Entering the final of Boxing SEA Games 31 weight class 52kg, Tran Van Thao is the only representative among the male boxers of the Vietnamese boxing team to reach the final. His opponent is Rogen Ladon, the defending champion of the SEA Games.
Ladon is considered to be the most heavy candidate for the 52kg weight gold medal for the achievement of competition and seasoned experience. He attended the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Before the 31st SEA Games, Ladon even defeated the runner -up Olympic Runner -up Tokyo Carlo Paalam to win the capacity to Vietnam.
Entering the match with Tran Van Thao, Paalam showed the power of a fist to step into the world arena. The Filipino boxer proved to be superior in the ability to move smoothly, as well as “punches” Tran Van Thao from afar. On Thao's side, he took the initiative to attack very early to create an advantage first.
The first half between Ladon and Tran Van Thao was relatively balanced, but the Philippine boxer was still a bit better. That helped Ladon win the score in the first half, when 4/5 assessment scores for the Philippine boxer. Only 1 Kazakh-September Victory Examination for Tran Van Thao.
Paalam overwhelmed before Tran Van Thao
Entering the second half, Ladon began to accelerate with faster and stronger punches aimed at Tran Van Thao. This game helps the Philippines puncher continue to have a successful half, when he was given 5 -point assessment. This also means that Ladon almost grabbed the victory before the 3rd half began.
In the last half, Ladon no longer attacked as much as before but he still proved on the host of the host country. Tran Van Thao tried to attack in the hope of shortening the score, but the effort did not succeed when Ladon proved too superior. The ability to move quickly helps Ladon have 1 more 4-1 winning against Tran Van Thao.
At the end of the match, Ladon won 4-1 against Tran Van Thao (28-29, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27) to successfully protect the 52kg SEA Games gold medal. On the side of Tran Van Thao, he tried his best but still could not win when Ladon proved too superior in class.