Grand Ballroom Elorde Sports Center
,
January 30, 2023
Mark John Yap opened his new year account in stunning fashion, scoring a stoppage win over what appeared to be a very good version of Philippines Lightweight Leonardo Doronio.
Unable to secure a suitable 130 opponent for his first hitout of the year, Yap opted to jump a weight class and get a physical exam with the vastly experienced and durable Doronio.
It was very noticeable at the weigh-in, that aside from being the much larger boxer, Leonardo Doronio was in the best physical shape that he has been in for a very long time.
And he performed very well, while it lasted, and we look forward to seeing Doronio back again this year to see what he can produce.
But for Mark John Yap, it really was a patient yet lethal execution of a necessary task, and certainly showed shades of the brutality that he inflicted on Japan's best fighters prior to the pandemic.
Watch the full fight here, and you will see this dog has got a bite worse than his bark.
Yap Yap !
Leonardo Doronio and Mark John Yap were the two most experienced boxers to grace the ring at REVOLUTION yesterday.
Both boxers looked in great shape, and it was very definitely the best version of Doronio we have seen in recent fights.
He pumped out skillful jabs that forced Yap to change position in the early rounds, and looked very comfortable in defense. Doronio also looked more dynamic than he has in a long while, and always looked dangerous. Based on yesterday's performance, Leonardo Doronio has a lot more wins in store.
Mark John Yap, superlatives often fall short, but his skills and killer were again to the fore.
Watch carefully how he set up that hook.
Bravo to Yap - bring on 2023 !
Live from the Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque
Early session from 10am Mains from 2pm
Watch it here live !
Novice boxers and with plenty of upside suitably describe Marklin Itim and Clarence Breboneria, who are perfectly matched at tomorrow's REVOLUTION event.
Both fighters have two wins in the professional ranks, and both have aspirations to have big careers in the sport of boxing.
Marklin Itim clearly has the edge in experience, having competed really well in matches with top opponents like Lorenz Ladrada and Remon Basas.
Clarence Breboneria looked a little conservative in his first three fights, but definitely looked more relaxed in his impressive December stoppage win over Mike Siena. He is also well mentored by the team at Elorde.
This is a 6 round Super Bantamweight clash, and despite the likelihood of being a non stop action affair, expect this one to go to the judges.
This will be one of the most competitive fights of the day.
Enjoy every moment of it !
UKC REVOLUTION 2O23
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
BUENAOBRA AND FRANCISCO MAKE WEIGHT
Southpaw Jason "Manifesto" Buenaobra and Jonathan Francisco face off before they meet again at UKC REVOLUTION tomorrow.
The boys will fight over 8 rounds in the Super Bantamweight division.
UKC REVOLUTION 2O23
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
With near 100 professional fights between them, Leonardo Doronio and Mark John Yap qualify as the two most experienced performers at tomorrow's REVOLUTION event in Parañaque.
"Toto" Doronio has chalked up 18 wins, and was formerly a main sparring partner to boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. He was an impressive winner against Jimmy Borbon, before showing all his ring guile in dealing with a very offensive Arnel Baconaje.
Mark John Yap's deeds in Japan prior to the pandemic are legendary. It's accurate to say that he shredded some of that country's very best fighters in perhaps their strongest weight class.
His return to the Philippines with excellent showings against Charly Suarez and Junior Kauko Raka were ominous signs that foreshadow a big 2O23.
These boys are quality, and the 135 works in favour of Doronio. Don’t miss this tomorrow.
UKC REVOLUTION 2O23
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
We got Canada v Estrada #2 coming tomorrow !
Their first clash was fight of the year, and it's on again, as Pablito Canada and JonJon Estrada made weight just moments ago.
These two killers go at it in a "no place for the faint hearted" featherweight war tomorrow in Parañaque City.
Both fighters approach tomorrow's clash brimming with confidence, having executed stoppage wins at their most recent appearances.
The Wolverine JonJon Estrada is especially adept in this department, and some would say an expert.
He has put opponents to the canvas in 14 of his 15 victories !! Ouch !!
UKC REVOLUTION 2O23
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
Two of the most promising young boxers in the Philippines got a surprise visit from the King's Warrior Charly Suarez earlier today.
Jerald Into and Weljon Mindoro are both improving boxers on a steep learning curve, but have been outstanding in their ring performances so far. They also show all the attributes of excellent fundamentals provided by the hard working coaches at Quibors Boxing Gym.
Into is a tall southpaw lightweight, who is unbeaten in 7 fights. His most recent performance was a really impressive showing, stopping the experienced Monico Laurente in the 4th round.
Middleweight Weljon Mindoro has been nothing short of outstanding in his short career, also unbeaten, and scoring 10 knockouts in his 10 wins thus far. The youngster also has experience sparring with Olympic medallist Eumir Marcial, and it is pretty clear that "Triggerman" is running out of opposition at home.
It is hoped that both these top prospects will get an opportunity to show their wares in Vietnam in 2O23.
Charly Suarez will begin training soon as he has an important assignment in Australia on March 17th. The King's Warrior takes on Australia's best Paul Fleming, who with a record of 28 and 0, is no easy task !
Then again, beating Charly Suarez is no simple feat either !!
Anton Maglinte stars in one of the early bouts at Monday's REVOLUTION event in Parañaque.
The Manila based southpaw takes on debutant Raizen Jay Dela Fuente, a fighter with lots of amateur experience.
Maglinte comes into the contest with two fights under his belt, and despite those being defeats, it's notable that he did some good things against promising boxers Noriel De Chavez and Carlo Diaz.
Both of these bouts were highly competitive, and it will be interesting to see what improvements that "Pretty Boy" Maglinte can bring to his stoush with Dela Fuente.
UKC REVOLUTION 2O23
Elorde Sports Complex Par
This has all the makings of a spectacular main event.
Ronnie "Jong Jong" Baldonado has been training like a demon in Manila, and is promising a torrid welcome for visiting Mindanao boxer - Sanman's Ben Mananquil.
Mananquil, who is reverently known as "The Nightmare" has looked great in two outings since the pandemic, with a 4th round stoppage win over Crison Omayao, before losing to unbeaten South African star Phumelele Cafu, who was rated #11 in the world. The Nightmare did some good work early in that match, but it's fair to say that he was stylistically unsuited to his fellow southpaw opponent, and he is likely to have the ideal dance partner in Baldonado.
But this kid Baldonado is excitement plus, a skilled boxer that really knows how to turn up the heat on opponents.
Jong Jong has got great hands, lots of firepower, and you just know he has a real talent for putting butts on the canvas.
Just think back to his clash with hot prospect Carl Jammes Martin, who had lots of issues with this firebrand, and met the floor in the early stages of their battle.
Ronnie Baldonado is back to his proper weight class for this main event clash, and if his blazing fists get their way, the Nightmare maybe heading the way of his heralded rival Ben Mananquil.
UKC REVOLUTION
Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
GREAT FIGHT.
Jonjon Estrada does fight week better than most.
He also does remorseless acts of violence pretty damn well too.
14 Knockouts in his 15 wins sends a frightening message as to how he likes to get the job done.
Blunt force trauma and maniacal bludgeoning !
This is the life of the Wolverine.
JonJon Estrada v Pablito Canada
6 rounds Featherweight 126lb
UKC REVOLUTION 2O23
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
The brand of warfare comes in many shapes, sizes and colours.
The Elorde team are greeting the new year in style, thanks to the fantastic support from Mr. Raoul Navarrete and the talented team at Be Athletic.
While modeling is their part time job, for these boys pictured, dispensing HURT is their full time pursuit in the ring.
From left:
Claudevan Sese, Malfred Majadas, Jason Buenaobra, Erson Trinidad, Donald Laurejas, Pedro Taduran, Mark John Yap and Jahzeel Trinidad.
Looking good boys !
UKC REVOLUTION 2O23
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
Claudevan Sese was a late inclusion for the upcoming REVOLUTION event at the expense of the injured Giovanni Escaner.
Sese already looks in demonic shape, and at 128lb, is only 6lb away from the super bantamweight limit of 122lb.
That's 6lb, and we are 6 days out. Easy work !
UKC REVOLUTION 2O23
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
Some guys have reason to be impatient - these Elorde boys say the hard work's already been done and they are ready to put on a show - NOW !
Well, hey, we still have a week to go !
Promising breathtaking performances at the REVOLUTION show in Parañaque are the pictured killers Ronnie Baldonado, Jetro Pabustan, Mark John Yap and Clarence Breboneria.
Patience is a virtue boys, bottle it for one more week !
UKC REVOLUTION 2O23
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
Manila's Pablito Canada had a career record that included a run of losses, but all against the big dogs, and they were bouts where he was responsible for some great performances.
So when he faced JonJon Estrada, he knew he was facing a dangerous yet flawed fighter, and it was a match that he was super confident of winning.
Estrada v Canada was a slugfest, and in spite of Pablito reversing his fortunes and putting the Wolverine in trouble, he ultimately fell for the trap of going toe to toe with a knockout artist.
Canada was quick to make amends, travelling to the backyard of hot Mindanao prospect Michael Casama, and stopping the unbeaten boxer in the 8th round.
Pablito Canada now turns his eyes to the Wolverine, and feels he has unfinished business with the man with two fists of iron.
This will be a mega fight.
Both boxers are predicting an early night for their opponent.
Pablito Canada v JonJon Estrada
6 rounds Featherweight 126lb
UKC REVOLUTION 2O23
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions/videos/1240692073325093/
JonJon Estrada meets Pablito Canada for the second time at UKC REVOLUTION 2O23 next Monday.
Their first fight was one of the most exciting of the year, with Canada dropped multiple times, and Estrada significantly wobbled. To make things even more interesting, Pablito Canada has rebounded since with an outstanding knockout win over the previously unbeaten Michael Casama. Canada has chased Estrada to avenge their initial meeting, and is confident of reversing the result.
The Wolverine has achieved cult like status because of his stalking predatory style, and his remorseless bludgeoning of opponents. His record of 14 knockouts in 15 wins bellows a cautionary tale.
So JonJon, any words to your opponent before your upcoming match ?
"Yes. Wear a crash helmet !"
Nice advice Mr. Estrada.
UKC REVOLUTION 2023
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions/videos/5770077586363099
Indonesian champion Defry Palulu (25-2) takes on the Philippines' champion Charly Suarez (13-0) at The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam on Saturday December 10th.
This is ONE versus ONE where the thudding style of the Indonesian southpaw will be looking to disrupt the plans of the livewire Suarez.
This is already shaping as a phenomenal card, where the main event sees the Vietnam lightweight champ Dinh Hong Quan (9-1) will defend his IBF Asia title against top class pinoy Arnel Baconaje (15-5) in what is as close to a 50/50 match as you will ever likely see !
Many great bouts at the BATTLEFIELD, and there were also some stand out performances by boxers that were on the wrong side of the judges scorecards. Eduardo Mancito resumed from a break, and looked in outstanding shape for his match with hot Lightweight prospect Jerald Into.
Mancito had some significant issues with the height and range of Into, and started to solve these to a degree late in the match. The Nightmare did some good work in this encounter, and will no doubt be vastly improved by meeting a shorter opponent and back in his usual weight class for his next assignment.
Charly Suarez and Carlo Magali go at it for WBA Asia and RP national title supremacy!
Suarez will return on December 10 in Vietnam to close out the year, taking on his first foreign challenger.
Indonesia’s best fighter and former WBC champion Defry Palulu has signed on to fight Charly Suarez in Vietnam next month.
Palulu was on a shortlist of a number of national champions to fight Suarez, but interestingly, was the only one to call the King's Warrior out.
The Indonesian champ bears the ring name "The Unseen Hammer", which bears testament to his deceptive southpaw style and thudding hands. Palulu was robbed of his WBC title when his country closed for the pandemic, and he was unable to defend his belt. He has since resumed with four straight wins, and boasts the excellent record of 25 and only 2 losses, the most recent being a contentious split decision many years ago.
The Unseen Hammer has also had success in the hurt department, having knocked out 15 of his opponents !
The match between Charly Suarez and Defry Palulu will take place at The Grand Ho Tram on December 10, and is Suarez's first foreign assignment in the pro ranks.
The Indonesian champion represents a mouth watering match up for his initial foray, as Palulu has been very dismissive of the amateur style and lack of firepower that he perceives from Suarez. He also recognizes the skills in the unbeaten pinoy, but believes that he will cut the ring on Suarez far better than previous opponents. Further, he has stated that Suarez does not punch hard enough to worry the top 10, and he will not only damage his world ambitions, he will do damage to the Philippines freak talent.
Contract signed, done deal, December 10 !
https://thethao.vn/vo-thuat/boxing/nguyen-van-hai-chuan-bi-dau-vo-si-indonesia-bat-bai-tt59326.html?fbclid=IwAR0GX0CHB_aJLNjvf98kGrKaoLvqecAkZ_KRBSM-3iQZ0GUhbiAnxZB48Mw
DINH HONG QUAN v ARNEL BACONAJE
IBF Asia Lightweight title
LIVE FROM THE GRAND HO TRAM VIETNAM
Saturday December 10
Congrats to Victory8 fighter Linn Sandström, who was successful in her WBA assault in York Hall London just moments ago. The Swedish boxer first appeared as a novice performer in Vietnam at Victory8 in 2018, where she challenged national champion Nguyễn Thi Tam at Nguyễn Du Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City.
Sandstrom has since forged a pro career and showed continued improvement, winning in Australia, the Philippines, Costa Rica and tonight's bout in England. Her WBA win over Croatian Sara Marjanovic was Linn Sandström's 7th in the paid ranks, and she's just getting started !
GO SANDSTORM!
Vietnam's Lightweight champion Dinh Hong Quan will face Philippines Arnel Baconaje at the Grand Ho Tram Strip for the IBF title on December 10. This will be as significant a main event as the country has ever seen, where incumbent champion Dinh Hong Quan (9-1) faces his sternest test to date against the skilful pinoy boxer.
The Vietnam rising star has the size advantage, yet Baconaje has bowled over some of the Philippines' biggest and best scoring, 11 knockouts in his 15 wins to date.This is a massive main event with both fighters having the genuine attributes to claim the IBF prize.
Dinh Hong Quan will join the Manny Pacquiao training camp in preparation for his December assignment, whilst Baconaje is currently in Japan working with pound for pound star Naoya Inoue. The match between Dinh Hong Quan and Arnel Baconaje will take place at The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam on Saturday December 10th.
Fight card and ticket information coming soon!
Have to love the ring name! Defry Palulu is Indonesia’s best fighter and is IBF approved.
He has a 25 win and 2 loss record and was a WBC regional champion before the pandemic robbed him of that title. So he's not happy!
Congratulations to the Philippines fighters that will be competing at the Grand Ho Tram in Vietnam on Saturday December 10. Arnel Baconaje and Charly will contest IBF titles in two of the main event matches.
Baconaje will take on incumbent lightweight champion Dinh Hong Quan, a Vietnam fighter that has recent history with pinoys Delmar Pellio and Jules Victoriano. Charly Suarez is expected to have a confirmed opponent soon.
Indonesia’s best fighter has given his take on the recent deeds of Charly Suarez, and also his prospects of matching up with the King's Warrior in the near future: "I am aware that I am on a shortlist of fighters for the IBF title in December with Suarez, but if he is serious about being world champ, then pick me - as I am his ticket !
From what I hear, nobody wants any part of Suarez - the Aussie, the Japan, and even I'm hearing American!And from what I see, I am the ONLY guy to call this amateur out, to expose him in the pro ranks.
But I will make a prediction, that based on what I have seen recently of Charly Suarez, not only will I damage his hopes of a world title, I will do some serious damage to his body also. The guy has zero power, so I don't see how he will compete with a top ten fighter "
Defry Palulu is a former WBC belt holder with a record of 25 and 2. He has encountered only one loss in the last 9 years, a controversial split decision defeat that he later avenged. Charly Suarez will contest the IBF Asia title at The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam on Saturday December 10th.
Big thrill to see "the Ferocious" Carlo Magali back in the ring at Sunday’s BATTLEFIELD. Carlo is one of the most rugged fighters in Philippines boxing, and he turned out in career best shape for his stoush with Charly Suarez in the main event.
Magali started very strongly and in fact edged Suarez in round 3, but it became obvious that the King's Warrior was not going to risk trading with the battle hardened warrior.The match up turned out to be stylistically wrong for Magali, but he certainly showed the physical menace that would really hurt a less lateral opponent than Suarez. We really look forward to The Ferocious appearing again soon, and watching him bust up whatever is in front of him!
*story courtesy Daily Tribune
Utilizing his all-around skills, Rio Olympics veteran Charly Suarez kept his unbeaten record intact with a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision win over rugged Carlo Magali over the weekend in Sucat, Parañaque. Suarez was defending the World Boxing Association super-featherweight title and likewise vying for the Philippine crown and easily got the job done by earning scores of 119-109 (twice) and 118-110 on the judges’ scorecards.
The crowd at the Flash Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Center rallied behind Magali but Suarez had no trouble keeping his foe at bay with shots fired from long range. The victory raised Suarez’s record to 13-0 with seven knockouts and the Magali conquest put him on line for a quick return to the ring on 10 December in Vietnam.
“We are fast-tracking his climb to the world ratings,” Suarez’s chief trainer and longtime national team pal Delfin Boholst. Charly’s ripe (for a title shot) because of his age and his wealth of experience (fighting in the amateur ranks),” Boholst added. Though already 34, Suarez has fought extensively and once faced Vasyl Lomachenko, now regarded as one of the world’s finest fighters.
Hot on the heels of Charly Suarez's clinical WBA and National title win yesterday, the champion's focus now moves to his next assignment. The King's Warrior has been approached to fight in Vietnam in December, and the Philippines' most "ducked" fighter is looking to take his first international scalp on foreign soil.
It seems at this stage, the US, Australia and Japan have stamped Suarez papers as "too dangerous", and given his amateur and pro record, this is hardly surprising! So the search is on for top quality guns that are ready to be lit up by Suarez.
One name that interestingly resurfaced recently was that of a fighter who apparently still holds an opinion on the Philippines star. Charly Suarez was recently made subject of a “call out” by Indonesia’s #1 fighter Defry Palulu, a hard hitter with a 25 and 2 record.
Palulu is classed as one of his country’s best since the mighty Chris John, and the heavy handed southpaw was meant to defend his WBC regional belt against Suarez back in 2020, a match that was cancelled due to the pandemic. At the time Palulu was confident of dismantling the fledgling pro Suarez, and to this day, he still remains optimistic about the task:
Charly Suarez has done very well in his career so far, but I feel I am now a stronger fighter than i was back in 2020, and I just know he hasn’t yet fought someone of my ability. I am hearing that he is the best in Asia at 130, some say even in the world, but I know that I have the power to hurt him and slow his fast hands. "I have been in with many "amateur style" boxers before, and it always ends the same way for them!” warned the man aptly tagged “the Unseen Hammer” !!
Defry Palulu is unbeaten in three fights since returning from the pandemic, and has experienced only one loss in the last 9 years - a split decision loss that he later avenged. VSP Promotions will look into this guy - if the quotes are real, and he's ready to walk the walk, this could be interesting!
Champion Philippines boxer Mark John Yap and Team Raka trainer Ephraim Montoru meet after the historic bout between PNG and Philippines.
What was the topic they discussed? " Mark, which one in your opinion is better?
The San Miguel or riding the Red Horse? "was Ephraim's opener !
Papua New Guinea's very popular Junior Kauko Raka enjoys a meal with other competing boxers after yesterday's huge BATTLEFIELD card in Parañaque Manila.
Raka put on a stoic display in a cracking undercard fight with Philippines champion Mark John Yap.
Junior Raka pressured Yap throughout, winning the admiration of the crowd.
This was the first match for the PNG PRODIGY in almost two years, so expect to see a vastly improved fighter in future bouts.
And our advice is that anyone that is thinking of facing Raka ,?
WATCH OUT ! You are in for one hell of a fight!
PNG PRODIGY IS ON THE MARCH !
Despite a slow start, RoyRoy Sumugat wore down a very good looking Ivor Lastrilla.
Lastrilla appeared to outbox Sumugat in the opening sequence, and he looked to be in career best form. He definitely created problems for RoyRoy, and there are wins in store for this smart boxer without doubt. But it was Sumugat to the fore in latter rounds, with his accuracy and nice combination punching earning him the stoppage.
After the gunshots have fallen silent, and the smoke has cleared !
Huge performances tonight from Mark John Yap and Junior Kauko Raka.
Yap showed all his boxing skills and put an exclamation mark on why he has been a multiple title holder. This "Journeyman" has a lot left in the tank, and he looks invigorated at 130lb.
Raka was a junkyard dog, constantly pressing the champion Yap onto the back foot. Junior Raka showed understandable signs of ring rust, but it was a wholehearted display that won the plaudits of Philippines fans, and was sure to make PNG proud.
Make no mistake, Raka will derive huge benefit from tonight's performance and he will be a menace to top fighters in the division.
Top quality bout. Bravo !
Eddie Alcoba jr Wins by KO
Romeo Tenorio Wins by UD
"The Ferocious" Carlo Magali looking absolutely shredded at the BATTLEFIELD weigh in just moments ago.
National champion Magali takes on the unbeaten freak talent King's Warrior Charly Suarez in a bout which will decide both RP and WBA Asia titles.
Both fighters weighed in within the Super Featherweight limit at 129 pounds.
Action takes place tomorrow at the Elorde Sports Centre in Parañaque.
The Philippines’ Charly Suarez will headline a huge card in Manila this Sunday, when he defends his regional WBA belt agsinst national champion Carlo Magali.
Suarez is without peer in Philippines boxing right now, and arguably sits with Naoya Inoue as the most technically gifted fighter in all of Asia,
The Davao native sits unbeaten at 12 and 0, and such has been his dominance against quality local opposition, he has scored 7 knockouts so far in his pro career.
Carlo Magali will be another solid test for Suarez. A winner of 25 fights, Magali has a very awkward and resilient style that has upset more heavily favoured opponents. Blessed with a great chin and thudding power, the man that has earned the ring name “The Ferocious” is regarded as a killer in his homeland, and in the literal sense.
National champion Magali had an historic battle with Australia’s top 130 Davey Browne a few years back, and such was the bludgeoning that Magali delivered, the unbeaten Aussie lost his life as a result of his injuries.
Carlo Magali comes into Sunday’s match in career best condition, as reported by his camp, so it will be interesting to see if he can subdue the freakish Suarez in any way.
Charly Suarez will be looking to put on another electric display in Sunday’s WBA title defense, and is eyeing off bigger bouts in future. News just broken is that he will head to HO Tram Vietnam on December 10 and look to win the IBF belt, against a soon to be named opponent. The unbeaten boxer will be focussed on world top 10 fights in 2023, and with wins over world champs Oscar Valdez and Joe Cordina in the amateurs, he has every reason to have claims to the throne now that Shakur Stevenson has departed.
“I will fight anyone, anywhere !” beamed the ever smiling Suarez.
BATTLEFIELD: SUAREZ V MAGALI
How to watch:
VSP Promotions Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VSPPromotions
What time?
US East Coast 6am
US West Coast 3am
UK 11am
Vietnam 5pm
Philippines 6pm
Australia and PNG 9pm
Papua New Guinea's boxing star Junior Kauko Raka touched down in Manila late last night, but the Prodigy Team are already in the Elorde Gym early this morning.
Junior Kauko Raka went through a light workout, ably assisted by trainers Nelson John and Ephraim Montoru.
Despite the fact that the harder preparation has already been done, Raka will work in the gym this week to ensure he is on track for Saturdays weigh in.
Raka will compete in the 59kg Super Featherweight class (130lb) against Philippines international star Mark John Yap.
Papua New Guinea's Junior Kauko Raka ready and waiting to embark on his Philippines adventure at Port Moresby Airport. Raka will take on one of the Philippines greatest - Mark John "The Journeyman" Yap in what is guaranteed to be no place for the faint hearted.
Yap is the winner of 30 bouts, and tore some of Japan's best fighters to shreds in accumulating three OPBF championship belts. In contrast, Junior Kauko Raka has 2 pro wins, yet has as many as 7 knockout wins in "unofficial" contests.
This potential match up is already shaping as a red hot bonfire NOBODY IN THE PHILIPPINES WANTED TO FIGHT MARK JOHN YAP!
But Junior Raka jumped at the chance to fight him "GIVE YAP TO ME!" Great stuff! So excited to see these two greats!
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila, Sunday October 23rd
BE THERE, OR WATCH IT LIVE !
The great man Martin Beni put Papua New Guinea's boxing on the map back in the 1970's when he was successful against many of Australia's best fighters. Beni went on to beat an Australian and Commonwealth Lightweight champion, and at his peak, was rated in the top 30 fighters in the world at that weight.
On Sunday October 23rd, Junior Kauko Raka continues the PNG proud tradition of love of sports and boxing, when he takes on a formidable task in the shape of Mark John Yap. The Journeyman is one of the Philippines best, with 30 professional wins and 3 OPBF titles on his resume.
Says Raka on the topic of national hero Martin Beni:
"Martin lived his life around the boxing ring and while it was shocking and sad to see him pass in front of us; he was someone that remained true to the sport all the way to his last day.
When I joined boxing, I would always hear stories of Martin Beni and how he fought some of the best fighters in Australia and I’m so honoured to have met and worked alongside him.
I grew as a boxer with Martin ever since I started as an amateur in 2009.
There was a lot of struggle with boxing when I joined but despite all the politics and issues with who was in charge of the sport, he always remained true to the sport.
Before I turned professional, he would come around for some of my fights and talk to me and give me advice on what I was doing wrong.
One thing that I would always remember him by was his belief in me.
I made him a promise that I would win an internationally recognised title. I came close to fulfilling that promise but it wasn’t to be. I will keep pursuing that promise with the time I have left in my career."
Junior Kauko Raka v Mark John Yap
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday October 23rd
RoyRoy Sumugat v Ivor Lastrilla
8 rounds Super Featherweight 130lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday October 23rd
Be there or watch it here live !
Great to see Papua New Guinea embracing boxing and recognising the achievements of athletes like Junior Kauko Raka.
Big thanks to the Pang family and Northern Property Valuers for assisting the PNG PRODIGY Junior Raka on his journey to the Philippines, and his big fight with Pinoy star Mark John Yap.
Manila Lightweight DEADLY Daffy Dempo is back in action next Sunday with a highly anticipated bout with fellow Manila boxer Jonniel Laurente.
This will be the first match for the popular boxer since 2019, when Dempo comprehensively outscored Danny Manosa. Prior to that, DEADLY was involved in a drawn bout with the wild man Jino Rodrigo, who also appears on this card.
Daffy Dempo v Jonniel Laurente
8 rounds Lightweight 132lb
BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday October 23rd
