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
Outstanding pinoy Mark John Yap returns to the local fight scene on Sunday August 7th, where he takes on rising star Charly Suarez for the WBA Asia title.
Yap has proved to be one of the Philippines most successful exports in recent years. Between 2015 and 2018, he literally tore the Japanese bantamweight division to shreds, winning and successfully defending the OPBF title on no less than four occasions. He then returned to the Philippines, and in front of his home town, knocked out the exciting 130lb prospect Ulysses Lagos (12-2)
The experienced Mark John Yap has met some of the world's best fighters, and had no hesitation jumping at the opportunity to fight the freakish Suarez.
"I know with the right preparation, I can give anyone a great fight, and I really look forward to seeing if Suarez is as good as they say".
Mark John Yap heads to Manila on August 7th with the phenomenal record of 30 wins and 15 knockouts. Considering his calibre of opponents in the last 8 years, the talented "Journey Man" could easily have amassed 50 wins !
Big news breaking is that outstanding Philippines boxer Arnel Baconaje has secured a big fight in Australia on September 2nd.
The man known as "the Silencer" will take on gifted local Jackson Jon England who boasts a 13 and 2 record. England was responsible for perhaps the best fight seen in Australia this year, when narrowly outpointed by Paul Fleming for four major titles, including WBC, WBA and IBF belts.
The match in Perth on September 2nd gives Jackson Jon England a chance to avenge that controversial loss, but his task against Baconaje, who is among Philippines elite, will be daunting.
*story courtesy Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines – With the Philippines beginning to open further after two crippling years of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, boxer Lito Dante is one of those eager to reclaim his old life and, well, battle for a championship.
On Sunday, Dante (18-11-4) will fight Cebuano pugilist Clyde Azarcon for the WBF International minimumweight championship at the Elorde Sports Complex in Sucat, Parañaque.
The bout against Azarcon will be Dante’s second of the year after the 32-year-old Bohol native knocked out Ryan Ralozo last April 30. Because of the quick win, Dante did not sustain any serious injuries that allows him to fight four months later.
“Matagal-tagal din tayo walang laban,” smiled Dante. “Kaya naghahabol din.”
Dante, who now calls Valenzuela home, also has a dual purpose in needing to win this fight.
“Kung pagpalain tayo at manalo sa laban na ito, makakabalik ako sa world rankings,” explained the man nicknamed “Naruto.”
His inactivity during the global lockdown saw him unable to defend Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation minimumweight title that he won in 2019.
“Excited ako sa laban na ito at makabawi, enthused Dante who has been training under the watchful eye of Florence Ferrer, former national team boxer, Southeast Games medalist, and known for training the first ever Filipina world boxing champion in Gretchen Abaniel.
He won’t find it easy against Azarcon, who is five years his junior and has a better overall record at 17-4-1. Furthermore, he is taller and has a slightly longer reach.
Azarcon, though, is coming off a loss to John Paul Gabunilas last March 19.
“Ang masasabi ko lang is pagbubutihin ko ang pag-ensayo at sa pagdating ng laban sa Agosto,” summed up Dante.
Dante will be co-headlining the August 7 event along with former Olympian Charly Suarez (11-0), who will defend his WBA Asia super featherweight belt against Marjohn Yap (30-16). Meanwhile, Allan Villanueva (11-2) and Al Toyogon (12-6-1) slug it out for the vacant WBF Asia Pacific lightweight championship.
*story courtesy philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines – "What is a pretty and educated girl like you doing in sweaty boxing gyms and trying to knock someone out?"
Rica Aquino has heard it before.
It’s a little more “complicated” than that.
Aquino graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of the Philippines and played with the Manila Symphony Orchestra for 10 years. She also taught music at Brent International School for six years.
Well, she still performs when the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra needs an extra musician and teaches music literature at the Philippine High School for the Arts.
But when Aquino is outside the performance hall and classroom, she’s a professional boxer.
“I have been fascinated with fighting sports (even as a child) but as a child playing the violin and as a professional musician, I was restricted in terms of the sports I wanted to do,” Rica related. “So I took up combat sports when I was an adult already and after I had resigned from the orchestra.”
Now, as a 39-year old, Aquino is looking to make her mark in professional boxing.
“I love the competitive aspect of the sport, the discipline, and of course, the risk and thrill of competing.”
Boxing is actually her third sport as she previously took up Muay Thai where she was a National Games silver medalist. She then took up mixed martial arts under the famed Team Lakay of Mark Sangiao.
On August 7, Aquino (0-0-1) will take part in her second professional fight at UKC Annihilation at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.
She will square off against a familiar foe from the past in Erika Ballen, who she first tangled with in 2017 as an amateur.
“We faced each other in 2017 and now, five years later, things have changed,” said Aquino, who won that encounter via first round technical knockout. “I’m excited to see how much we have changed and developed.”
Rica previously fought Indian boxer Deepika Tiwari, who brought her 1-1-2 record to the ring against the Filipina. The fight ended in a draw.
“The fight card in August is amazing,” enthused Aquino. “I am honored to be fighting with my idols Charly Suarez and my teammate Lito Dante. Some of the other boxers are also my friends so I am excited for this card.”
“I have been training hard for this fight as women’s fights are few in this country. I will give it my best and try to get that first professional win.”
Bukidnon's Lorenz Ladrada resumed from a 2 year hiatus in early 2021, only to enjoy the busiest of years, winning 4 of his 5 matches, and pleasingly, showing constant improvements with each outing.
His consistency has been rewarded with a fight in Australia against one of that country's best super featherweight prospects, the very "Deadly" Dana Coolwell. The Aussie is one of those beautiful indigenous fighters, really fast hands, lots of clever volume, and blessed with intuitive skills and movement! And similar to Ladrada, each time we see Coolwell he just gets better and better. His last match was a narrow points loss for a world youth title that many believe he won.
This is a really interesting fight!
Coolwell is 2 to 3 weight classes above Ladrada, who also happens to be the much shorter boxer.
But the Aussie bout will be on the "middle ground " of featherweight, and as you can see from today's picture, Ladrada will strip very strongly at this weight. Dana Coolwell is tall and still growing, so it remains to be seen if he can bring his usual energy and pop to this world title undercard.
This is one of best undercards in Australia this year, and Ladrada v Coolwell is the main support to the world cruiser title between Mairis Briedis and Jai Opetaia.
Action coming from the Gold Coast July 2nd.
GO LADRADA !!!
Bukidnon's Lorenz "Cerberus" Ladrada ventures to Australia to face outstanding prospect Dana Coolwell at the Gold Coast on July 2nd.
On what is a night showcasing some of of Australia's best talent, Ladrada fights on the main undercard to a cracking world title Cruiserweight showdown between Mairis Briedis and Jai Opetaia.
Dana Coolwell is a natural super featherweight, and Ladrada a super bantam, yet the Aussie match will be held on middle ground of featherweight !
Whilst Coolwell will hold a height and reach advantage, what will be key is whether he can maintain his outstanding workrate at this lower weight class. If down on energy, he faces a tough night at the office with the Philippines' Lorenz Ladrada !!
FORMER Olympian Charly Suarez returns to the ring on Aug. 7 to defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia super featherweight belt against what should be one of his toughest opponent to date, veteran Marjohn Yap, in the main event of UKC Tiger - “Annihilation” at the Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Center in Parañaque City.
The 33-year-old Suarez hopes to get a world ranking and an impressive win over an experienced former regional champion like Yap could boost him up the super-featherweight ladder.
Suarez started the year 2022 with a 12th-round technical knockout of prospect Tomjune Mangubat to win the vacant WBA Asia super-featherweight strap in Parañaque City last March. He followed it up with a unanimous decision win over tough Junny Salogaol last June 10 in Bohol.
Yap, on the other hand, is on a three-fight slump, fighting in the US and Dubai.
The 33-year-old Yap lost to one-time world title challenger Angelo Leo, undefeated American up-and-comer Angel Alejandro and unbeaten Cuban prospect Jadier Herrera.
Before his short campaign in the US, Yap had an impressive seven-year stint in Japan, where he won the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) bantamweight belt and went 12-5. He won against the likes of former interim WBA minimumweight champion Juan Jose Landaeta and three-time world title challenger Hiroyuki Kudaka.
Suarez is 11-0 with seven knockouts, while Yap is 30-16 with 15 knockouts.
Also featured in the same card are two World Boxing Foundation (WBF) regional bouts.
Clyde Azarcon (17-4-1, 6 KOs) fights against battle-scarred veteran Lito Dante (18-11-4, 10 KOs) for the vacant WBF International minimumweight strap, while Allan Villanueva (11-2, 8 KOs) slugs it out with Al Toyogon (12-6-1, 8 KOs) for the vacant WBF Asia Pacific lightweight belt.
Also booked in the undercard is Vietnamese Van Hai Nguyen (2-0, 1 KO) taking on fellow unbeaten prospect Jerald Into (4-0, 4 KOs).
*story courtesy SunStar
*photo: Suarez and Vietnam's Nguyen Van Hai
With three Championship title matches in one event, UKC Tiger ANNIHILATION brings to you triple-header championship matches with 18 undercard bouts!
Featuring the title defense of WBA Asia Super featherweight champion Charly "King's Warrior" Suarez, as well as two vacant championship matches for the WBF International Minimumweight title and the WBF Asia Pacific Lightweight title.
All of these must-watch fights are set to take place at the Grand Ballroom, Elorde Sports Complex, Sucat, Paranaque City on August 7th.
One of the most interesting bouts at ANNIHILATION UKC will feature the appearance of Vietnam's Nguyen Van Hai.
Hai is regarded as the most experienced "multiple forms" fighter in Vietnam, whether it be with gloves, kicks or sticks!
Despite not having competed as a boxer in a long time, Hai has the muscle memory to fight any size, and at any time. The 59kg fighter was listed to fight Jino Rodrigo at 64kg as recently as March, but was unable to fulfill due to planes not flying.
This time around, he is pitched against the very promising and unbeaten southpaw Jerald Into at 61kg, a fighter that achieved 4 KO in his wins thus far. Into obviously has power, but impressively, sets everything up with a nice jab and is very clever at precise shot selection.
Nguyen Van Hai is well known in Vietnam for sparring westerners literally 30kg heavier than himself, so its fair to presume that nothing daunts this man, and his clash with Into will be one of the highlight bouts on Sunday August 7th.
There were lots of promising fighters at last night's show in Bohol, spearheaded by victories by local Virgel Vitor and Davao's Charly Suarez in the co-main events.
Rhonvex Capuloy is definitely one to keep on the watch list, scoring a stoppage win with a body shot in the second round.
Perhaps the most competitive contest of the night was between Joseph Sumabong and Zandy Padiran, with Sumabong prevailing with a points win.
This was high quality work from both fighters, and whilst Sumabong deserved the decision with some artful strikes, Zandy Padiran was ultra impressive. It is almost impossible to believe that these two fighters only have four wins between them, as they both showed signs of being way more experienced. Definitely put a watch on these two, they are both excellent.
Charly Suarez was in training mode with a shutout win over a tough and resilient Junny Salogaol in Bohol last night.
The King's Warrior was chasing some rounds in preparation for his upcoming title defense, and Salogaol did admirably to weather the storm and survive the 6 rounds. While it's fair to say that Suarez's opponent came to survive rather than compete, the plan worked, and the King's Warrior was able to dazzle the crowd with his footwork, hand speed and withering combinations.
WBA title defense is coming August 7th !
This will be a stacked show, and held in the Elorde Ballroom in Paranaque and must not be missed. It's possibly the last chance to see Charly Suarez to fight in front of his home crowd, so get there to cheer him on. LOUDLY!!!
Announcement on who will be the Suarez opponent, and the rest of the fight card coming soon.
FORMER Olympian Charly Suarez keeps himself busy in a six-round fight against journeyman Junny Salogaol on June 10 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
Suarez is coming off the biggest win of his career after stopping young prospect Tomjune Mangubat to win the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia super featherweight belt last March 12 in Paranaque City.
The 33-year-old Suarez is preparing for a title defense in August against a foreign opponent.
Salogaol, in the meantime, is a very experienced fighter that has elite opposition, the likes of Hiroaki Teshigawara and Joe Noynay.
He’s dropped his last four contests and is coming off a split decision loss against former regional champion Jessie Cris Rosales.
Suarez is 10-0 with seven knockouts, while Salogaol is 14-19-5 with 13 knockouts.
Virgel Vitor faces Jecker Buhawe in a six-round co-main event.
Vitor won three straight fights since losing to veteran Mark Anthony Geraldo. He’s coming off a unanimous decision win over Lorence Rosas last December.
Buhawe, on the other hand, is on a six-fight slump and is fresh from a second round knockout in the hands of Jun Blazo last April.
Vitor is 16-2 with nine knockouts, while Buhawe is 16-16-1 with 10 knockouts.
In the undercard, Danrick Sumabong (11-2, 8 KOs) locks horns with Royder Lloyd Borbon (6-12-1, 6 KOs); Rhonvex Capuloy (7-2, 4 KOs) fights Vicento Casido (6-4-1, 2 KOs); Joseph Sumabong (1-0, 1 KO) trades leathers with Zandy Padiran (3-3-1, 1 KO); Chris John Daan (1-0) is up against Cedie Noblefranca (0-7-1); and Richard Taculod makes his pro debut against Steve Noblefranca (1-4-1).
* story courtesy of SunStar
Fights start at 6pm
WATCH IT LIVE AT: https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Make sure you tune in tomorrow night for some fun fight action direct from the mystical island of Bohol.
All boxers made weight at a very relaxed event held earlier today.
Danrick Sumabong and Virgel Vitor are two of the better known fighters taking part in Friday's pro card, which will be preceded by some high octane amateur action.
Watch the fights on Elorde TV, and shared here live, from 6pm.
Junny Salogaol and Charly Suarez look ready to hit the blue water, and they will, but not until after tomorrow's big event on the picturesque Island of Bohol.
Both fighters weighed in at 132 for their bout on Friday evening, with Salogaol looking the bigger of the two.
Junny resumes from SD loss to Jessie Cris Rosales at super lightweight (140) and Suarez is a touch above his usual fight weight of 130.
Charly Suarez will defend his WBA title in Manila on August 7th, and the sojourn to Bohol is a great opportunity to help prepare for that match. It is expected that Suarez will be facing an unbeaten foreign boxer, with news on that coming soon.
Boxing fans, don't miss some top class fighters showing their stuff this Friday evening on the beautiful island of Bohol.
Rhonvex Capuloy, Virgel Vitor, Danrick Sumabong and none other than the King's Warrior Charly Suarez will take part in this fantastic provincial offering to boxing lovers.
The appearance of Philippines best boxer Charly Suarez is a huge treat for locals, as it is likely the last opportunity to seem him perform live. His bout will be a prelude to a WBA defense in Manila on August 7th, which will likely mark the champ's last local appearance for some time.
It is expected that Suarez will fight overseas in October, and again in Vietnam on December 11th, in pursuit of more titles and world rankings.
News on a Suarez opponent for August 7th in Manila is expected to break soon.
JonJon Estrada working with former WBO world champ Tomoki Kameda today in Osaka.
Kameda is known as "El Mexicanito" The Little Mexican, whilst Estrada has achieved cult status as "the Wolverine "
Based on the ring monikers, you know that their sparring was no place for the faint hearted!
Tomoki Kameda returns to the ring on July 30 against William Encarcion, and will look to add to his impressive resume of 38 wins and 20 knockouts.
The Philippines Estrada is likely to fight in Japan on July 23, carrying a record of 15 wins, 14 by sadistic stoppage!
Boxers need to keep busy!
Charly Suarez defends his WBA title in Manila on August 7th, but will take part in a provincial event this Friday to assist in his preparations for that task.
And because Bohol love their boxing!
Some great fighters will compete at the show, including local star Virgel Vitor (16 wins), Danrick Sumabong (11 wins) and Rhonvex Capuloy (7 wins).
This is a great opportunity for Suarez to get some rounds in before his Manila assignment on August 7th.
Expect a WBA title opponent to be named for the King's Warrior in coming days.
The true to life, modern day action hero himself, THE WOLVERINE, JonJon Estrada on the plane this morning and heading to Osaka.
Estrada won't be on holiday while he's there, he has the important job of preparing former world champ Tomoki Kameda (38 wins) for his upcoming bout with some torrid sparring sessions.
All we can say is, good luck Kameda, you're gunna need it!
Annihilation UKC is assembling an all star cast for Sunday August 7th!
We are going for an international flavour and have already secured Michael Pengue (Australia), Linn Sandstrom (Sweden) and the iconic Nguyễn Văn Hải (Vietnam) to come to Manila and mix it up with the Philippines fighters.
The biggest news is that Charly Suarez will defend his WBA belt, and we are very close to terms with a foreign opponent that claims he will halt the world title aspirations of the local star.
We say - bring it on!
This will be a MUST NOT MISS event, big news breaking soon on the full fight card!
Nobody does SELF BELIEF better than George "Ferocious" Kambosos.
And nobody disputes the ethereal skills of Devin "the Dream" Haney.
But as Kambosos bluntly puts it
"Haney will be ready for this fight, but I am ready to go to WAR!"
Great pic sums it up at today's media conference, courtesy of:
Vinny Nguyen photography
VSP young gun Lorenz Ladrada heads to Queensland in July to fight top flight Aussie Dana Coolwell, and what's more, its on a World Title undercard!
Bukidnon's Ladrada has yet to fight this year, but had a successful 2021 with 4 wins from 5 outings. His lone loss was a split decision to the very exciting Gary Tamayo.
Dana Coolwell is one of the best prospects in Australian boxing, and is coming down from 130 to take on Ladrada.
As reported by promoter Tasman Fighters:
#COOLWELL | #LADRADA | #JULY2 | #GCCEC
This Card is Taking on Legendary Status
Fresh off an incredible performance Dana Coolwell immediately heads back to the canvas to face off with Filipino Lorenz Ladrada (11-2-1) July 2nd on the Opetaia v Briedis IBF World Cruiserweight Title undercard - Utterly Unmissable Boxing
Coolwell will be looking to stomp any fire out quickly after a close fight last time he graced the canvas. You’ll want tickets to this amazing card - be quick - tickets are running out FAST.
Banging times ahead for some of the Elorde crew.
Gretel De Paz heads to Australia in June, then Lorenz Ladrada to Australia, Cris Ganoza and the Wolverine JonJon Estrada to Japan, and Jules Victoriano to Vietnam, all in July.
Ranny Quizo also meets Rodel Suganob in a local derby that same month.
DON'T FORGET we will have a big card for Manila on August 7th, where we are working to get the Philippines best Charly Suarez his first foreign opponent in the professional ranks.
Also very exciting news breaking late last night is the appearance at this show of the promising and unbeaten Jerald Into.
For those who aren't familiar with the name, you are sure to hear a lot more!
This is a boxer who has settled his first 4 fights with dramatic Knockouts !
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has delivered a stunning endorsement of Sydney fighter George Kambosos jnr ahead of his world title defence against American Devin Haney, declaring: “Nobody could have done what George has done.”
Kambosos, 28, will attempt to become the first boxer to hold all four belts in the lightweight division when he fights Haney at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on June 5.
George Kambosos Jr has pledged to send American boxer Devin Haney home with no spoils from their epic bout
There is mounting speculation that Pacquiao, who did more than 250 rounds of sparring with Kambosos during his career, will be among the 50,000-strong crowd for the fight.
In a rare interview, the 12-time world champion told the Good Weekend Kambosos looked incredibly sharp in preparation and will win world titles for as long as he wants.
“I look at the training videos he has been posting on his various social platforms and I’m amazed at what he’s doing in the gym,” Pacquiao said. “No-one is in better condition. You can tell he wants to keep those belts for as long as possible.
“It’s been a long journey for George, and he has sacrificed a lot to get to the top — I do not see him letting that go. How many world titles can he win? He’s only limited by his imagination and his ambition. So far, George has accomplished everything he has set his mind to.”
The relationship between Pacquiao and Kambosos first blossomed when the little-known fighter from Sylvania was sparring at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles in early 2017.
Roach thought he would be an ideal sparring partner for Pacquiao for his fight against Brisbane schoolteacher Jeff Horn at Suncorp Stadium; a fight Horn won in a stunning upset.
Kambosos helped Pacquiao prepare for two more world title fights, including training camps in Manila and running the hills around General Santos, where Pacquiao grew up on the street before boxing became his salvation.
“From the beginning I knew, and my team knew, George was a very good fighter,” Pacquiao explained. “That is why I wanted George in all my training camps. It went beyond giving me good work. He made me work. He was a sparring partner in name only. You could sense he had big ambitions in boxing. He wanted to be the best and he treated his sparring sessions with me as part of his education. I never saw the same fighter twice. He was more than a sparring partner. He was a training partner.”
Often, on long road runs, Kambosos and Pacquiao would draw away from the rest of the pack.
“George worked harder than anyone in the camp,” Pacquiao said. “I think that is why we got along so well. He would be right there with me running the hills every morning, doing sit-ups next to me after the run, full workouts in the gym every afternoon. He was always doing the extra work. He never cut corners on himself, and it was that work ethic that showed me he had the drive to do what so few in boxing can, and that is to become a world champion.”
It was that single-mindedness that propelled Kambosos to his own upset victory over Teofimo Lopez in New York last November, a result which delivered him the IBF, WBA and WBO world titles. Haney holds the WBC title.
As Kambosos explains to the Good Weekend on Saturday, he was prepared “to die” in the ring against Lopez given how much was on the line for his family and his career. Instead, the 13-1 underdog won via a split points decision.
"The fight he took to Teofimo Lopez … I do not think anyone else could have done what George did that night,” Pacquiao said. “He showed in the Lopez fight that not only can he give out punishment, but he can also take it, and that comes from working hard every day in training and staying fit in between fights. George has so many strengths, physically and mentally. He is not predictable. He sees the whole ring and uses it to his advantage. He keeps everything together. He is very disciplined.”
Despite holding three world title belts, and the victory over Lopez, Kambosos remains a clear outsider ($2.51) with bookmakers against Haney ($1.56). Kambosos said he was determined to make sure his first title defence in Australia was against a quality opponent.
“I could’ve fought a no-name,” Kambosos said. “Made $3 million to $4 million. Look at me, my first big defence in Australia lasts two rounds. Sorry fans … I can’t do that. I’m the top dog in the division but the underdog in this fight. It’s exactly where I want to be.”
Arnel Baconaje and JonJon Estrada will head to Japan to punch holes in former WBO world title holder Tomoki Kameda.
The Japanese fighter has been relatively quiet during the pandemic, but resumes on July 30 to take on quality Dominican William Encarcion.
Kameda boasts an impressive 38 and 3 record, and interestingly, his only loss in recent years was to the unbeaten Rey Vargas, the very same Mexican that is soon to face Mark Magsayo!
Opportunities to work with foreign fighters are always great ways to build skills, but one also has to spare a thought for the rugged Kameda. It surely will be no picnic trading leather with the Wolverine and the Silencer.
Double Trouble!
SEA Games silver medallist and Victory8 World Team member Gretel De Paz will make her return to the ring in Brisbane next month.
De Paz will take on rising Aussie star Taylah Robertson, who is a former esteemed amateur. The clash represents a rise in weight class for the Philippines fighter, but she definitely possesses the heavier hands, and she is likely to give Robertson plenty to contend with.
The Suarez team spotted earlier today, plotting and planning the year ahead.
Charly Suarez went to 10 and 0 and top seventy in the world, when he recently captured the WBA Asia title in Manila.
The King's Warrior was to defend that title in Dubai this June, only to have the match postponed, in part, due to boxers trying to avoid the Philippines star!
OK plans change!
Suarez team stay busy, so he will have a regular bout in June, and follow that up with a title defense locally or abroad 6 weeks later.
VSP Promotions will stage an iconic event in Vietnam in December, and plans are already in place to secure Suarez a world rated opponent for the HCMC outdoor show. It is expected that many thousands of people will watch the King's Warrior, and some other pinoy stars, fight at the extravaganza.
DOMINATION UKC is already underway, with many of Manila's best amateurs doing their thing before the professional card later today.
Ranny Quizo and the Wolverine JonJon Estrada are big fight fans when they aren't in the ring themselves, and arrived early to get a good seat.
If you are in Manila, make sure to get down to the Elorde Flash Grand Ballroom in Paranaque and catch all the action live. It will be a great day.
We will also stream the fights here later today.
Gary Tamayo ranks as one of the Philippines best prospects, and Danny Tampipi surely is one of the more tricky. Both southpaw, both measure the distance well and know how to land shots.
Gary "the Hawk " Tamayo sits at 6 wins and a loss, and could just as easily be unbeaten.
Boy Tirador aka Freaky Tampipi, dropped star boxer Pete Apolinar, and also endured six rounds with the very bad intentioned Arnel Baconaje. That's great form for this !
Expect Tamayo brilliance mixed with power, and Danny Tampipi out to totally clip the Hawk's wings. Nice fight!
DOMINATION Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Tomorrow !
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
Two of the very best and most experienced fighters in the Philippines will be featuring at Domination UKC tomorrow.
Richard Pumicpic resumes from a short lay off, after an accidental head clash forced his most recent foray to be deemed a "no contest ". The man known as "the Beast "has already notched up an incredible 22 wins, many of those against top class international boxers. Pumicpic, it's also accurate to say, is probably the Philippines most "robbed" fighter on the road!
Edison Berwela has been out of the ring since early 2020, so it's great to see this top performer finally back in action.
Berwela has an excellent record of 18 wins, and his recent defeats were all narrow points losses for international belts. The best of Edison Berwela will be seen perhaps now at featherweight, so both he and Pumicpic will be using tomorrow's lightweight 4 round clash as a stepping stone to their respective divisions.
Expect to see some really skillful work (albeit a little rusty!) from Richard Pumicpic and Edison Berwela in Paranaque City tomorrow. Both boys are main event fighters when at their peak, so it's fantastic to see them doing their thing tomorrow.
DOMINATION Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Elorde Flash Grand Ballroom
Paranaque City, Manila
Saturday May 14th
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
The Ultimate Knockout Challenge "Domination " is only days away, but when you are making your debut, that can seem an eternity !
Elorde prospect Clarence Breboneria is one of a quality group having their first pro bout this Saturday, when he takes on Dennis Irenio in what should be a cracking 130lb bout. Breboneria is definitely one to keep your eye on, as he has more than held his own sparring far more experienced fighters in his preparation.
In contrast, team mate JL Laurente is a virtual "old hand", having won his first three matches. His most recent appearance resulted in a draw with the vastly improved Jufel Salina, and a repeat of that form will see him very hard to beat this Saturday.
DOMINATION Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday May 14th
WATCH IT LIVE AT:https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotion
In a great and often see-sawing battle over 8 rounds, Linn Sandstrom gained a majority decision over a gritty Floryvic Montero.
In a match where both girls displayed good touches, it was perhaps the accuracy of Sandstrom that laid the platform for the win.
Philippines Montero looked excellent in patches, and no doubt contended with some ring rust, but showed she will be a vastly improved fighter at her next appearance.
Philippines Floryvic Montero and Sweden's Linn Sandstrom just made weight for tomorrow night's clash in Newcastle Australia.
Multi discipline fighter Montero was slightly the heavier, but both girls looked in great shape and are sure to create fireworks when the bell goes.
Sandstrom is now based in Australia, and was a recent visitor to Manila in March, where she fought on the undercard of the Charly Suarez v Tomjune Mangubat WBA title event.
This was a classic match up, held at the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake in the Vietnam capital of Hanoi.
This fight attracted a crowd of 25,000 people, and a television audience of millions.
Expect to see another big Victory8 event make its long awaited return in HCMC later this year.
Recent Philippines visitor Linn "Sandstorm" Sandstrom returns to the ring in Newcastle, Australia next Wednesday night.
Linn takes on the very versatile pinay Floryvic Montero.
Sandstrom has made no secret of the fact that she is a relative newcomer to boxing, and is playing catch up to learn as much as she can in short time. The Swedish boxer has 4 wins on her resume, and the clash with Philippines Montero, should prove to be a great contest and valuable ring time for both girls.
And to think, Linn Sandstrom started out as a table tennis player !
The Games and Amusement Board recognized Philippines best boxer Charly Suarez, naming him their " Boxer of the month" in their recently released March ratings.
"Charly Suarez stuns Tomjune Mangubat with a 12 round TKO and bags the WBA Asia Super Featherweight title at the Elorde Sports complex in Paranaque City, March 12th, under VSP Promotions. "
Congratulations to the King's Warrior and wishing you continued success in your exciting career ahead. You work extremely hard to make the impossible look easy, and you put a smile on the faces of Philippines fight fans. Bravo !!
Philippines young gun Delmar Pellio will arrive in Vietnam tomorrow, two days in advance of Saturday's big boxing event to be held in Ho Tram in the south of Vietnam.
Pellio is set to lock horns with promising Vietnam fighter Dinh Hong Quan in a battle for the IBF Asia Lightweight title. And as the picture neatly shows, this pinoy warrior is primed for battle!
Delmar Pellio enters the contest with 9 wins and one loss.
Dinh Hong Quan owns a strong performance card of his own, winning 7 of his 8 bouts to date.
Delmar Pellio will rise to 135 pounds for his Vietnam assignment, and it will be interesting to see how well he adapts to a less frenetic but heavier punching weight class. Based on his size and fight style, expect the strong pinoy southpaw to really shine as a Lightweight !
That said, expect nothing less than a baptism of fire when pitted against a fiercely proud Vietnamese boxer, they are absolute killers!
Dinh Hong Quan is very much cut from that same cloth, and like Pellio, is a promising young boxer on the rise.
These two fighters have very similar levels of strength, skills and durability, so expect this fight to be non stop action and head to the judges scorecards.
DELMAR PELLIO v DINH HONG QUAN
Saturday April 23rd
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The King's Warrior Charly Suarez at this morning's training session in Manila, and already looking in pristine condition.
Suarez returned to the city last week from his home in Davao, and will now begin work in earnest for his upcoming assignment.
What's coming next for Suarez ?
News breaking soon.
Watch this space!
Manila super lightweight Argie "Bomba" Toquero is back in action Saturday April 23rd when he takes on Abdurasul Ismoilov for the vacant WBO Oriental title.
The return marks a more than two year absence for the injury plagued southpaw, who's most recent effort was in beating Jimmy Borbon way back in February of 2020. Timing and power are the assets of the strongly built Toquero, who has scored 10 stoppages in his 13 wins.
Uzbekistan's Abdurasul Ismoilov is a formidable opponent, and is when based in Vietnam, he regularly spars at the VSP Gym in HCMC.
Whilst better known at lightweight, Ismoilov is a really technical southpaw, who has the ability to seamlessly shift stance. A winner of 9 of his 10 bouts, and robbed in his losing bout, it's hard not to be impressed with the skills of the Uzbekistan fighter. He is always well balanced, and similar to Toquero, he boasts plenty of firepower.
This is a high quality match up, and we will bring it to you live from the Ho Tram Casino resort on Saturday April 23.
RoyRoy Sumugat and the "Bomba" Toquero looking the goods after a torrid spar in Manila earlier today !
Top lightweight prospect Delmar Pellio is ready to return to the ring on Saturday April 23 when he ventures to Vietnam. The match against Dinh Hong Quan (7 - 1)
will be held at the Ho Tram Casino, which sits directly in front of the beach, maybe 150km south of HCMC.
Pellio has shown huge potential in his career thus far, and despite being unbeaten in 9 fights, he struggled to get regular and meaningful opponents. He faced a considerable rise in grade last December when he faced the world class Charly Suarez, yet produced an outstanding and courageous effort that won the hearts of fans. The King's Warrior Suarez was quick to praise his young opponent, and enthused that he had a good future in the sport. Similarly, those that have sparred with the southpaw Pellio have found his workrate, timing, strength and boxing brain very hard to beat.
There is no doubt the bout with Suarez was a great learning curve for Delmar Pellio, and he will need all of that knowledge when he takes on Vietnam warrior Dinh Hong Quan.
This super lightweight prospect trained at the Olivetti Gym started 2022 in great fashion, edging the dangerous Roberto Gonzales in a sequel fight.
The victory pushed the career tally of Rodrigo to 7 wins, with 5 by stoppage, and this young fighter appears to possess plenty of upside.
Expect to see the "Silent Beast " to continue to make big noise in the boxing ring in future assignments.
Recent Philippines visitor Linn Sandstrom made her pro "exhibition " debut in HCMC in late 2018.
This was very much "swimming with sharks" for Linn, who was matched with Vietnam national champion and SEA Games gold winner Nguyen Thi Tam. When this fight took place, Linn had been learning boxing for only 1.5 years!
Don't let it be said that Linn Sandstrom doesn't love a decent challenge!
In 2018, we were guessing they could, but we didn't really know for sure!
So we invited 5 Korean pros to Vietnam to test them out.
4 wins and 3 knockouts later, we got our answer !
Yes, they are pretty damn good!!
This Vietnam killer is Nguyen Van Duong. His Korean opponent already had 5 pro wins.
It was meant to be an exhibition where the pros teach the amateurs.
Who wants to see Duong in Manila this July make a pro debut?
More importantly, who wants to fight him?
Linn Sandstrom scored a third round stoppage in Costa Rica against Cristel Ruiz.
Despite being significantly outweighed, Sandstrom had the bigger work rate and tge more accurate power shots, to finish her Nicaraguan opponent.
Linn Sandstrom improves to 4 wins, and will be back in action in Australia in May.
Philippines Flyweight champion Ben "the Sniper" Ligas made amends for a scoring travesty in Cebu, with a classy title defense over Roland Jay Biendima.
The 112 division is stacked with talent right now, and there has been a lot of talk about who's next to challenge for Ligas' national crown.
But rumours are strong that the Philippines champion will be testing himself against international opposition at his next fight, an initiative that surely will see him an even more formidable foe for locals to deal with.
This will be a big news story breaking soon for sure.
Watch this space!
Linn "the Sandstorm" Sandstrom will be competing for the third fight in a month tomorrow night, when she steps into the ring in the central American country of Costa Rica.
Sandstrom will compete on an all female card, headed by Costa Rican world champ Yokasta Valle.
The Swedish girl who is based in Australia, is looking to get as much international experience as possible to build her technical base, and has threatened she may even return to fight in the Philippines !
Linn Sandstrom is learning on the road, and will fight in Costa Rica on the undercard of world champ Yoka Valle's title defense.
"I’m fighting on @yokavalle_oficial undercard in Costa Rica, 25th of March, where she will defend her IBF World Title. It’s an honour to be a part on this ALL FEMALE Boxing Card over here in Costa Rica, in celebration of Womens Month together with some incredible girls on the card. Yoka is like the female version of Canelo, so I’m counting on a sold out venue and unreal atmosphere… I will be fighting a opponent from Nicaragua and this will be my 3rd professional fight in 22 days…" reported Sandstrom earlier today.
Linn has competed in Victory8 in Vietnam, and more recently, fought in Manila at TIGER 2022 UKC on the undercard of Charly Suarez v Tomjune Mangubat.
Recently crowned WBC world champ Mark Magsayo and MPP boss Sean Gibbons know plenty about boxing. But there's also plenty to learn, and who is their "go to" person when they need answers ?
None other than Mam Cucuy Elorde, who is always happy to help when they need a hand!
Magsayo and Gibbons fly back to the states tomorrow, to begin preparations for the unbeaten Rey Vargas in July.
Vargas is a vastly different proposition to Gary Russell Jr, who is a short southpaw.
The Mexican is a 5ft11 orthodox, and has won all 35 bouts (22 KO).
In spite of the daunting record, this style of opponent should suit Magsayo perfectly.
What's next for this modern day action hero?
Who will be the next victim when the Wolverine goes beserk ??
Jonjon Estrada 15 WINS 14 KNOCKOUTS
"Nature made me a freak.
Man made me a weapon.
And God made it last too long".
Recent Philippines invader Linn Sandstrom had her first sparring session in Mexico yesterday. The Aussie based fighter is motivated to fast track her learning there, due to the abundance of great quality female athletes.
Sandstrom is looking to keep busy and fight upon her return to Australia, and says she will keep her options open after that.
Tomjune Mangubat and his team from Omega Cebu are super confident that they have the boxer and the game plan to bring down the Philippines best Charly Suarez.
The match is scheduled for 12 rounds, and they say the skillful Suarez will wish he was back in the amateurs !
The Mangubat team claim that the King's Warrior is on old legs, and he won't be able to run all night. And if Suarez tries to go toe to toe, he will get hurt by the bigger and very physical Tomjune Mangubat. In fact, they predict that Charly Suarez won't see the final bell!
Them's fighting words!
But one thing for sure, Tomjune Mangubat is one of the hottest prospects in Philippines boxing, and looks destined to develop into a world class fighter.
His clash with Charly Suarez will prove a very significant milestone on that journey.
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
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