Martial artist Dinh Hong Quan duel Arnel Baconaje
Dinh Hong Quan was the first Vietnamese boxer to win the IBF Asian lightweight belt in April 2022 when he defeated Filipino boxer Delmar Pellio. The 24-year-old boxer then successfully defended the IBF belt on July 30 when he defeated another Filipino opponent Jules Victoriano by refereeing points.
With the nickname "black eagle", Hong Quan is owning nine victories and one loss since playing professionally. On December 10, he will fight with boxer from the Philippines Arnel Baconaje to defend the championship belt at The Grand Ho Tram (Ba Ria - Vung Tau).
The IBF is one of the four largest boxing organizations in the world, alongside the WBA, WBC and WBO.
Preparing for this match, the Red Army went to the Philippines to train with the legendary Pacquiao - former world boxing champion. "Training with Pacquiao helped me improve a lot in technique, fighting style and feel more energized. I am determined to win this match," said Hong Quan. "I will approach wisely and cautiously, but with knock-out the answer will be on the ring."
Hong Quan's opponent is nicknamed "the silent killer" when he owns 15 victories, including 11 knockout victories after 20 fights. The boxer born in 1988 is now more appreciated. He also prepared for the match when training with "Japanese martial arts monster" Naoya Inoue. On December 5, after arriving in Vietnam, Arnel Baconaje boldly announced that he would beat the host boxer by knock-out without 12 rounds.
In response, Red Army humbly: "I know my opponent has the speed and ability to hit continuously. Baconaje is highly appreciated by experts after training with Naoya Inoue. However, I was prepared. very carefully from physical to technical. The coach and I also discussed the tactics to gain the upper hand when going on the radio. Hopefully, the fans will not be disappointed."
In parallel with the title defense of the Red Army, the event also had two other title fights. Charly Suarez - a three-time SEA Games gold medalist and 2014 Asiad silver medalist will compete with Defry Palulu for the title of IBF Asia super-featherweight. WBO Oriental champion from Korea - Song Chan Ho will defend the super-lightweight belt against Thai boxer Anusong Thonglueang.
Other Vietnamese boxers such as Nguyen Van Hai, Le Hoang Hiep, Thai Hoang Huy or Pham Minh Quan will compete against boxers from Indonesia and the Philippines who also receive high praise for their expertise. Among these, the competition between Vietnamese boxing monument Nguyen Van Hai (eight national gold medals, three SEA Games silver medals) with Indonesian boxer Paisal Panjaitan is equally awaited.
