Following protocol, the VBF will convene a congress to elect a new executive board and choose a new president. This extraordinary congress is a consequence of the VBF's determination that Luu Tu Bao, president for the second term, 2023-2028, is no longer able to lead the federation.
On the afternoon of 4/9, Luu Tu Bao was absent from an emergency VBF meeting, despite being invited to attend online. For months prior, VBF leaders and members had been unable to contact him since he reportedly traveled to the US in February 2025 for "family matters".
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Luu Tu Bao (center) receives the honorary WBA Asia belt for his contributions to Vietnamese boxing, October 2023 in TP HCM. Photo: Kickfit |
Luu Tu Bao (center) receives the honorary WBA Asia belt for his contributions to Vietnamese boxing, October 2023 in TP HCM. Photo: Kickfit
Bao's absence raised questions, especially with reports of his legal troubles abroad.
In late June, news emerged of a man named "Bao Luu"—matching Bao's identity—being arrested in California in April and appearing in federal court in San Francisco on an extradition request from Australia.
He is accused of leading and overseeing a transnational criminal organization that orchestrated drug trafficking from Vietnam. Between 2016 and 2017, this group allegedly attempted to smuggle a total of 178 kg of cocaine into Australia. In April 2025, the Melbourne Court issued an arrest warrant for "Bao Luu," which remains active.
The US District Court for the Northern District of California is reviewing Australia's extradition request for Bao, under the Extradition Treaty between the two countries, and may issue a ruling after the next hearing on 29/1/2026.
If extradited and convicted in Australia, Bao could face life imprisonment.
Born in 1976, Bao has over 10 years of experience developing boxing and martial arts in Vietnam. He has served as VBF president since 15/10/2023, while also holding the positions of president of the TP HCM Mixed Martial Arts Federation (HMMAF) and CEO of Saigon Sports Club (SSC)—one of the earliest professional boxing clubs in Vietnam. He received an honorary belt from the WBA Asia in 2023 for his contributions to the sport.
Duc Dong
