Boxer Đinh Hồng Quân (4th from right) and friends celebrate his win over Arnel Baconaje of the Philippines on Saturday. — Photo laodong.vn

Boxing

BÀ RỊA VŨNG TÀU  International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Đinh Hồng Quân beat Arnel Baconaje of the Philippines on Saturday at the Grand Hồ Tràm Resort in the southern coastal province of Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu, but has lost his belt nonetheless. 

Quân won 115-113, 115-113 and 116-112, but as he didn't make the lightweight limit of 61kg, he was stripped of the IBF belt.

The fight was part of a series of IBF and WBO title matches dubbed "Fortunes of War”, hosted by the Cocky Buffalo Promotions and VSP Promotions.

"I fought a good fight against a tough opponent. I showed my best in this match. See you next time, and I will continue to fight," Quân said after the victory over Baconaje.

This win was the 10th in Quân’s professional boxing career.

Đinh Hồng Quân (right) lands against Arnel Baconaje of the Philippines on Saturday. — Photo thanhnien.vn

To prepare for this event, Quân trained in South Korea and met with Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao to gain experience.

Quân was the first Vietnamese boxer to hold an IBF Asia title after beating Delmar Pellio of the Philippines in a 10-round match in the men's lightweight category in April, also in Vũng Tàu. In July, Quân had successfully defended his title for the first time.

With his impressive performance, Quân is expected to have another challenge for the IBF Asian lightweight title again soon. 

Unlike most Vietnamese boxers, Quân competes entirely in professional boxing events, so he is absent from the ongoing National Sports Games, unlike Trương Đình Hoàng and Trần Văn Thảo. VNS