion Adam Farhan Nazrine face Thailand's veteran Sitthidet Banti for the vacant WBA Asia South Super Middleweight Championship.
🔥 MAIN EVENT
MAC MORRIS “THE FLASH” ABILA vs ANGELUS “PITBULL” PILAPIL
10 Rounds — Flyweight
A genuine battle of the unbeatens — and a significant step up for Abila.
The 6-0 (5 KOs) prospect from Polangui, Albay, fights out of the Elorde Fight Team and has stopped five of his six opponents.
Across the ring will be 22-year-old Angelus “Pitbull” Pilapil, 7-0 with three knockouts, from Dalaguete, Cebu and representing ARQ Boxing Stable.
Pilapil has publicly described Abila as “a very good boxer” ahead of the clash.
Pilapil won the vacant WBO Oriental Youth flyweight title on February 4, 2026, dominating South Korea's Dae San Yoon by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 80-72.
🏆 CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT
ADAM FARHAN NAZRINE 🇲🇾 vs SITTHIDET BANTI 🇹🇭
10 Rounds — Super Middleweight
Vacant WBA Asia South Super Middleweight Championship
Malaysia versus Thailand headlines the championship portion of the card as reigning WBC Asian Silver Super Middleweight Champion Adam Farhan Nazrine challenges for another regional title against Sitthidet Banti.
Nazrine, 6-1 with five knockouts, is a 30-year-old southpaw standing 6'0" and fighting out of Kuala Lumpur. He won his WBC Asian Silver title on August 30, 2026 — notably at this same Elorde Sports Center — defeating Mandeep Singh.
Since suffering his only professional defeat in November 2025, Nazrine has put together an impressive run of victories in Thailand and the Philippines.
Banti, 35, from Bangkok, brings considerably more experience. With a record of 13-9, he is a seasoned regional veteran who has competed across several weight classes, including cruiserweight as recently as June 27, 2026 against Jed Morris.
Nazrine enters as the clear favourite on paper, but Banti's experience and durability give the challenger a seasoned opponent to deal with.
⭐ FEATURE BOUTS
LEBOY ATENCIO vs JUN BLAZO
8 Rounds — Featherweight
Reigning ABF Featherweight Champion Leboy Atencio (8-2) of Northern Samar returns against veteran Jun Blazo.
Atencio won his ABF title with a second-round knockout of Sukpasried Ponphitak in Thailand and has also challenged for the WBC Far East featherweight title against China's Wensong.
He brings valuable regional experience into the contest but will be looking to bounce back from his most recent defeat.
NICO RAMOS vs PETER ESTILLER
8 Rounds — Super Lightweight
Unbeaten OPBF #15-ranked super lightweight contender Nico Ramos, known as “The Pretty Boy,” returns against the tall and tricky Peter Estiller.
The Elorde Fight Team prospect is 6-0-1 with five knockouts and broke into the OPBF super lightweight top 15 in August 2026.
His most recent notable outing was an OPBF Silver title unification against Joshua Padual, a contest that has been described as a potential 2026 Fight of the Year candidate.
MARK TANGGAN vs CHRISTIAN GAGARIN
8 Rounds — Flyweight
Young and exciting Elorde Fight Team prospect Mark Tanggan gets a fresh start in a new weight class against Christian Gagarin.
MARIX DUCOT vs JAKE ROSAL
6 Rounds — Light Flyweight
Light flyweight prospect Marix Ducot of Elorde Fight Team Parañaque returns to the ring against Jake Rosal.
🥊 UNDERCARD
CHRIS LEGANE vs DAVE DEVOCION
4 Rounds — Super Bantamweight
Super bantamweight prospect Chris Legane makes his ring return against Dave Devocion.
JHAYMIL UBANDO vs ALFREDO TESING
4 Rounds — Lightweight
Unbeaten prospect Jhaymil Ubando of Rise Up Boxing takes on Alfredo Tesing.
RUBEN CLAVITE vs ERANIO PISADOR
4 Rounds — Light Flyweight
Promising RCT Hong Kong prospect Ruben Clavite looks to score another victory against Eranio Pisador.
CHARLIE QUIAO vs ROVICK EMBUSCADO
4 Rounds — Bantamweight
Bantamweight prospect Charlie Quiao of Elorde Fight Team Parañaque — new opponent, same goal — looks to score his first professional victory against Rovick Embuscado.
RAIZEN DELA FUENTE vs CARL VILLAFRANCA
4 Rounds — Flyweight
Raizen Dela Fuente of Rise Up Boxing makes his professional ring return against Carl Villafranca.
CHRISTOF “BLACK MAMBA” GAJANA vs CARLO ABARQUEZ
4 Rounds — Lightweight
Lightweight prospect Christof “Black Mamba” Gajana makes his professional debut against fellow debutant Carlo Abarquez.
CLEO ERONICO vs LHORENZ GREGORIO
4 Rounds — Bantamweight
Aspiring professional Cleo Eronico of MA Fightbox faces fellow debutant Lhorenz Gregorio.
AB MADID vs JASON BUT-AY
4 Rounds — Middleweight
Amateur standout AB Madid of Three Ones Gym makes his professional debut against Jason But-Ay.
JB MAYO vs JASON BUFAY
4 Rounds — Super Bantamweight
JB Mayo faces Jason Bufay in a four-round super bantamweight contest.
CHRISMAR COLLERA vs ARJAY ALLER
4 Rounds — Light Flyweight
Amateur standout Chrismar Collera of Elorde Fight Team Parañaque makes his professional debut against unbeaten Arjay Aller (1-0-1).
It is an intriguing matchup of a professional debutant against an opponent who has already tasted professional boxing and remains unbeaten.
EVENT DETAILS
UKC Pro Boxing Series XXXV — October Fist
📅 Sunday, October 11, 2026
📍 Elorde Sports Center, Sucat, Parañaque City, Manila
🥊 16 professional bouts
Action from 10am - admission is free but please arrive early to get a good seat.
By Robert Hill
Another big day of professional boxing is set for October 11, with a 16-bout card scheduled at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque City.
The headline attractions feature two unbeaten flyweight contenders, Mac Abila and Angelus Pilapil, who will meet in a scheduled 10-round bout.
The co-feature sees Adam Farhan Nazrine take on Sitthidet Banti over 10 rounds for the vacant WBA Asia South Super Middleweight Championship.
The undercard provides plenty of additional action, including Leboy Atencio vs Jun Blazo at featherweight, Christian Gagarin vs Mark Tanggan at flyweight and Nico Ramos vs Peter Estiller at super featherweight.
The 16-bout programme also features emerging fighters across the light flyweight, bantamweight, super bantamweight, lightweight, super flyweight and minimumweight divisions.
📅 October 11, 2026
📍 Elorde Sports Center, Sucat, Parañaque City
⏰ First bell: 10:00 AM
With 16 bouts scheduled, it promises to be a full day of professional boxing in Parañaque.
By Robert Hill
Papua New Guinea’s growing presence on the international professional boxing scene continues tomorrow night when Kondup Samson Wailo steps into the ring at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, to face Auckland-based Niuean-Kiwi cruiserweight Duken Tutakitoa-Williams.
For Wailo, representing Maikuna Gym, it is officially his professional boxing debut — but the 28-year-old is hardly inexperienced.
He brings eight professional kickboxing bouts, more than 40 amateur fights, a PNG Heavyweight Kickboxing Championship and two professional boxing exhibition bouts into the contest.
His unbeaten opponent, Tutakitoa-Williams, has already recorded two professional victories, both by unanimous decision, and has nine professional rounds on his record.
On paper, Wailo enters as the less experienced professional boxer.
But the PNG fighter is embracing the challenge rather than avoiding it.
“Hungry dogs fight harder.”
That attitude reflects a broader development in PNG boxing, with more of the country's fighters now gaining opportunities to test themselves overseas.
Just weeks ago, Fidelis “The Bougainville Bomber” Laia scored a second-round knockout over Jhon Rey Tariao in Manila, Philippines.
In Australia, Mili “Mayhem” Saul recently returned to the ring with a fourth-round stoppage of experienced Thai opponent Saowaluk Nareepangsri on the Gold Coast.
New Zealand has also become an important battleground for PNG fighters.
John Ume has recorded significant wins there, while Sheilla Yama has built an impressive professional career in Auckland, most recently defending her IBF International Super Lightweight title against Australia's Jessica Messina.
Now Wailo gets his opportunity !!
Kondup Samson Wailo 🇵🇬 vs Duken Tutakitoa-Williams 🇳🇺🇳🇿
🥊 Cruiserweight
📅 Saturday, 3 October 2026
📍 Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
🏛️ New Zealand Professional Boxing Association
🥊 Promoter: Oz Jabur — BX-9
For Wailo and Maikuna Gym, it is another chance for PNG boxing to step outside its home environment and prove itself against quality international opposition.
By VSP Promotions
Nguyễn Văn Hải's trip to the famous Korakuen Hall ended in round five on Saturday night. The referee stepped in at 2:48 to save the Vietnamese veteran from Japan's WBO Asia Pacific featherweight champion, Ryota Muto.
The night got harder before the first bell. Hải came in 300 grams over the featherweight limit at Friday's weigh-in, so only Muto could leave with the belt. Had Hải won, the title would have been declared vacant.
Once they got going, the 21-year-old southpaw set the tempo from round one. Muto worked behind the one-two and a hard straight left, then dug left uppercuts to the body and followed with the right hook, mixing his attack up and down. Hải is a former national champion with a deep amateur résumé, and he leaned on the tight, high guard that has carried him through a long career. From round two, though, his punches dried up. Once a fighter stops letting his hands go, a champion of Muto's quality gets to pick his shots at will. Muto kept going to the body, trapped Hải in the red corner in round five, and the referee had seen enough.
Credit where it is due. Muto is no ordinary regional champion. He won this belt in May by stopping Kenji Fujita, then the WBO's No.1 contender, and the WBO now rates him No.2 in the world. Even his corner admitted they had prepared counters that Hải never let them use.
For Hải, now 9-4 at 38, the lesson from Tokyo is clear. Against world-rated opposition, the guard alone won't win rounds. You have to make the other man respect your punches. For Vietnamese boxing, the bigger picture still matters: a Vietnamese fighter is getting the call to fight for regional titles against world-ranked champions at the sport's most iconic small hall. Those nights are where the next step gets learned.
Respect to Muto and his team, who held up a photo of the late Shigetoshi Kotari in the ring after the fight.
The result: Ryota Muto (Japan) def. Nguyễn Văn Hải (Vietnam) by TKO, Round 5, 2:48. WBO Asia Pacific featherweight title, 10 rounds scheduled. DYNAMIC GLOVE on U-NEXT vol.48, Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Saturday 3 October 2026.
By VSP Boxing
Nguyễn Văn Hải makes weight for tomorrow night's featherweight clash in Tokyo.
Hải (9-3) takes on Japan's Ryota Muto (10-1) in a 10 round clash at the iconic Korakuen Hall.
Official weights: Nguyễn Văn Hải weighed 57.4 kg at the official weigh-in in Tokyo on 2 October, 300 g over the featherweight limit. Ryota Muto weighed 56.9 kg. Because of the miss, the WBO Asia Pacific featherweight title was on the line for Muto only: had Hải won, the title would have been declared vacant. Hải passed the fight-day weight check at 60.8 kg, under the 61.7 kg cap.
Originally posted on VSP Boxing's Facebook
Correction (4 Oct 2026): an earlier version of this article, and the original Facebook post quoted above, said Nguyễn Văn Hải made weight. He weighed 57.4 kg, 300 g over the limit.
By VSP Boxing
At ASIAD 20 – Aichi–Nagoya 2026, Nguyễn Thị Tâm has just won her women's 51kg boxing semi-final against Alua Balkibekova of Kazakhstan.
Tâm won 5–0, officially securing her place in the Gold Medal final.
🥇 Women's 51kg final – 2 October
🇻🇳 Nguyễn Thị Tâm
vs
🇨🇳 Wu Yu (China)
This will be Tâm's last bout at ASIAD 20, with the Gold Medal as the goal ahead.
Nguyễn Thị Tâm is also a three-time Victory8 champion with VSP Promotions in Vietnam, having fought and won on all three of her appearances at the event.
From Victory8 in Vietnam to the ASIAD stage, Tâm is once again in a major final of Asian boxing.
🇻🇳 Final on 2 October – Nguyễn Thị Tâm vs Wu Yu.
#NguyenThiTam #VietnamBoxing #ASIAD20 #AichiNagoya2026 #Victory8 #VSPPromotions
— — —
NGUYỄN THỊ TÂM TIẾN VÀO CHUNG KẾT TRANH HUY CHƯƠNG VÀNG! 🇻🇳
Tại ASIAD 20 – Aichi–Nagoya 2026, Nguyễn Thị Tâm vừa giành chiến thắng trước Alua Balkibekova của Kazakhstan trong trận bán kết boxing nữ hạng cân 51kg.
Tâm giành chiến thắng với tỷ số 5–0, qua đó chính thức giành quyền vào trận chung kết tranh Huy chương Vàng.
🥇 Chung kết hạng 51kg nữ – ngày 2/10
🇻🇳 Nguyễn Thị Tâm
vs
🇨🇳 Wu Yu (Trung Quốc)
Đây sẽ là trận đấu cuối cùng của Tâm tại ASIAD 20, với tấm Huy chương Vàng là mục tiêu phía trước.
Nguyễn Thị Tâm cũng là nhà vô địch Victory8 ba lần của VSP Promotions tại Việt Nam, từng thi đấu và giành chiến thắng trong cả ba lần tham dự giải đấu.
Từ Victory8 tại Việt Nam đến đấu trường ASIAD, Tâm tiếp tục có mặt ở một trận chung kết lớn của boxing châu Á.
🇻🇳 Chung kết ngày 2/10 – Nguyễn Thị Tâm vs Wu Yu.
#NguyenThiTam #VietnamBoxing #ASIAD20 #AichiNagoya2026 #Victory8 #VSPPromotions
By VSP Boxing
Nguyễn Thị Tâm continued to confirm her standing as one of Vietnamese boxing's leading hopes, defeating Bak Chorong (South Korea) 5-0 in the women's 51kg quarter-final at ASIAD 2026.
All 5 judges scored the bout for Nguyễn Thị Tâm, sending the Vietnamese boxer into the semi-finals and guaranteeing her at least one medal.
This is Nguyễn Thị Tâm's third straight win at ASIAD 2026. Before this, she beat Ramisha Shrestha (Nepal) 5-0 in the opening round, then defeated Guo Yi Xuan (Chinese Taipei) 4-1 in the round of 16.
Her run at ASIAD 2026 adds to Nguyễn Thị Tâm's impressive record. The Vietnamese boxer is a two-time Asian champion, won a world silver medal in 2023 and bronze at ASIAD 2018, and competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Notably, Nguyễn Thị Tâm is also a three-time Victory8 champion at boxing events organised by VSP Boxing in Vietnam.
🔥 Congratulations, Nguyễn Thị Tâm! Vietnam has a medal — and the journey continues! 🇻🇳🥊
— — —
NGUYỄN THỊ TÂM VÀO BÁN KẾT ASIAD 2026! 🇻🇳
Nguyễn Thị Tâm tiếp tục khẳng định vị thế của một trong những niềm hy vọng hàng đầu của Boxing Việt Nam khi đánh bại Bak Chorong (Hàn Quốc) với tỷ số 5-0 ở tứ kết hạng cân 51kg nữ tại ASIAD 2026.
Cả 5 trọng tài đều chấm chiến thắng cho Nguyễn Thị Tâm, giúp nữ võ sĩ Việt Nam giành quyền vào bán kết và chắc chắn có ít nhất một tấm huy chương.
Đây là chiến thắng thứ ba liên tiếp của Nguyễn Thị Tâm tại ASIAD 2026. Trước đó, cô vượt qua Ramisha Shrestha (Nepal) với tỷ số 5-0 ở vòng đầu, trước khi đánh bại Guo Yi Xuan (Đài Bắc Trung Hoa) với tỷ số 4-1 tại vòng 1/8.
Thành tích tại ASIAD 2026 tiếp tục nối dài bảng thành tích ấn tượng của Nguyễn Thị Tâm. Nữ võ sĩ Việt Nam từng hai lần vô địch châu Á, giành HCB thế giới năm 2023 và HCĐ tại ASIAD 2018, đồng thời từng góp mặt tại Olympic Tokyo 2020.
Đặc biệt, Nguyễn Thị Tâm cũng là nhà vô địch Victory8 ba lần tại các sự kiện boxing do VSP Boxing tổ chức tại Việt Nam.
🔥 Chúc mừng Nguyễn Thị Tâm! Việt Nam đã có huy chương — và hành trình vẫn tiếp tục! 🇻🇳🥊
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
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.
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?
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 !
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 !!
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!
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
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
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!
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
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
