Vietnam boxing's "go-to" man DJ Duy is making a comeback to the ring after a long lay off.

The 4 and 0 boxing personality has only got a short preparation time available for his December 17 return, and was fortunate to get some rounds in yesterday with visiting Philippines fighter Aljum Pelesio.

Pelesio is a top prospect based in Parañaque Manila, and has already amassed an 11-2 record against quality opposition.

The sparring took place at VSP Boxing gym in Ho Chi Minh City, where five other Philippines boxers are training for the Fortunes of War event in Ho Tram next Saturday.

Charly Suarez, Arnel Baconaje, JonJon Estrada, Mark John Yap and Jetro Pabustan will feature in bouts at the picturesque beachside venue The Grand Ho Tram on Saturday December 10.

The Philippines team for Fortunes of War arrived at 1am last night and are now sleeping it off !

It is expected that they will head to VSP Boxing Gym later today for a light workout.

Keep you posted with updates.

FORTUNES OF WAR - MEET OUR FIGHTERS

Mark John Yap v Phan Minh Quân  -   Fight 4

PHAN MINH QUAN  Debut

23 yrs old / Orthodox / The Riddler / 170cm / 59kg Super Featherweight

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam / Matrix Boxing HCMC

The Riddler is the most accomplished of three aspiring Vietnam boxers in the exhibition bouts.

That said, he faces the most daunting opponent – 3 times OPBF champion Mark John Yap,

Quan was a youth champion in HCMC, and has continued his boxing training with the hope of becoming a professional competitor later on. He has won at Inter Club level, and he definitely possesses the look of a boxer that can make it to the pros. He is also a good size for a super featherweight, and he still retains some nice amateur touches in his arsenal.

Phan Minh Quan has a real reputation of asking the hard questions of his opponents, and some, well they just seem near impossible to answer.

Hence – The Riddler !

MARK JOHN YAP  31 wins

33 yrs old / Orthodox / The Journey Man / 168cm / 59kg Super Featherweight

Cagayan de Oro, Philippines / VSP Elorde Manila

Mark John Yap is one of the Philippines premier boxers, and arguably one of their best internationally performed in recent times. In the five years prior to the pandemic, Yap literally tore some of Japan’s best fighters to shreds, and picked up three OPBF titles in the process. He has recorded 31 wins as a professional. Amazing considering the caliber of opposition that he has confronted during his incredible career.

This is a vastly experienced boxing star who most recently overcame Papua New Guinea champion Junior Raka in dominating fashion, and will be using this exhibition bout the keep his weapons sharp for a likely bout in Manila in January.

Don’t be surprised to see the Journey Man back in Vietnam in 2023 for a big fight.

Of course, he has to get past Phan Minh Quan first!

The Philippines team head to Vietnam tonight in advance of the mammoth boxing event in Ho Tram next Saturday.

The pinoy squad is very likely the best to ever leave Philippines' shores, and where two of the team's fighters will challenge for IBF titles in the main events.

Assembled tonight at Ninoy Aquino Airport are :

Delfin Boholst (trainer), Thony Suarez (trainer), Charly Suarez, Arnel Baconaje, JonJon Estrada  Pederito Laurente (trainer), Jetro Pabustan and Mark John Yap.

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino

Saturday December 10

Jetro Pabustan aka the Silent Operator is in killer mode and ready for the Fortunes of War.

Pabustan flies out with the Philippines team tonight, a hot squad that which includes Arnel Baconaje, JonJon Estrada, Charly Suarez and Mark John Yap.

Jetro Pabustan will battle Saigon psychopathic bad boy Le Hoang Hiep  aka Young Blood.

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino

Saturday December 10

The Hanoi Hitman Nguyễn Văn Hải will arrive in HCMC and train with the Philippines team prior to heading to the Fortunes of War in Ho Tram.

Hai will meet the unbeaten Indonesian Paisal Panjaitan in what will definitely be one of the highlight bouts of the night.

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino

Saturday December 10

MEET OUR FORTUNES OF WAR FIGHTERS !

FIGHT 2: Jetro Pabustan v Le Hoang Hiep

LE HOANG HIEP  Debut

22 yrs old / Orthodox / Young Blood / 162cm / 55kg Super Bantamweight

Nam Dinh, Vietnam / Matrix Boxing HCMC

Young Blood, Thug Life, Saigon Psycho, Street Vigga - Russian born Hiep goes by many names, but they all point to a central truth. This young Viet is equal parts crazy brave and crazy mad ! But he can fight too !

Competing with grown men in amateur tournaments when just a teen, Le Hoang Hiep showed loads of potential, but unfortunately the pandemic and the closure of all Vietnam gyms halted that potential growth. Temporarily at least !

VSP put out advertisements looking for young Viet prospects looking to gain experience against  visiting pros, and Hiep was one of the very first to respond. Despite being only a true 51kg Flyweight, Hiep begged for the Bantamweight clash with Philippines Jetro Pabustan.

“Get me that bitch Pabustan, he will be mine”!. And so the job was awarded to Hiep !

Prior to the pandemic, Le Hoang Hiep showed that he has the makings of a good pro.

He boasts plenty of speed and power, and he also showed good timing in high level amateur bouts that he contested. And the guy is super tough.!

If there was to be a query on Hiep in this bout, it would be to do with his jump of three weight classes and his ability to maintain workrate against the heavier Philippines boxer. Pabustan.is well known for his fitness, and as Hiep only commenced training recently, 4 rounds will seem an eternity against the bigger Jetro Pabustan.

JETRO PABUSTAN  31 wins

32 yrs old / Southpaw / Silent Operator / 168cm / 55kg Super Bantamweight

Malapatan, Sarangani, Philippines / VSP Elorde Manila

Jetro Pabustan is one of the most experienced fighters appearing at the Fortunes of War in Ho Tram. The clever southpaw is known as the Silent Operator, and when you watch him at work, it’s no surprise that this technician has racked up 31 wins in his career so far. With a professional resume dating back to 2008, Pabustan suffered only one defeat in his first 29 bouts, an amazing feat considering he was fighting everyone!

The Silent Operator hails from Malapatan , Sarangani, but has fought for most of his career based in Cagayan de Oro. A talented southpaw from the start, his style has always been steeped in good fundamentals – touch jabs, deft counters, and point scoring against opponents that get a bit ragged. This template saw him get to a WBO world bantamweight title in 2016, one that he unfortunately lost to the legendary Thai Panya Uthok by technical decision. Ironically, this title was later avenged by another quality pinoy named Marlon Tapales. The very next year, Jetro Pabustan ventured to Japan to claim the WBO Asia Pacific title, accounting for the highly rated Tatsuya Takahashi. When it appeared that his career was in another upswing, the talented CDO fighter seemingly vanished from the landscape, fighting only three times in the next 3 years.

The Silent Operator resumed in May to beat the outstanding and dangerous Bryan Tamayo in Manila. He followed that effort with a last moment trip to the United States to take on the world top 20 fighter Tramaine Williams. Whilst being on the receiving end of  a narrow loss, many that watched this fight were convinced that Pabustan had done enough to get his hand raised.

Jetro Pabustan will look to erase that disappointment and make an emphatic statement here in Vietnam.

MEET OUR FORTUNES OF WAR FIGHTERS !

FIGHT 1 Thai Hoang Huy v JonJon Estrada  

THAI HOANG HUY  Debut

26 yrs old / Orthodox / Nak Su / 170cm / 57kg Featherweight

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam / Maxkado Gym HCMC

When talking about the fabled Vietnamese Tiger fighting spirit, they surely must have based the narrative around Thai Hoang Huy !

This former HCMC Muay Thai champion fell in love with boxing only in recent times, and will make his debut against an absolute killer named JonJon Estrada - a man who has created absolute carnage in just about every fight he contests.

Estrada has scored 15 wins as a professional and owns THE BEST knockout stats in the featherweight division - 14 of his victims have been put to sleep !

And Thai Hoang Huy has NEVER even competed in a boxing match !

His ring name is Nak Su, which naturally enough,means WARRIOR. .

So what are the upsides for this apparently “out of his depth” upstart Nak Su ?

Huy is big and strong, and has a hardened body and resolve from his years of Muay Thai. He is also very agile and athletic, and he likely holds a speed advantage over the Philippines’ Estrada.

Thai Hoang Huy is very aware of his assignment.against Estrada, and has studied the aggressive crouching style of his opponent, and the angles at which he leverages his biggest and most hurtful punches. He is confident that he has the game plan to subdue the destructive Wolverine., and he is looking forward to the challenge.

Huy is clearly the least experienced of these Vietnam debutants, and he has the most dangerous task, but if he can avoid knockout, then he certainly has the athletic prowess to have good moments in this match. It will clearly create huge interest to see how a Muay Thai champion fares with an absolute knockout artist in the boxing arena.

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JONJON ESTRADA  15 wins

33 yrs old / Orthodox / Wolverine / 165cm / 57kg Featherweight

San Andres, Quezon, Philippines / VSP Elorde Gym Manila

JonJon Estrada is surely the Philippines’ most popular and iconic fighter!

The Wolverine JonJon Estrada is unleashed again this December, taking his superhero persona and hammer like fists to The Grand Ho Tram.

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 14 knockouts from his 15 wins paints a stark picture, as does his ominous bludgeoning of those that go toe to toe. The Wolverine had a blistering 2021, winning his last three bouts with stoppages that would get most men arrested ! And he carried that menace into 2022. And now it is Vietnam's turn !

Australian trainer Tony Del Vecchio 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!"

The Wolverine is as complicated as he is simple. To defeat him, you need to avoid being knocked out. Sounds simple enough !

Charly Suarez will be heading to Vietnam this Friday for his first international test since turning professional. The King's Warrior will be going up against Indonesia’s best fighter Defry Palulu  - a boxer with a 25-2 record and a former WBC regional belt holder.

Palulu has been in great form since boxing resumed, winning four bouts since a pandemic enforced break. His team is confident that this awkward southpaw has recaptured his best and will be the first fighter to drop the Philippines champion Suarez.

Did we say SOUTHPAW  ?   Ugggh !

Never ones to falter on the side of preparation, Team Suarez have been working in sparring with many of the Philippines best southpaws.

And on that subject, they don't come much better than RoyRoy D'HAMMER Sumugat, who did some excellent preparation work with Charly Suarez last week.

Good luck champs !

CHARLY SUAREZ v DEFRY PALULU

12 rounds  IBF Asia Super Featherweight title

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino Vietnam

Saturday December 10

Indonesia’s #1 Defry Palulu is in career best shape, and has been working on angles and power shots to halt the meteoric rise of Philippines #1 Charly Suarez.

It is widely acknowledged that getting a points decision against Suarez is not possible, and the Palulu team are planning to take the result out of the judges hands.

"The Unseen Hammer" has reportedly been engaged in grueling sessions in preparation for Suarez, and while Palulu team are predicting a knockout, they will be fully prepared to go 12 punishing rounds if required.

The video shows Defry Palulu at the end of 8 rounds on pads without rest ( 24 minutes continuously)  You will also note, that even fatigued, his southpaw punch angles are awkward, and his power relentless.

Defry Palulu (Indonesia) v Charly Suarez (Phil)

12 rounds  IBF Asia Super Featherweight title

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino

Saturday December 10

Jules Victoriano turns the lights out on Sachin Dekwal !

Elorde's Jules Victoriano scored a stunning stoppage win in Colombo last night, icing champion Sachin Dekwal and taking his WBC Asia Continentsl belt into the bargain.

The southpaw Dekwal had boxed beautifully in the first 6 rounds, showing great hand speed and adept back foot counters.

But Victoriano pushed the action in round 7, connecting  with Sachin Dekwal as he was backed against the ropes. After being dropped with a hook, the champion regained his feet, but it was only momentarily, as "Victorious" ruthlessly finished off his victim.

This was a great win by Victoriano, and a perfect statement made after suffering the narrowest of defeats to Vietnam's Dinh Hong Quan for an IBF title recently.

Arnel "the Silencer" Baconaje will be looking to avenge that defeat on December 10.

THINGS ARE STARTING TO HEAT UP !

Dinh Hong Quân (Viet) v Arnel Baconaje (Phil)

12 rounds  IBF Asia Lightweight championship

The main event bout

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino Vietnam

Saturday December 10

Saigon street cred meets the boxing ring !

Le Hoang Hiep  aka thug life aka young blood returns to boxing FINALLY after a pandemic enforced holiday.

This kid was only a teenager beating up on grown men before Vietnam closed down in 2020, and when he heard Jetro Pabustan was coming in December, he begged for the assignment.

"But Hiep, Pabustan is an internationally performed and dangerous professional. He's won 31 fights, won regional titles, and even fought in a WBO World Championship. And to make things worse, he's two or three weight classes up above you !"

Young Blood responded :

"I don't care who it is.

Tell that mtfk I just wanna punch on ! Young Blood will fight anyone if the dollars are there!"

Enough said !

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino Vietnam

Saturday December 10

And this boy plays hard !

Nguyễn Văn Hải returns to the ring at Fortunes of War to take on the unbeaten Indonesian "Geronimo" Paisal Panjaitan.

Hải resumed from a long break from the sport in Manila last August, and was outpointed by exciting prospect Jerald Into.

It was a creditable performance, yet short of the Hanoi hard man's best work, and you can be asdured we will see a vastly improved fighter next month in Ho Tram.

"My fight in Manila was fun, but it taught me important lessons. Indonesia’s man is a very good young boxer, so this time, I must play it very hard to try for victory. Very excited!"  commented the Hanoi Hitman.

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino Vietnam

Saturday December 10

Dinh Hong Quan (left) trains with legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao (centre) – Photo: NVCC

Share with Youth Online About his experience in scrims with superstar Manny Pacquiao, boxer Dinh Hong Quan said: “I am lucky to have met Pacquiao. He is a model of hard work to succeed in boxing, as well as an example of rising up in boxing. life.

Professionally, being trained with an expert boxer helps me to learn, practice and improve my abilities to prepare well for the upcoming matches. I won’t let people down.”

When asked about the secret he learned from the Filipino boxing legend, Hong Quan said that Pacquiao advised him a lot. In particular, the most memorable is the practice motto “fight hard, complete the exercises and always have faith”.

On December 10, Dinh Hong Quan will defend the IBF Asian lightweight championship, within the framework of the IBF WBO Title Matches “Fortunes of War” event.

Quan’s opponent will be Arnel Baconaje, a Filipino, born in 1988 and has a record of 15 victories, including 11 knockouts after 20 fights. Currently, Arnel also has a thorough preparation when training with the famous fighter “Japanese monster” Naoya Inoue.

(from article: Vietnam Posts)

Some of Asia's best fighters come together for an end of year celebration like mo other.  

Watch the action live from Vietnam  !

THE GRAND HO TRAM RESORT AND CASINO

Saturday December 10

Maybe the best young prospect in Korean boxing, but definitely the proud owner of a killer ring name, Chan-Ho Song, popularly known as Purge Boy, is Vietnam bound !

Currently training in Gen San, Purge Boy has been mixing with the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Vietnam champion Dinh Hong Quân and yes, even Pablito Canada !

Chan-Ho Song will head to the Fortunes of War event to defend his WBO Oriental Youth super lightweight title against the hard punching Thai Anuson "BoomBoom" Thonglueang.

Song is unbeaten in 8 bouts, whilst his opponent has been an absolute revelation, destroying 12 fighters in a row after losing his debut. The ring name BoomBoom says it all, and this Thai has knocked out 9 of his victims.

This will be a cracking youth title, and with Thonglueang at 18 years, and Song at 19, the sky is the limit for these two young firebrands.

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino

Saturday December 10

The Fortunes of War will introduce some of Asia's best fighters to Vietnam,  and be advised, Indonesia are sending their "A" TEAM !

Paisal Panjaitan, coach and manager Armin Tan,and Defry Palulu formed an intimidating triumvirate pictured after yesterday's training.

And the team are pumped for bold showings at The Grand Ho Tram.

Paisal Panjaitan has been boxing less than 5 years, yet has already chalked up three impressive wins in his short time in boxing. "Geronimo" is in stark contrast to his Vietnam opponent Nguyễn Văn Hải, a legendary fighter who is adept in multiple

fight forms, and has dedicated most of his life to martial arts.

Defry Palulu is likely the best performed Indonesian boxer since the legendary Chris John, and he has amassed 25 wins and a WBA Asia title in his superb career. The southpaw with the ominous ring name of "the Unseen Hammer" will tackle Philippines quicksilver Charly Suarez in the main undercard of the night.

Vietnam staged events such as Fortunes of War offer the fans a great opportunity to see the best fighting the best, but also give everyone a glimpse of the different styles and faces that international boxers bring, and VSP extends a warm welcome to the talented and hard working Indonesian team.

Thank you for your support Indonesia, you add much needed dimension and colour to our event, and we wish you truly great performances.

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino

Saturday December 10

Five Philippines stars are heading to Vietnam for the iconic Fortunes of War event at The Grand Ho Tram, and these boys aren't skipping ABS DAY !

Victory8 world team member Claudevan Sese and boxer Joseph Omana joined Jetro Pabustan and Mark John Yap at today's workout, and these two are planning  on putting on something special in Vietnam next month.

Pabustan will tackle the former Russian gang member Le Hoang Hiep, whilst the Journey Man Mark John Yap has an all action match up with Phan Minh Quân, an excellent local prospect that had won the Ho Chi Minh City youth title before the pandemic.

Pabustan and Yap will be accompanied by JonJon Estrada, Arnel Baconaje and Charly Suarez making this team  the strongest Philippines representation to ever descend upon foreign shores.

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino

Saturday December 10

THE BIGGEST FIGHT IN VIETNAM THIS YEAR !

This is the main event !

Vietnam champion Dinh Hong Quân goes toe to toe with the very lethal puncher from the Philippines  - Arnel Baconaje.

Charly Suarez has been nothing short of outstanding since turning pro. But if there has been any doubts regarding his ascent to a world title, it's been that he perhaps lacks the killer instinct or power required at the highest level.

But rumors abound that the King’s Warrior never had any intention of hurting his countrymen, and that he was just happy to get valuable rounds in before heading abroad. And the word is, no such luxury will be afforded to any foreign opponents that stand in his way of a world title.

Believe it, or don't !

But if this line of thinking is correct, then one thing is sure, Indonesia’s best best boxer Defry Palulu is in deep trouble  !

Here is Charly Suarez facing  Domenico Valentino, not long after the Italian won the world amateur Lightweight title. You be the judge.

Philippines have a strong representation in Vietnam on December 10, and Jetro Pabustan will take on the feisty Le Hoang Hiep in what is destined to be a crazy action packed fight at the beachside resort of The Grand HoTram. The Vietnam boxer has a reputation as being unhinged, and in spite of jumping two weight classes, is confident that he can handle the much bigger pinoy boxer.

But for the well traveled Pabustan,  he's seen and heard it all before !

Jetro Pabustan is one of the most experienced fighters appearing at the Fortunes of War in Ho Tram. The clever southpaw is known as the Silent Operator, and when you watch him at work, it’s no surprise that this technician has racked up 31 wins in his career so far. With a professional resume dating back to 2008, Pabustan suffered only one defeat in his first 29 bouts, an amazing feat considering he was fighting everyone!

The Silent Operator hails from Malapatan , Sarangani, but has fought for most of his career based in Cagayan de Oro. A talented southpaw from the start, his style has always been steeped in good fundamentals – touch jabs, deft counters, and point scoring against opponents that get a bit ragged. This template saw him get to a WBO world bantamweight title in 2016, one that he unfortunately lost to the legendary Thai Panya Uthok by technical decision. Ironically, this title was later avenged by another quality pinoy named Marlon Tapales. The very next year, Jetro Pabustan ventured to Japan to claim the WBO Asia Pacific title, accounting for the highly rated Tatsuya Takahashi. When it appeared that his career was in another upswing, the talented CDO fighter seemingly vanished from the landscape, fighting only three times in the next 3 years.

The Silent Operator resumed in May to beat the outstanding and dangerous Bryan Tamayo in Manila. He followed that effort with a last moment trip to the United States to take on the world top 20 fighter Tramaine Williams. Whilst being on the receiving end of  a narrow loss, many that watched this fight were convinced that Pabustan had done enough to get his hand raised.

Jetro Pabustan v Le Hoang Hiep

4 rounds  Bantamweight 55kg

THE GRAND HO TRAM RESORT AND CASINO

Saturday December 10

With Fortunes of War only weeks away we thought we'd check in with these Vietnam Tigers and see how they are looking in their preparations.

The answer: AMAZING  !

These three young prospects are daring to dream big, and will be fighting professional stars from the Philippines on December 10.

They are all on steep learning paths, and it will be a significant task just to survive their battles in Ho Tram.

(Thee princes from left)

Le Hoang Hiep fights Jetro Pabustan.

Phan Minh Quân fights Mark John Yap.

Thai Hoang Huy fights JonJon Estrada.

The boys are in super shape already and are almost at their assigned fighting weights.

Good luck to our Vietnam  warriors!

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino Vietnam

Saturday December 10

Hanoi boxer Nguyễn Văn Hải competed in his first match in almost 3 years this past August. In what was viewed as a welcome back contest in Manila for Hai, he came away with a points loss, and a bagful of "what if" scenarios on his performance. The end result was a steely resolve to make amends for that defeat as soon as possible.

Nguyễn Văn Hải is very likely the most experienced mixed fight form exponent in Vietnam, and he returns to his love for boxing on December 10 at the Fortunes of War show in Ho Tram.

Hai was a highly decorated amateur in younger days, having won multiple national titles and achieving medals at the SEA Games. In spite of those successes, the revered Hanoi legend has had precious few chances to box in recent years.

Hai was intent on embarking on a pro career back in 2019, and signed with VSP to pursue that ambition. The pandemic put the brakes on those plans, and unfortunately, Hai did not see any ring time until August of this year.

Nguyễn Văn Hải ventured to Manila to take on rangy southpaw prospect Jerald Into, and despite incurring a points loss, it was a decent display for a boxer with lots of ring rust. The Vietnam fighter certainly showed many of the trademark moves of his amateur days, but his distance, timing and punch volume were below the required level. But he actually looked very good, and it will no doubt be a vastly improved, and perhaps vengeful, boxer that returns to the ring at The Grand Ho Tram on December 10.

This boxer dubbed  "the Hanoi Hitman" will look to reverse that loss in Manila, and he will be determined to teach his whiz kid Indonesian rival some veteran tricks of the trade !

The biggest belt matches are coming to The Grand Ho Tram this December !

Dinh Hong Quân defends his IBF Lightweight crown against the Philippines lethal Arnel Baconaje in what will go down as a fight for tge ages. This one is as close to a 50/50 as you will ever get !

Indonesia’s best Defry Palulu heads to Ho Tram to take on very likely the best technical boxer that the Philippines has ever produced  - the quicksilver Charly Suarez. But in spite of his unbeaten record, there are doubters that suggest he doesn't have the power to make the same impact that Manny Pacquiao has made on the sport. Defry Palulu is a former WBC champ, and Suarez the WBA King, so both camps are justified in their confidence in securing the IBF 130lb belt.

And what about this one for a torrid clash ?

19 year old Chan-Ho Song from South Korea takes on 18 year old Anuson Thonglueang for the WBO Oriental Youth Super Lightweight title in an 8 round bout where both boxers aim to destroy the other. The Thai has had 10 bouts this year, and has literally decapitated his opposition.

And Chan-Ho Song, who is unbeaten in 8 fights, is certainly living up to his ring name of "Purge Boy" !

Three classic championship bouts, and four other hell fire contests, so who wants some ?

WHO'S COMING TO THE GRAND HO TRAM RESORT VIETNAM ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 10 ?

If you can't get there, don't panic, you can watch all the action here live !

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Vietnam is a hotbed of boxing talent, and there are many picturesque locations in that special country  to show case the best action matches to fight fans.

The Grand Ho Tram situated  in the southern beach area of Vung Tau is simply iconic, and as the name suggests, they have some very GRAND plans.

This beautiful coastal resort plans to be "THE PLACE" for boxing in Asia  - think of Vegas by the beach !

And yes again, they actually have an incredible Casino  (and a Greg Norman designed golf course too !)

The Grand Ho Tram have already staged two events this year, and on December 10, are going all out with the biggest sports event in Vietnam this year.

The Fortunes of War event brings together many of Asia's best fighters for the very first time, and will host three title matches sanctioned by the IBF and WBO.

The event will also embrace the fun side of boxing, and will avail three novice Vietnam prospects the opportunity to share the ring with top foreign professionals. These exhibition bouts will be fast and furious and held over 4 rounds - if they go that long!

Congratulations

to our friends at The Grand Ho Tram for being such great supporters of boxing, and for hosting the most iconic sports event in Vietnam this year.

A perfect way to end 2022 !

FORTUNES OF WAR

The Grand Ho Tram Resort Vietnam

Saturday December 10

FORTUNES OF WAR - FULL FIGHT CARD

Vietnam's defending IBF Lightweight champion Dinh Hong Quân is already in great shape for his impending clash with Arnel Baconaje, and has plans to make it an early night.

"I had to lose a lot of weight way too fast for my last fight with Jules Victoriano, and I must admit he was a very tough opponent. I feel in way better shape this time, my camp has been good, and being able to train with a legend like Manny Pacquiao has helped me a lot.

A lot of people say it was a very close fight with Philippines last time, and it was, but most did not know that I had no sparring before that match. Everybody will see a far better Dinh Hong Quân this time, and I already know that I will hurt Arnel Baconaje.

It's a very good match, I am excited for it. I am very happy to have the challenge of stopping a top fighter like Baconaje in front of my home country. "

Dinh Hong Quân v Arnel Baconaje

12 rounds  IBF Asia Lightweight title

THE GRAND HO TRAM RESORT VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

Mark your calendars, this is rhe biggest sports event in Vietnam this year, and the perfect end to the year if you are a fight fan !

The Grand Ho Tram aims to become the boxing mecca, and have secured many of Asia's best boxers for the "Fortunes of War" event.

This iconic event, which is spearheaded by three titles fights, will be broadcast by Webthethao in Vietnam, and Elorde TV and Solar Sports in the Philippines.

THE GRAND HO TRAM RESORT VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

South Korea meets Thailand in what is sure to be a firefight in the super lightweight 140lb category.

Chan Ho Song is a star on the rise, and could very easily develop into the best pro that South Korea has produced in recent years. At only 19 years of age, he has already chalked up 8 straight wins, and tellingly, has improved out of sight every time that he has entered the ring. This boy is very different to the traditional dour, gritty Korean style that you are maybe familiar with.

Song is fast, has a high workrate, nice footwork,  and really works some clever angles. He is definitely durable, and he is developing some power to go with his accurate hands. This is a certainly a boxer to watch for the future -  he will be top level !

Anuson Thonglueang has already created some media attention in Thailand,  where he has put together 12 wins with only one loss in extra quick time. Similar to his South Korean counterpart, he is a dynamic all action fighter, and he really knows how to be effective inside the ropes.

Whilst his opponents have been lesser calibre than Song, he has dispatched them convincingly, and with real menace ! Anuson Thonglueang as obliterated 9 of his 12 victims by knockout, so Chan Ho Song will need to be careful of engaging in a trading battle with this dangerous Thai.

Chan Ho Song and Anuson Thonglueang will lock horns for the WBO Oriental Youth title.

Chan Ho Song v Anuson Thonglueang

8 rounds  WBO Oriental Youth Super Lightweight

THE GRAND HO TRAM RESORT VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

Nguyễn Văn Hải is very likely the most experienced  mixed fight form exponent in Vietnam, and he returns to his love for boxing on December 10 at the Fortunes of War show in Ho Tram.

Hai was a highly decorated amateur in younger days, but has had precious few chances to box in recent years. He was intent on embarking on a pro career back in 2019, and signed with VSP to pursue that ambition. The pandemic put the brakes on those plans, and Hai did not see ring time until August of this year.

Nguyễn Văn Hải ventured to Manila to take on rangy southpaw prospect Jerald Into, and despite a points loss, it was a decent display for a boxer with lots of ring rust.

The boxer dubbed the Hanoi Hitman will look to build on that loss, and will be joined at The Grand Ho Tram by four other Vietnam fighters.

Dinh Hong Quân will contest the main event, while novice prospects Pham Minh Quân, Le Hoang Hiep  and Thai Hoang Huy will take on top class Philippines boxers in the undercard bouts.

Indonesia’s Paisal Panjaitan creates an exquisite and intriguing match up with Vietnam's Nguyễn Văn Hải.  At face value, their fight stats are remarkably similar, and both like to box out of the orthodox stance. But that's where the similarity ends.

Nguyễn Văn Hải has been immersed in "fighting" for more than 20 years, and has been a high level amateur.  In contrast, Paisal Panjaitan has been boxing for less than 5 years, and is clearly still learning the trade. That said, it's transparent that he has improved markedly with each performance,  and his energy levels will obviously prove a challenge to his Vietnam opponent. Panjaitan is tough too!

Unbeaten in 3 fights, he absorbed punishment yet won each contest convincingly.

This Vietnam v Indonesia match up will be over 4 rounds, so expect to see fireworks in this one, as both these talented fighters will be looking to impose their will.

Really looking forward to this one !

Nguyễn Văn Hải v Paisal Panjaitan

4 rounds  Lightweight  135lb

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

THE GRAND HO TRAM JUST GOT HOTTER !!!

Saturday December 10   Fortunes of War !

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

The fight was canceled due to the pandemic !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charly Suarez v Defry Palulu

12 rounds  IBF Asia Super Featherweight 130lb

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

‍

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dinh Hong Quân v Arnel Baconaje

12 rounds  IBF Asia Lightweight title

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

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

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

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

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

Now the Unseen Hammer is back !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Defry Palulu (Indonesia) v Charly Suarez (Phil)

12 rounds  IBF Asia Super Featherweight title

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

‍

4 rounds  Lightweight 61kg

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

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

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

HUGE FIGHT !

Action live from The Grand Ho Tram Strip Vietnam

Saturday December 10

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

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

BUT  !!!

Will he look as stylish as Team Suarez?

Ahhhhh that's impossible to imagine!

Watch out Palulu, the Suarez army is coming !

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

Charly Suarez v Defry Palulu

12 rounds  IBF Asia Super Featherweight title

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

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

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

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

So the call from VSP went out :

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

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

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

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

Congratulations

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

As they say SILENCE IS GOLDEN!

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

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

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

He is also getting bigger and stronger.

But the Silencer has no interest in any of that !

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

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

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

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

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

Arnel Baconaje v Dinh Hong Quan

MAIN EVENT

12 rounds  IBF Asia Lightweight Championship

The Grand Ho Tram Strip Vung Tau Vietnam

Saturday December 10

‍

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

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

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

Pham Minh Quân v Mark John Yap

4 rounds  Super Featherweight 59kg  Exhibition

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP VIETNAM

Saturday December 10

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

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

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

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

Wow - confidence is definitely KING !

Jetro Pabustan v Le Hoang Hiep

4 rounds  Bantamweight exhibition bout

The Grand Ho Tram Strip Vung Tau Vietnam

Saturday December 10

@ The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam !!!

Saturday December 10

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

_{Vietnam - Nguyen Van Hai and Dinh Ho}ng Quan

Uzbekistan  - Olimjon Nazarov

Indonesia  - Defry Palulu and Paisal Panjaitan

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

Thailand - Jakrawut Majungoen and Anuson Thonglueang

South Korea - Chan-Ho Song

Who said blondes have more fun ?

Pinoy power is heading to Vietnam.

And it's SMILE POWER!

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

THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP  VIETNAM

Saturday December 10th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Grand Ho Tram in Vietnam has grand plans !

Saturday December 10  

Full fight card coming soon, but already signed :

Vietnam - Dinh Hong Quan

Philippines - Arnel Baconaje

Indonesia  - Defry Palulu

Philippines  - Charly Suarez

Uzbekistan  - Olimjon Nazarov

Vietnam  - Nguyễn Văn Hải

Indonesia  - Paisal Panjaitan

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

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

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 !