Grand Ballroom Elorde Sports Center
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January 30, 2023
UKC REVOLUTION 2023
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
Top class international campaigner Mark John Yap has arrived in Manila, and his first stop, after Jollibee, was to meet up with old friends at Elorde Gym in Parañaque.
Yap was joined by sharpshooters Ronnie Baldonado and Jetro Pabustan in a gym session yesterday afternoon.
The three bisaya talking bad boys will be starring at UKC REVOLUTION 2023 at the end if this month.
UKC REVOLUTION 2023
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
CHARLY SUAREZ FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT
Watch this space - big news breaking later today.
This is HUGE !!!!!!!
Exciting news is that of the very late inclusion of super bantam prospect Claudevan Sese.
The fighter dubbed Mr. Heart Throb was called in to replace the classy Giovanni Escaner, who unfortunately withdrew with injury.
Despite the very short time to prepare, Claudevan was quick to seize the opportunity, and will face Batangas pug Rodel Sunquit.
Sese was one of a team of five Philippines fighters that made waves in Vietnam in late 2019 before the pandemic struck. That squad included Charly Suarez, Jenel Lausa, Virgel Vitor and Gretel De Paz, and Claudevan Sese was responsible for putting on one of the most exciting performances of the night. This promotional footage was taken just days prior to his Vietnam bout.
The closest thing Manila has to a modern day super hero is right now on a blood lust, and he is counting the days for his ring return at UKC REVOLUTION 2023 at the end of this month.
The Wolverine is back, and is already in what appears to be menacing shape, all set to face a previous and very determined foe - Pablito Canada.
Canada pulled off an outstanding knockout performance last start against the unbeaten Michael Casama, and is confident about repeating the dose with JonJon Estrada. The tall and rangy fighter considered himself unlucky when he previously tackled the Wolverine, and has been desperate to make amends ever since.
JonJon Estrada remains unimpressed by the rejuvenated Pablito Canada.
"I have trained hard to make it a great fight, and I will be doing my very best to win."
It could be argued that Canada was the victim of the wrong game plan when these two featherweights met previously.
In what was likely the "fight of the year", Pablito Canada decided to go toe to toe rather than box with the shorter Estrada. This proved to be his undoing, despite the fact that he undoubtedly has power, as he emphasized with the Casama stoppage.
So are we likely to see another trench warfare between Estrada and Canada ?
"I will come forward because that is my style. I love to bang, and if Pablito wants to also, it's perfect with me !
I promise to make the match exciting for the fans, and I love to make the big knockouts. Everyone will see the Wolverine in the ring very soon. I'm ready to hunt and kill!" offered the quietly spoken, but brooding JonJon Estrada.
Hard to imagine this one going the distance - Pablito Canada and JonJon Estrada are both predicting KNOCKOUT.
Don't miss this one, its possibly the bout of the day.
UKC REVOLUTION 2023
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
Was it ever in doubt ?
YAP IS BACK !
Mark John Yap makes his eagerly awaited ring return at UKC REVOLUTION 2023 against former Manny Pacquiao sparring partner Leonardo Doronio.
Yap has the reputation as one of the Philippines' best internationally performed boxers of recent years, thus earning him The Journey Man tag, and he will be looking to embark his 2023 trip with a great performance at home.
The former bantamweight star has only recently made the super featherweight division his new home, yet will challenge Doronio at Lightweight, such is the difficulty in getting the Mindanao product decent competition in a season opener.
Mark John Yap produced a classy performance against Charly Suarez for the WBA Asia title, and endorsed that effort with an impressive win over Papua New Guinea's best Junior Kauko Raka.
Yap then ventured to Vietnam to compete at Fortunes of War, and looked good in a fast paced short format exhibition event.
Leonardo Doronio is a very experienced boxer, who will hold the advantage of being the slightly larger man. He posted good wins over Bryan Macamay and Jimmy Borbon, before a points loss to outstanding pinoy Arnel Baconaje. He will prove to be a great measure of where Mark John Yap is early in his 2023 adventure.
But the word is out - Yap is back !
January 30th marks the start of a new journey.
UKC REVOLUTION 2023
Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
UKC REVOLUTION 2023 FULL FIGHT CARD
The last time JonJon Estrada met Pablito Canada, the short and violent exchange laid claims to being the most exciting fight of the year.
The Wolverine was at his bombastic best, dropping the rugged Canada three times in the opening round. Pablito did an amazing job to survive to the bell !
Round two started in similar fashion, with a beserk Wolverine trying to put his taller opponent to the sword. But then the tide turned.
Pablito Canada landed a killer shot wobbling Estrada, and in the blink of the eye, he had the aggressor wearing wobbly boots. Canada looked like stealing a victory from the jaws of defeat.
But then !
Estrada lands a supernatural body shot out of desperation, putting Canada down, and ending the seesawing exchange.
Canada was philosophical after the match, knowing how close he was to victory, and expressed his wish to do it all over one more time. He was sure if he had changed his tactics, the result could have been very different.
Pablito Canada recently ventured to Mindanao to take on the outstanding and unbeaten 8 and 0 Michael Casama. Redemption ? You bet !
The vengeful Canada knocked out his opponent in the 6th round, and immediately turned his attention to Manila.
"I want JonJon Estrada!"
Well Pablito, you have got your wish !
Expect Estrada v Canada #2 to be an epic!
UKC REVOLUTION 2023
Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
Plenty of good young prospects will be on show at REVOLUTION this month, and if you are looking for great fight action, you need go no further than Laurejas v Gajana.
These two unbeaten Lightweights had impressive starts to their careers last year, and are looking to carry on the good work on January 30th.
Donald Laurejas was a quality amateur before going pro late last year, scoring two tradesman like wins.
This 20 year old orthodox boxer is tall, and at 5 feet 10, he is learning to apply his range more effectively. The Elorde product with the ring name "Tough Guy" showed good patience in his first two wins, and based on the quality of his training partners, it's likely that Laurejas will show big improvement in his upcoming clash.
Jonathan Gajana at only 19 years of age still has the training wheels on, but has a ton of ability.
The Manila based orthodox debuted with a very stop start win against Eric Tolosa, but returned to the ring in August looking a different fighter. It was a much more dominant display from the opening bell, chopping up debutant Iresh Alejandre in the first round. It was only a glimpse of the boy known as Tan-Tan, but wow, he did look good !
Plenty of debate on who takes this one, as both these Lightweights have so much upside, and it will really be interesting to see if Gajana can storm the defensive fortress of Laurejas.
UKC 2023 REVOLUTION
Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
Gotta love this match up !
This is the main event at UKC REVOLUTION.
Ronnie "Jong Jong" Baldonado is bringing those magical hands to Manila for a fire fight with Sanman's Ben Mananquil.
Mananquil aka 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.
And this kid Baldonado, well he just brings it !
He's got great hands, lots of firepower, and you just know he has the love of putting opponents on the canvas.
UKC REVOLUTION
Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
GREAT FIGHT.
Jetro "the Silent Operator" Pabustan is looking sharp and ready to start the new year with a "BANG BANG" this month in Manila.
Jetro, a former regional belt holder and WBO world title contender, is working overtime and looking towards bigger opportunities in 2023.
"I know I can be a champion again, and I would love to get the chance to fight for a world strap once more.
I truly believe I am a better and stronger boxer than I was before. In 2O23, if any good offer comes I will be ready!"
UKC REVOLUTION
Elorde Sports Centre Parañaque Manila
Monday January 30th
Cagayan de Oro and the hills of Bukidnon are fabled for producing some of the best fighters ever seen in the Philippines.
Mark John Yap has been an outstanding international performer in recent years, most particularly in the tough playgrounds of Japan where he won 8 on end and picked up three regional belts.
The CDO prodigy has been working hard over the new year (pictured here with another top boxer and CDO boy Joseph Ambo) in preparation for the UKC REVOLUTION event at the end of this month.
Yap put on an exemplary display to beat Papua New Guinea's best Junior Raka, before starring in an exhibition series in Vietnam in December. Lack of fight opportunities during COVID conspired against the Mindanao boxer, but it is rumoured that he is already in great shape for his first hit out for 2023.
And a word of advice for any upcoming opponents of Mark John Yap - this dog is a different breed, and the bite is way worse than the bark !
Yap Yap Snap Snap
UKC REVOLUTION
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Monday January 30th
Fighters are jumping from the rooftops to join the biggest and best fight show to launch the new year - UKC REVOLUTION in Parañaque on Monday January 30th.
The Elorde team already have a super strong line up that are planning on being there.
Check out these killers, from right to left:
Giovanni Escaner, Ronnie Baldonado, Ali Canega, Donald Laurejas,
Clarence, Breboneria, Jetro Pabustan, Baby Boy Almacen, Jason Buenaobra, Malfred Majadas, Roberto Gonzales
THAT'S A MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF TALENT RIGHT THERE !
Best of luck boys ! Happy New Year !
Full fight card coming soon.
The “Little Giant” Giovanni Escaner made his long awaited return in March of last year, matched up with the experienced veteran Albert Alcoy. The bout marked a ring absence of more than 2.5 years for the locally based star, but he never missed a beat, and won with a dominant round two stoppage. The win was his first since he defeated the outstanding Renoel Pael in a thriller back in 2019.
The win over Pael, a winner of 23 fights, highlighted the level that Escaner had to worked to in his professional career. It also put him back on the winners’ list, after a previous loss to top American Joshua Greer ended in a dramatic stoppage loss. That blip punctuated a 10 match winning streak for the “Little Giant”.
The fight between top US prospect Joshua Greer and Giovanni Escaner must surely have been one of the most dramatic in 2019. Greer appeared to be sailing towards a world title. With only one loss on his resume, to the unbeaten Stephen Fulton, Greer was expected to make a statement in the Escaner fight. But things didn’t go to plan for the high flying American. Escaner dropped Greer in the third round, and it really looked as if he was going to be finished off by the Little Giant. To his credit, Greer regained his senses, and in a to and fro round, managed to stop Escaner in round 8. The action was frenetic, and it seemed obvious that the Philippines fighter perhaps only got caught in his effort to drop the American for a second time. To illustrate the closeness of the bout, the judges had scores of 67-66 and 67-65 when the referee called a halt.
Giovanni Escaner has been sparring in Manila in preparation for his appearance at REVOLUTION on January30th, and if the rumours are correct, the Little Giant is back bigger, badder, and better than ever!!!”
UKC REVOLUTION
Sunday January 30th
Elorde Sports Complex Parañaque Manila
Full fight card coming soon.
The REVOLUTION has certainly gained momentum, with many of the Philippines' best looking to compete at the season opener.
Clarence Breboneria, Jetro Pabustan and Ronnie Baldonado are three of the confirmed starters, and based on today's picture, look well on track for fan pleasing performances later this month.
UKC REVOLUTION
Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila
Sunday January 30th
The REVOLUTION is officially in full swing, with news that ace bantamweight Ronnie Baldonado will be joining the card on January 30th.
The Mindanao boxer known as JongJong is one of the most exciting strikers in the Philippines, yet has been in relatve obscurity since 2019 due to inactivity.
It's almost ironic that he finally returned in 2022 to two losses, but the merit in the performances provides insight that 2023 will showcase the best version of Baldonado yet seen !
Ronnie Baldonado returned after a 3 year break, jumped weight classes, and took on one of the Philippines most promising fighters Carl Jammes Martin. It's fair to say that JongJong dominated the early stages of that match, even putting Wonder Boy on his butt, before tiring late in the contest. It was a fantastic comeback performance by Baldonado, and was followed up by a points loss in Japan to hot prospect Sho Ishida, a winner of 31 bouts.
2023 provides a fresh start for Baldonado, who at only 26, and having experienced a 3 years break from the sport, is an improving young fighter that is extremely compelling to watch.
So expect to see Ronnie Baldonado turn up on January 30th with all guns blazing !
More updates on the REVOLUTION fight card coming soon.
Jetro Pabustan is the latest to lend his consummate fight talents to the Revolution event in Manila this January 30.
The high level Mindanao southpaw is eyeing off international challenges this year, and is well qualified to do so. A winner of 31 bouts, the Silent Operator has the distinction of being a regional belt winner and also WBO world title contender. Pabustan had two foreign assignments last year, and performed admirably in both.
In August, he dropped a highly debated points decision in the States to the top level Tramaine Williams, in a match where he appeared to outwork and outland the American.
More recently, Pabustan competed in an exhibition bout in Vietnam against cult fugure Le Hoang Hiep, and in a really entertaining contest, he looked good in the unfamiliar four round format.
Jetro Pabustan was last seen in Manila winning against top prospect Brian Tamayo, and it will be great to see him kick off his 2O23 campaign on the classy Revolution card on January 30th.
REVOLUTION full fight card announcement coming soon.
January 30 locked in.
And so is one of the Philippines' most chaotic fighters of all time - the man who wrote the book
"DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES"
Yes it's THE WOLVERINE JonJon Estrada
Full fight card coming soon.
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
