Suarez stops Palulu, wins IBF Asia strap

FORMER Olympian Charly Suarez added another regional title belt to his trophy case after winning the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Asia super featherweight belt with a second stoppage of Defry Palulu last Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at the Ho Tram Strip in Vung Tau City, Vietnam.

Suarez looked sharp and was very accurate with his counterattacks. He occasionally caught Palulu with his powerful counterpunches.

Palulu was competitive but he didn’t come out of his stool for the third round after the ring doctor stopped because of an eye injury.

The 34-year-old Suarez won his second regional title in 2022 after winning the World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia super featherweight title early this year. The 2016 Olympian remained unbeaten with 14-0 and seven knockouts.

Palulu suffered his first loss since 2016 and dropped to 25-3-2 with 14 knockouts.

On the other hand, Arnel Baconaje failed to claim the IBF lightweight strap with a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Hong Quan Dinh in the main event.

All three judges saw Hong winning with scores of 116-112, 114-113 and 115-113.

Baconaje fell to 15-6 with 11 knockouts, while Hong is 10-1-1 with four knockouts.

In the undercard, Marjohn Yap (31-17-1, 15 KOs) also settled to a draw with rookie Phan Minh Quan (0-0-1), experienced Jetro Pabustan (31-10-7, 9 KOs) fought to a draw with newcomer Le Hoang Hiep (0-0-1) and Jonjon Estrada (16-10-1, 15 KOs) demolished newcomer Thai Hoang Huy (0-1) in four rounds.