WBO Professional Boxing Showdowns Set for The Encounter 2 in Wan Chai
It’s not just the bell that rings, it’s the city!
On Oct. 10, 2025, Hong Kong’s Southorn Stadium will transform into a melting pot of adrenaline, grit, and global talent as The Encounter 2 returns with a stacked card and a mission to put Hong Kong on the map as Asia’s rising combat sports capital.
Organized by Verano Promotions, the event's first edition was held last year at PMQ, marking the return of professional boxing to the city after a five-year hiatus.
The second iteration of the high-impact series promises a night of electrifying professional boxing. With doors opening at 5 PM and the first fight starting at 5:30 PM, fans can expect a full evening of title fights, international rivalries, breakout performances, and entertainment, including dancing showcases from Hong Kong Taurus, a local cheerleading team.
On the event’s expansion, Adam Brough of Verano Promotions shared, “It’s a 2,000-seater stadium, so the scale has grown, and we’re getting more international fighters in.” He also emphasized the elevated standards of the production, adding that they are “bringing professional standards: WBO-sanctioned rules and certified judges. This is professional fighting for champions.”
Headlining the event is Saagar Pradhan, Hong Kong’s 24-year-old boxing prodigy of Nepalese descent, defending his WBO Youth Asia Pacific Super Welterweight Title against India’s Gaurav Bisht. It’s Pradhan’s first home fight since his knockout win at PMQ. The stakes are high, with his unbeaten record and two knockouts in six matches since he turned professional in 2023.
“Being a professional boxer in Hong Kong is tough,” said Pradhan, who ranks 13th in the WBO Asia-Pacific, during a sparring session at Verano Boxing Club. “We sparred at least 96 rounds over the last month in Hong Kong and China with different sparring partners, including my teammates from the Philippines.”
On defending his title in his hometown, the 24-year-old added, “I was born and raised in Hong Kong, so it’d be an honor for my family and friends to come down and support me in defending my belt, which is also a big achievement.”
The co-main event features Scotland’s Colin Cairney versus India’s Trijot Singh Bawa for the vacant WBO Youth International Welterweight Title, adding another layer of international tension to the night.
Beyond the title fights, the undercard showcases regional talent. Local fighters like Brondell Medina and Lee Ka Wing will be joined by athletes from Macau, Mainland China, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
“We fought at PMQ last year, which was big, but Southorn Stadium is a proper venue,” said 20-year-old Brondell Medina, who will be competing in his first professional match. “I’m excited to fight in front of the hometown fans, and I expect the noise in the stadium to boost me and give me a lot of energy.”
The Encounter 2 has established itself as a statement of the boxing scene in the city. With WBO-sanctioned titles and a diverse lineup, it’s a celebration of athleticism, identity, and the raw thrill of competition.
Tickets range from HK$200 to HK$550. Get your tickets now via Ticketflap or Pyjama. Apply the promo code BEAT15 at checkout for an exclusive 15% discount.
For more information on The Encounter 2, check out their official website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
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