Vietnam Boxing Federation president goes AWOL after US trip

By Hoang An September 4, 2025 | 06:32 am PT

Luu Tu Bao, president of the Vietnam Boxing Federation (VBF), has stayed out of the public eye since traveling to the U.S. in February 2025 for his son's funeral, amidst reports linking a person with his name to a drug trafficking ring.

Vietnam Boxing Federation president Luu Tu Bao. Photo by VBF

Bao, 49, is also the president of the Ho Chi Minh City Mixed Martial Arts Federation (HMMAF) and the executive director of Saigon Sports Club (SSC). Members of VBF and HMMAF reported that they have been unable to contact Bao for months.

His absence has raised questions, especially given his high profile and influence in the Vietnamese martial arts community. In 2023, he received an honorary WBA Asia belt for his contributions to Vietnamese boxing.

In late June, a report on American outlet San Francisco Public Safety News stated that a man named "Bao Luu", matching Bao's identity, had appeared in federal court in San Francisco due to an extradition request from Australia.

"Bao Luu" is alleged to be the leader of a transnational criminal organization involved in drug trafficking from Vietnam to Australia, specifically attempting to smuggle 178 kg of cocaine in 2016-2017, the report said.

If convicted in Australia, he could face a life sentence, it added.

While news of Bao's alleged involvement in a criminal organization has spread, the Vietnamese boxing community remains skeptical.

Vice president and general secretary of VBF, Nguyen Duy Hung, confirmed that Bao has been in regular contact with him remotely and major events, such as the National Strong Teams Tournament and National Youth Championship, proceeded as planned.

However, the lack of communication with the VBF president has caused concern. Vietnam Sports Administration has asked the VBF to hold a meeting, assign a temporary manager, and request verification from the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Bao's legal status in the U.S.

Sources in Vietnam reported that Bao was involved in a civil conflict in the U.S. and had won the first trial.

With the second VBF Executive Committee meeting scheduled for October, the federation may need to find a replacement if Bao's absence continues.

Bao became VBF president in late 2023. He has more than 10 years of experience developing boxing and martial arts in Vietnam. SSC is one of the oldest professional boxing clubs in Vietnam, with Bao as the executive director.