 This coming Saturday is set to be a huge day for Asian boxing, with a number of fighters taking place across a number of shows. This includes a big bout in Mexico, a pair of shows in China and a pretty notable card in the Philippines.
Nuevo León, Mexico One of the Mexican fights takes place in Nuevo León and will see former IBF and WBO Minimumweight champion Francisco Rodriguez Jr (27-4-1, 19) battle against former Japanese Super Flyweight champion Yohei Tobe (13-2-1, 9) in a contest for the for Rodriguez's WBC Latino Silver Super Flyweight title. The Mexican is best remembered for his incredible 2014 bout with Katsunari Takayama but since then has gone 9-2-1 and moved up from Minimumweight to Super Flyweight, which doesn't appear to have suited him quite as well as the smaller divisions. Tobe was once one of the most touted prospects in Japan, and although he has failed to reach the expectations many had for him, this is a great chance to make a mark and put himself in the mix for a world title fight. Leyte, Philippines Of the actual shows in Asia the most notable is an ALA promoted card in Leyte. The main event of the card will see the hard hitting Jeo Santisima (15-2, 13) take on Thai foe Yodsingdaeng Jor Chaijinda (16-5, 10) in a bout for the WBO Oriental Super Bantamweight title. The heavy handed Santisima has won his last 13 in a row, with 12 stoppage, and we expect to see him continue that run here. Despite that this isn't a foregone conclusion and Yodsingdaeng is a credible foe, with his only loss since 2015 coming in a decision to Juan Martin Elorde. This should be a good test for Santisima. In the co-feature we'll see the touted Albert Pagara (29-1, 20) battle against Laryea Gabriel Odoi (20-3-2, 14), with this bout being for the WBO Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight title. Pagara has been rebuilding well since his 2016 loss to Cesar Juarez, but on paper this bout is a step from his last 3 contests, all of which were pretty straight forward wins for the Filipino. Odoi, from Ghana, began his career by losing his first 2 bouts, and was 1-1-2 after 4 contests, but has rebuilt well with 19 wins from his following 21 bouts. Despite being a step up for Pagara from recent opponents we're not expecting the Filipino to come up short here, but he will be forced to work for his win. In main supporting bouts we have two former world title challengers in action. One of those is Melvin Jerusalem (12-2, 7), who takes on fellow Filipino Philip Luis Cuerdo (10-4-1, 4) in what looks like an interesting match up. Jerusalem impressed in a narrow loss to Wanheng Menayothin, for the WBC Minimumweight title, but a loss to Joey Canoy last year does leave us wondering if he has the fire to prove himself. Cuerdo should be able to test Jerusalem here, but he been stopped in 2 of his last 3, and it would be a shock to see him pick up a victory over the former world title challenger. The other former world title challenger on this card is Arthur Villanueva (31-3, 17), who has twice come up short when fighting for a world title. The technically well schooled Villanueva who has lost to McJoe Arroyo, Zolani Tete and Luis Nery, will be strongly favoured to pick up a win here as he take on domestic foe Renren Tesorio (16-12-3, 4). Albert Pagara's older brother Jason Pagara (40-3-1, 25) is also on this card, and will be battling against Geisler Ap (12-10-1, 9). The 29 year old Pagara once promised so much but has disappointed in recent contests, including a draw with James Onyango and a loss last time out to Hiroki Okada. Despite those set backs it's hard to imagine Ap having much to test the Filipino. The card is also set to see the debut of former Japanese stand out Go Hosaka (0-0), who will battle Holly Quinones (3-9-1, 1) in a “special attraction” bout. The 21 year old Hosaka signed with ALA not too long back and is tipped for big things. Despite this being his debut it's hard to imagine Hosaka losing to a fighter like Quinones, who has been stopped in 7 of his 9 losses. China On one Chinese show fight fans will see IBF female Minimumweight Zongju Cai (10-1, 1) battle against Mexico's Ana Victoria Polo (7-2, 1) for the IBO Female Minimumweight title. The Chinese fighter is looking to become a double champion, though from what is being reported won't be risking her IBF title here. Despite not risking her own title Cai will be strongly fancied here, and she is a genuine talent who is quickly become the face of female boxing in China. Aged 36 Polo is a fighter who has fought just once in the last 18 months and is unlikely to have the speed or skills match the local favourite. Hangzhou, China The other title bout in China will see former world title contender Qiu Xiao Jun (21-4, 10) battle against the once beaten Petch Kokietgym (32-1, 5) in a contest for the OPBF “silver” Super Bantamweight title. The Chinese fighter hasn't fought since December 2016, when he suffered his second loss to Nehomar Cermeno, but will be favoured here against the very limited Petch. On paper the Thai looks a good fighter but his competition has been horrific so far and it's hard to image he has anything to test Jun with, even if Jun is rusty. Interestingly the winner of this will move towards a potential show down with Hidenori Otake.
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 This Saturday is set to be a hectic day for Asian fight fans.
Hangzhou, China The biggest show of the day sees action return to China for a Max Power card of international note with a world title fight, an international title fight and several bouts involving notable Chinese fighters. The main event of the card sees WBA Super Bantamweight champion Nehomar Cermeno (25-5-1-1, 15) fight in China for a third time this year as he rematches Qiu Xiao Jun (21-3, 10), the man he beat earlier this year for the title. Cermeno has had a bizarre late career revival in China winning the title by stopping Jun and then defending it against the then unbeaten Nop Kratingdaenggym, after having been all but inactive previously. Although very talented Cermeno is 37 and it's likely that father time will get to him sooner rather than later. Saying that he did dominate Jun back in June and it's hard to see him having aged much since that win. Another title bout from this card will see the light punching Can Xu (10-2) defending his WBA International Super Featherweight title against Japan's Spice Matsushita (16-8-1, 2). The champion will be looking for his third defense and although lacking power he has impressed at times, and looks to be developing into a talented fighter, who simply hasn't yet matured into a powerful young man. Matsushita is a true veteran having debuted more than a decade ago but at 33 he's not a spring chicken and has never fought outside of Japan before. Another interesting international bout will see the promising Baishanbo Nasiyiwula (10-0-1, 5) battle against unbeaten New Zealander Leki Maka (9-0, 3). Baishanbo has impressed through his career, and has caught our eye in the past, but this looks like a very different assignment to his previous ones. Although the favourite the Chinese fighter will be aware that Maka holds a notable recent win over Farzan Ali Jr on the road in Fiji. Another interesting international bout will see Chinese based Ruissian Andrey Kalyuzhnyy (13-2, 11) face off with struggling Thai Chaloemporn Singwancha (17-2, 13). On paper this looks like a really good bout but the Thai has lost his last 2 by stoppage and has struggled throughout his career when facing someone who comes to fight, like the Russian does. This could be a third straight set back for the Thai. One other international bout will see Filipino Sonny Katiandagho (10-1, 6) face Stevie Ongen Ferdinandus (24-12-1, 12), in a bout that has been re-arranged after being been set earlier in the month. The once beaten Filipino is a guy who has had good results, including wins over Allan Tanada, Hyun Woo Yuh and Rafik Harutjunjan and this should be another. Shanghai, China A second, less notable, Chinese card will come from Shanghai and will a few interesting bouts of it's own, albeit at a lower level. The main even of the card will see Indonesian fighter Geisler AP (9-8, 6) battle unbeaten local hopeful Alimu Wushouer (8-0, 6), with Wushouer looking to record his first win over an international opponent. Wushouer has impressed on the Chinese scene, as part of the League of Fists, but this could be a more interesting assignment for the unbeaten 22 year old. Geisler has never won outside of Indonesia but this could be a chance to change that. In an all Chinese bout we'll see the heavy handed WuZhati Nuerlang (5-1, 5) take on the limited but heavy handed Chengbo Zheng (6-5-0-1, 4) in what could be an explosive contest. It's likely that we'll see Nuerlang come out on top here, given he as has stopped his last 5 opponents and that Zheng has been stopped several times before, however its good to see him face someon who has a punchers reputation themselves. Another all-Chinese bout will see the unbeaten Naiwuzhati Nuermaimaiti (4-0-1, 2) take on the once beaten Chao Peng (5-1-2, 1) in a very interesting looking match up. New Delhi, India More title action will be held in India where Indian boxing megastar Vijender Singh (7-0, 6) battles against the experienced Francis Cheka (32-9-2, 17). The bout will be Singh's first defense of the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title, a title he won back in July with a decision victory over Kerry Hope. Cheka was once a good test for an emerging fighter but is well past his best and shouldn't trouble Singh too much here. Cebu, Philippines In Cebu fight fans will get a relatively uninteresting card, though the main event is worth making a note of. That main event will see the once beaten Jess Rhey Waminal (9-1-1, 5) take on Margarito Moya (9-2, 3) in what looks like a very even and competitive bout. Ekaterinburg, Russia In Russia we'll see unbeaten Russian Pavel Malikov (9-0, 3) take on Filipino veteran Adones Aguelo (27-14-2, 19). Aguelo, one of the more under-rated Filipino fighters, will be hoping to pick up a win here to claim the WBC Asian Boxing Council Lightweight title and score a 4th straight win. Malikov has shown promise but this is a step up for him and should be a real test for the unbeaten man. Nevada, USA In the US we'll see big punching Filipino Aston Palicte (21-2, 18) face off against the talented, but feather fisted, Oscar Cantu (14-0, 1) in a bout for a trio of regional titles. The bout is a “puncher Vs slickster” type of bout but should be some very fun and very exciting with Palicte almost certain to hunt a stoppage after his robbery defeat last time he fought away from the Philippines. September 30th-World title action in China and OPBF silver title bouts in the Philippines!9/27/2016  Wenzhou, China
The big action of the day comes from Wenzhou in China where fight fans will get a genuinely notable card of international note. Not only does it feature 3 of China's most notable fighters but also a world title fight between a Thai and a Panamanian based Venezuelan. That world title bout will see WBA Super Bantamweight champion Nehomar Cermeno (24-5-1, 14) take on unbeaten Thai challenger Nop Kratingdaenggym (17-0, 5), aka Anurak Thisa, in an intriguing match up between ambitious youngster and veteran champion. The champion will be looking to record his first defense of the title he won in June, when he stopped Qiu Xiao Jun in the 12th round though at 36 he is ancient for a top level fighter. On the other hand the 25 year old Thai will be fighting outside of Thailand for the first time and will be taking a huge step up in class. In a supporting title bout Can Xu (9-2) will be facing the unbeaten Ramiro Blanco (14-0-3, 7) in what looks like an intriguing match up. Blanco is an unbeaten Nicaraguan, fighting outside of home for the first time. Xu on the other hand is one of China's most promising young talents and despite lacking power he does look to be a diamond in the rough for Chinese boxing. Another Chinese diamond in the rough is Qiu Xiao Jun (20-3, 9), who fights for the first time since being stopped by Cermeno. Although very rudimentary Jun has scored a number of notable wins and will be looking to add another as he faces Filipino Robert Udtohan (23-1-3, 15) here. The Filipino has a pretty good looking record but this is actually a big step up for him and he'll be the clear under-dog against the solid hitting Jun. In a Heavyweight bout fans will see Zhang Zhilei (11-0, 7) take on the highly experienced Gogita Gorgiladze (32-13, 27) from Georgia. On paper this looks like a good step forward for Zhilei but the reality is that the visitor has a very padded record and shouldn't last long with “Big Bang” In another China Vs Georgia bout we'll see the touted Fanlong Meng (8-0, 6) battle against Zura Mekereshvili (18-5, 14). The 28 year old Meng is tipped as a real hopeful and a win here should be his final one before moving into 10 rounders. Sadly Mekereshvili should prove to be too small to really test Meng. Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines As well as the big show in China there is also a notable card in the Philippines where titles will be on the line. The two main bouts on this card are both OPBF Silver title fights and both feature a former world title challenger against an unbeaten foe. One of those fights comes at 115lbs and sees former OPBF Flyweight champion Ardin Diale (31-10-3, 15) battle Ryan Lumacad (11-0-1, 6). Coming in to this one the 44 fight Diale will be looking to show that his recent beating to Daigo Higa wasn't the start of the end. For Luamcad the bout is a potential break out opportunity and he'll be coming into this one with the belief of an unbeaten man looking for a career best win. The other OPBF Silver title fight comes at Flyweight and sees former WBC Light Flyweight world title challenger Richard Claveras (15-2-2, 13) battle against Jeronil Borres (7-0-1, 5). Claveras is best known for losing to Pedro Guevara last year and since then has gone 3-1 (1). The 20 year old Borres is leaping up in class but will hope to have struck at the right time with Claveras showing flaws recently. Bangkok, Thailand The key bout from Thailand will see Eaktwan BTU Ruaviking (21-3, 14) defending his IBF regional title against Filipino puncher Jeny Boy Boca (12-3, 10) in what looks like a really intriguing match up and one not expected to see the final bell. Both of these guys can punch and both will be hoping to make the most of their power here. Also in Thailand fight fans will see the unbeaten Downua Ruaviking (2-0, 1) battle against Thai based Cameroonian Afanwi Kingsly Shu (1-1). The Thai is tipped as a real hope and although this is a very low quality bout some are hyping him as a bright prospect already. This bout likely won't tell us much but hopefully a step up in 2017 will tell us something about the youngster.  This Friday is set to be a busy day in China with two shows, including a very notable card put together by Zovi boxing and Sampson boxing, in association with the WBA.
Beijing, China The more notable of the two Chinese cards is set to be held in the Chinese capital of Beijing and feature two world title fights. For Chinese fans the biggest bout of the day sees fast rising Chinese fighter Qiu Xiao Jun (20-2, 9) battle for the WBA Super Bantamweight title as he takes on former world champion Nehomar Cermeno (23-5-1, 13). A win for Jun would see him becoming just the second Chinese man to become a world champion, though China has had several female world champions however Cermeno is a talented and tricky fighter, albeit one past his sell by date. The Jun vs Cermeno bout isn't the only world title bout for the day was WBA Super Featherweight champion Javier Fortuna (29-0-1-1, 21) brings international attention to China as he faces Jason Sosa (18-1-4, 14). For Fortuna the bout is a chance to move towards a clash with “Super” champion Jezreel Corrales and a chance to extend his unbeaten record, and possibly impress by stopping a man who recently went the distance with Nicholas Walters. For Sosa the bout will be his first would title fight and could see him claiming a major title. On the under-card we get another two title fights. One of those will see Xu Can (8-2) face Corey McConnell (15-1-1, 2) in a bout for two regional WBA titles at 130lbs whilst another will see Alesia Graf (27-5, 12) battle against Noemi Bosques (10-6-2, 2) in a bout for a WBA International female title. Nanning, China On a second Chinese show in Nanning fight fans will see several more title bouts. On paper the most interesting of those will see English Heavyweight slugger Ian Lewison (11-2-1, 7) battle against unbeaten Chinese fighter Zhi Yu Wu (7-0, 1) for the WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight title. The bout sees Lewis fighting in Asia for the first time, despite the travel he should over-come Wu, who is fighting for just the third time in more than 4 years. Another good looking title bout on this card sees unbeaten Chinese local Xiang Xiang Sun (7-0, 5) battle once beaten Thai youngster Campee Phayom (9-1, 7) for the WBO Asia Pacific Youth Light Welterweight crown. Phayom was beaten last time out, losing a decision to Li Quan Lin in Hong Kong but will be coming in to this one with that experience behind him, whilst Sun is stepping up slightly here. Another title bout will see Xiang Jing (8-4-2, 1) faces Filipino foe Joel Taduran (7-3-1, 1) for the WBO Oriental Flyweight title. Whilst the records may not suggest anything special here we are expecting a competitive match up between two fighters looking to prove themselves. Tokyo, Japan As well as the Chinese action there is also a show in Japan which is headlined by former world title challenger Hidenori Otake (25-2-3, 12) facing off against South American visitor Hernan Cortez (9-8-3, 2). It's hard to see anything but a win for Otake here Victoria, Australia Outside of Asia fans will be able to see Filipino fighter Cris Alfante (11-5-1, 4) battle the unbeaten Andrew Moloney (7-0, 4) in what looks like a very tall ask for the 24 year old Filipino, who has won just 1 of his last 6 bouts.  This coming Friday is relatively packed with action, with two notable shows in Asia.
Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand The most notable show of the day comes from Thailand where OnesongChai put on an interesting looking card on Channel 7. The main event of the card sees Pungluang Sor Singyu (51-3, 35) defending the WBO Bantamweight title against Filipino challenger Jetro Pabustan (26-2-6, 7). The champion will be the clear favourite here, and will be looking for the first defense of the title that he won last year, when he stopped Ryo Akaho. Although the under-dog Pabustan will be confident and will know that this a huge opportunity to make a name for himself. As well as the main event the under-card does feature some interesting match ups, the most notable which will see experienced Thai Kwanpichit OnesongchaiGym (35-1-2, 20) battling against unbeaten Filipino Giemel Magramo (15-0, 12) in what could be the proverbial “coming out party” for Magramo. The Filipino fighter is stepping up in class but is regarded as genuine prospect and may well see this as a chance to make a name for himself. Another bout will feature the promising Rakniran Muadransarakam (9-0, 6) who will be facing a Thai foe. Lu Zhou, Chinese card The Thai card isn't the only notable one to be televised this Friday was another card coming from China where Zovi boxing put on their second card for Chinese new year. The main event of this one will see Chinese Super Bantamweight hopeful Qiu Xiao Jun (19-2, 9) battle against Ghana's Raymond Commey (13-2, 7) for the WBA International Super Bantamweight title. Originally this bout was announced as a WBA “regular” world title bout but the WBA, who are now aiming to having just a single champion in every division, changed that and have only allowed the bout to be for the “International” crown. The winner of this however will find themselves on the verge of fighting for a world title later in the year. Interestingly both men are bringing 11 bout winning runs into this one. In total this card has 5 title bouts. Another of those sees Can Xu (7-2) fighting against the experienced, and heavy handed, Isaias Santos Sampaio (26-11, 24). The Chinese local, a 21 year old, had a great 2015 with 4 wins, including notable victories over Hurricane Futa and Kris George, will be defending his WBA Oceania Super Featherweight title here. The visitor, a Brazilian, brings power to the ring but has been stopped 10 times and may well become Xu's first stoppage victim. In an all-Asian bout Xian Qian Wei (9-5-1) will face Japanese veteran Takafumi Nakajima (24-7-1, 10) in a bout for the WBC Asian Boxing Council Featherweight title. Interestingly this will be the 5th defense of the title by Wei, who began his career 2-4-1 before going 7-1 with wins of note against Thewa Onesongchaigym, twice, Hero Tito, and most recently Rex Wao. This is a tough bout for the 21 year old local but a really good chance to make a name for himself against a 2-time Japanese title challenger. In a female title bout Zong Ju Cai (6-1, 1) face off with Venezuelan Debora Rengifo (6-1-1, 3) in a bout for the WBC International Female Minimumweight title, with Cai defending the title for the 3rd time. On paper this looks really well matched but the Visitor has faced some awful opposition and this will be her first bout away from home. Although Cai hasn't been through murderer's row she has been notching up solid wins, including decision wins last year against Gretchen Abaniel, Angor Onesongchaigym and Mari Ando. The remaining title bout on this show comes at the Youth level as the unbeaten Bai Shan Bo (6-0-1, 3) takes on the stop or be stopped Tackie Annan (6-2, 6) for the WBC Youth Light Welterweight title. Bo has faced some notable opponents regional opponents, including Heri Andriyanto, but this should be his first chin check. Annan lost his first 2 bouts but has since strung together 6 straight stoppage wins, albeit against very poor opposition. Metro Manila, Philippines There's also action in the Philippines with a show in Metro Manila. The most notable bout here will see the under-rated Eden Sonsona (34-6-2, 12) battle against fellow under-rated fighter Vergel Nebran (14-11-1, 9). On paper it's hard to see Sonsona struggling but Nebran has a deceptive record and can, at times, be a banana skin when he's the under-dog. Sadly much of the card does appear to be mismatches and other than the Sonsona/Nebran bout there is little to really get excited about.  This coming Saturday is an amazing day for Asian fight fans who will get the chance to see some of Japan's hardest hitters, two of which will be in action in the US!
Nevada, USA The most notable of those two US debut's for Japanese fighters comes in Nevada where Olympic gold medal winner Ryota Murata (7-0, 5) risks his unbeaten record against Gunnar Jackson (22-6-3, 8). On paper this is a step up Murata however the bout is more about getting the US fans interested in him rather than really testing himself against world level opposition. A win for Murata would likely see him return to the US next year for a more notable bout, perhaps against a former champion or world title challenger. Florida, USA We see another Japanese fighter make their US debut as the heavy handed, and genuinely fun to watch, Keita Obara (15-1, 14) takes on Nicaraguan warrior Walter Castillo (26-3, 19). For Obara this is a chance to prove himself internationally and move towards a potential world title fight, with this bout serving as an IBF eliminator, however Castillo is himself a man who knows that a win will change his career. We expect this one to be fun and full of heavy handed action but it will be a serious test for Obara. On the same card we will also see Kazakhstan's 154lb contender Kanat Islam (19-0, 16) who battles 34 year old Alexis Camacho (21-5, 19) in what looks like a bout unlikely to go the distance. This will be Camacho's first bout in more than a year and he really hasn't beaten anyone close to Islam's level, in fact he's best known for a loss to Carlos Molina than anything else. Although it looks good on paper this really should be a mismatch. Monte Carlo, Monaco More fighters fighting away from home will land in Monte Carlo where we have two Asian fighters in action. One of those fighters is Kazakh Bantamweight Zhanat Zhakiyanov (25-1, 18) who faces WBA interim champion Yonfrez Parejo (17-1-1, 8) in what looks like a very good match up on paper. Of the two men it's the defending champion who looks like the more accomplished boxer however the Kazakh challenger certainly has the edge in power and will be looking to knock out out foe. For “ZZ” this could be his first, and last, chance at a world title and it's clear that his training will have been stepped up for this opportunity, however it is still a tough ask. The other fighter of note is WBC Super Bantamweight silver champion Qiu Xiao Jun (18-2, 8) who defends his title against light punching Frenchman Amor Belahdj Ali (14-3-1, 2). On paper this looks well matched though the Chinese fighter has certainly been in good form recently and although he's crude he is powerful and is more proven than the Frenchman, who doesn't have names like Jonathan Baat and Silvester Lopez on his record. We were also hoping to see Japan's Yosuke Kirima on this card but it appears that that bout is now off. Dublin, Ireland Staying in Europe for a moment, we will also Indian star Vijender Singh (1-0, 1) put his unbeaten record on the line as he faces 33 year old Dean Gillen (2-0) in a 4 rounder. Tokyo, Japan The major show in Asia comes from the Korakuen Hall where we get two bouts of note, including the first defense of a WBC Youth crown. That youth defense comes at Flyweight where the all action Daigo Higa (7-0, 7) looks to defend his title against the under-rated Renren Tesorio (15-6-3, 4). For Higa, who won his title in Thailand this year in a thriller with Kongfah CP Freshmart, this is a great home coming and if he wins it's likely that he will move onto a Japanese or OPBF title fight next year before a potential world title bvout in the near future. For Tesorio it's a chance to win his most notable title and to get a win in Japan, following last year's narrow defeat to Toshiyuki Igarashi. The other bout of interest here sees former Higa foe Cris Alfante (11-5, 4) return to Japan to face unbeaten teenage Ryuto Maekawa (10-0, 6) in what looks likely to be a tough test for the unbeaten man. This is a bout where we suspect the records don't really tell us the full story and Alfante is certainly the more proven fighter, despite losing to Higa, Florante Condes, Kongfah and Knockout CP Freshmart. This really could be the show stealing bout and has the potential to be an “upset”. Shanghai, China The only other Asian show is in China here Top Rank and SECA put on the next of their novice shows. The show, at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, is another in Top Rank's attempt to create a thriving boxing scene in the Chinese mainland. Sadly not of the bout really have much to talk about though it does seem like an idea with genuine potential.  This coming weekend is a big one internationally in boxing, though of course it actually kicks off in Asia with bouts in both China and Thailand.
Hangzhou, China The most notable the day's action is in China where Zovi put on a show, their first of 2 notable cards set for September. The main event of the card will see China's really promising Super Bantamweight contender Qiu Xiao Jun (17-2, 7) defend his WBC Silver title against Filipino visitor Diarh Gabutan (19-4-3, 10) in what looks, on paper, to be a competitive contest. Of course paper can lie and we have seen Jun defeat the likes of Silvester Lopez and Jonathan Baat, both by stoppage. Gabutan isn't a bad fighter, though has lost 3 of his last 4 and it's going to be a very tough ask here against a naturally bigger and strong man than himself. Originally the fo-feature was set to see Thailand's Kaewfah Tor Buamas (19-0, 13) face off against well known Australian veteran Michael Katsidis (31-7, 24) in a bout for the WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental Lightweight title. Sadly for those hoping to see “The Great” in action Katsidis has been replaced by British born Australian Andrew Wallace (10-5-1, 6). Given that Wallace is a 37 year old who has gone 1-5 in the last 3 years it's hard to see what brings to the table, though a win for Kaewfah could move him towards bigger and better fights. One other bout that caught our eye from this card will see Thailand's Khunkiri Wor Wissaruth (21-12-1, 14) take on Venezuelan novice Omrri Bolivar (1-0, 1). Khunkiri has lost 4 of his last 5, including stoppage losses to Defry Palulu, in Indonesia last year, and to Rex Tso earlier this year, though he may see this as a chance to pick up a win against an unbeaten fighter. Thailand As well as the action in China there will also be a notable bout in Thailand as the unbeaten, and promising Thong Sithluangphophun (13-0, 9) battles against Danilo Pena (27-21-4, 11) for the PABA Featherweight title. This will see Thong defending the title that he won more than a year ago as he looks to continue his climb through the ranks. This card will be televised on Channel 7 in Thailand.  Although western boxing fans don't have much action this Sunday it is actually a great day for boxing fans in in Asia with both Chinese and Indonesian fans getting notable and interesting shows.
Kunming, China It seems that Chinese boxing is rising and although the country is still a long way from being a “force” in world boxing it's great to see the proliferation of the country's talent and with several Chinese fighters now plying their trade in the US we suspect will be quicker and more visible for western fans than ever before. Although several Chinese fighters are making their name in the west there is still plenty of action in China it's self where a number of fighters are beginning to forge their own legacies. The most established of the China based Chinese fighters is former WBC Minimumweight world champion Xiong Zhao Zhong (24-6-1, 14) who will be hoping to work himself into another world title fight later in the year. Zhong will be expected to pick up an easy win here as he battles against Japanese visitor Hiroya Yamamoto (8-2, 3) in a bout for the WBC International Minimumweight belt. Although Zhong is limited he will have to be heavily favoured here against Yamamoto who enters having lost 2 of his last 3, including a Japanese title fight against Go Odaira last September. Whilst Zhong is limited he is the most established talent in the country. Zhong's success has lead to more success in the country and the rising star at the moment is Super Bantamweight prospect Qiu Xiao Jun (14-2, 6) who will be battling in his most notable bout to date. The Chinese fighter will be up against former world title challenger Silvester Lopez (23-9-2, 17) in a bout for the WBC Silver Super Bantamweight title and we suspect that this really could be a very special bout between two men each looking for their biggest win and looking to move towards establishing themselves in WBC world rankings. Another title bout on this card will see Xian Wei Qian (6-4-1, 1) risking his WBC Asian Boxing Council Featherweight title whilst also hoping to claim the WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council Featherweight title. In the opposite corner to Qian will be Indonesian foe Hero Tito (9-5-1, 3). On paper this looks like a good bout, despite the fact neither man is ever going to be a world beater. Another possibly interesting title bout will see Yang Xing Xin (9-3-2, 6) attempt to defend the WBC Youth Welterweight title against South Korean foe Joon-Yong Lee (4-2-3, 2). Xin has won his last 3 bouts and although he's nothing special the 22 year old “Chinese Warrior” is an improving fighter who has shown good development in recent contests. As for the Korean 24 year old this is a big opportunity and sees him coming into the bout on the back of a loss in a Korean Light Middleweight title bout. Although Lee isn't well known he does hold a notable win over Sa Ya Lee, the current Korean Lightweight champion. One final title bout on this card is a female title bout which will see Cai Zongju (3-1, 1) battling again Filipino Gretchen Abaniel (15-6, 6). This bout will be for the female versions of the WBC International and WBC Asian Boxing Council Minimumweight titles and looks like a very interesting fight. For Abaniel it's a must win bout following recent losses on the road to Ayaka Miyao and Kumiko Seeser Ikehara. Saying that however Zongju is a much weaker for than the two Japanese fighters who have beaten Abaniel. Jakarta, Indonesia In Indonesia fans will have the chance to see promising youngster Iwan Zoda (4-1, 3) battle against Stevanus Nana Bau (2-1-1, 1) in a second meeting between the two men. The two met last September in what was both mens debut, according to boxrec, with Zoda taking a decision and since then Zoda has improved and likely to become one of the few Indonesian fighters worth making a note of. This bout is scheduled for 12 rounds and will be at Flyweight, unlike their original bout which was fought over 6 rounds. Regarding the records of Zoda and Nana Bau, we believe that Zoda's record is complete, including his loss to Thailand's promising Petchchorhae Kokietgym, whilst Nana Bau is thought to have had several unrecorded bouts as well as bouts fought under the name of Stevanus Nanai. (Image courtesy of http://suljosblog.com) In November the Manny Pacquiao show will take over Macau, a small self governing area off the coast of China. For many that is as all Chinese boxing is currently about. Those people would be wrong, very wrong.
Connecticut, USA Although Chinese boxing isn't incredibly strong it is developing and we suspect that in the next few years success will have breed more success. Last year we had the first Chinese world champion, this year we've had two Chinese Heavyweights appear on US TV and the future does look potentially very exciting. On of the most promising of the current bunch of Chinese fighters is current WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental Super Bantamweight champion Qiu Xiao Jun (14-2, 6). Jun is a very promising fighter who has avenged his losses, both of which came in Japan to Jonathan Baat, and it would seem that he's possibly the next notable fighter from China. Jun will have to prove his quality here as he takes on once beaten American Yuandale Evans (16-1, 12). At one point Evans looked like a very promising young fighter himself though an opening round loss to Javier Fortuna in April 2012 has derailed his career and this will be his first bout in almost 30 months. Jun will have to be in top form to beat Evans though if he does get the win here expect him to get another US bout in the next 12 months or so. Jun isn't the only Chinese fighter on this card and his compatriot Xian Wei Qian (5-3-1) will be fighting against the limited Josh Crespo (2-1-2, 1). We don't really rate Qian anywhere near as highly as Jun though we do have to say he is better than his record indicates and he's twice fought in Thailand. One of those bouts was a loss to the world ranked Petch Sor Chitpattana whilst the other was a shock win over Thewa Onesongchaigym which saw Qian getting his name printed in the record books as the first Chinese fighter to win a title in Thailand. Crespo doesn't compare to the two Thai's that Qian has fought so we'd assume that Qian will pick up the win here, though it certainly won't be easy with this bout taking place in the US. Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand As well as the action in the US we also have some interesting bouts in Thailand with 2 separate televised cards. On channel 3 we get a Kokiet Group card headlined by PABA Super Flyweight champion Petchbarngborn Kokietgym (27-7-1, 10). Petchbarngnorn will be defending his title against teenager Ki-chang Kim (5-1-1, 1). Kim will clearly be seen as a huge under-dog going into this fight though could be rewarded with a ranking if he can beat the Thai. That's a big "if" however as Petchbarngborn is a world ranked fighter with fringe-world level talent and a clear edge in experience. The chief support bout here will see Norasing Kokietgym (11-0-1, 8) defending his unbeaten record against Indonesian visitor Jemmy Gobel (18-24-5, 13) who has lost his last 3 bouts, including a 6th round stoppage to Eaktawan Mor Krunthepthonburi last time out. Gobel has lost 17 previous bouts in Thailand where he has yet to win and we suspect that run will continue again here with Norasing being a far better fighter than Gobel Bangkok, Thailand The other show is on Channel 7 and comes from Bangkok. One of two title bouts here will see the unbeaten Eaktawan Mor Krungthepthonburi (5-0, 4) defending his WBA Asia Flyweight title against Filipino foe Edison Berwela (13-28-7, 3). We'll admit we are big fans of Eaktawan though we'd suspect that this will be his toughest bout to date and although Berwela isn't an amazing fighter he is also not someone who falls over the first time they are hit. Berwela will be fighting for the 7th time in Thailand and currently boasts a record of 0-5-1 in the country and that will likely be extended to 0-6-1 though we do suspect that Eaktawan will have to work for the win. The other title bout on this show will see Nop Kratingdaenggym (10-0, 1)* defending his PABA Super Bantamweight title against Filipino visitor Eranio Semillano (10-5, 3). On paper this looks a pretty decent contest, especially when you consider that Semillano comes into this bout with 7 straight wins and is unbeaten in well over 2 years. Saying that however Nop does look a very talented young fighter and his potential to be a world champion is being spoken about by some hardcore fans in Thailand. (*Boxrec don't include Nop's win over Skax Max for some peculiar reason)  Kunming, China
September 8th sees Zovi Promotions returning boxing to Kunming as they put on a small but interesting card with a number of talented Chinese fighters in action. The most talented of those Chinese fighters is the promising Qiu Xiao Jun (13-2, 5) who will be looking to defend his WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental Super Bantamweight title against Russian's Ruslan Berchuk (8-3, 4). We tend to feel that the 24 year old Jun is one of, if not the, most promising prospect in China and although his record may not show it he has actually beaten everyone he has fought, avenging 2 closes losses to Jonathan Baat. As for Berchuk he has shown fragility and limited skills and really shouldn't be a worry for the talented Chinese fighter. Jun's bout Berchuk is one of two title bouts on this show with the other being a WBC Youth Welterweight title fight between the 22 year old champion Yang Xing Xin (8-3-2, 5) of China, and Thai challenger Kongsuk Patanakan Gym (3-2-1, 1). We've got to be honest this bout doesn't thrill us but still needs to be noted. The remaining trio of bouts are all Chinese affairs with the most notable of those being a contest between Xu Chan (3-0) and the debuting Bao Dong (0-0). Details of these two men are scarce though we do believe that this will be a 6 rounder contest. Another all-Chinese bout will see Wang JV Lin (1-0) battle against the debuting Shi Hao Tian (0-0) in a Middleweight contest. We've got to admit we know next to nothing about these two men though we do hope the bout will be an interesting one. (Image courtesy of http://www.zoviboxing.cn) |
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