Suarez defends title against Yap

By Lito delos Reyes

REIGNING World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia super featherweight champion Charly Suarez of Davao del Norte makes his first title defense against Mark John Yap of Cagayan de Oro City on August 7 at The Flash Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Complex in Paranaque City.

The 33-year-old Suarez will be making his third fight this year.

“My opponent is a veteran. Our preparation is a continuous effort and sacrifice in training to win the fight,” said Suarez.

He won the vacant WBA Asia super featherweight title over Tomjune Mangubat of Bukidnon by a technical knockout in the 12th round last March 12, 2022 in Paranaque.

Suarez then beat Cebu’s Junny Salogaol by a unanimous decision last June 10 in Tagbilaran City.

Yap, on the other hand, had already one fight this year after not fighting for two years since 2020.

He lost by a unanimous decision to undefeated Jadier Herrera of Cuba last February 26, 2022 in Dubai.

It is the biggest card with a total of 20 pairs including four title fights.

Former WBC Asian Boxing Council Silver super featherweight champion Al “Rock” Toyogon of Gingoog City will take on Allan Villanueva of Iligan City for the vacant WBF Asia Pacific lightweight title,

Former Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation Minimumweight champion Lito “Naruto” Dante of Bohol fights ex-WBF Intercontinental Minimumweight champion Clyde Azarcon of Davao City for the vacant WBF International minimumweight title.

Linn Sandstrom of Australia will trade punches with Khwunchit Khunya of Thailand for the vacant WBA super flyweight title.