Philippines, 29 Mar 2024
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


GAB cracks down


PhilBoxing.com



GAB chairman Mitra.
GAB chairman Abraham Mitra is taking bold steps to restore the integrity of the fight game and crack down on unscrupulous fixers who exploit Filipino boxers to put their lives at risk for a prize. Mitra was the first to call out the WBO in reviewing the scoring of the recent Manny Pacquiao-Jeff Horn fight in Brisbane. It wasn?t a protest but an appeal to take a second look at how the judges scored it ?in furtherance of our mutual goal of protecting the integrity of the sport and even more improving the boxing industry we all love.? Mitra called it a request to WBO president Francisco Valcarcel.

?While we respect the decision, we are constrained to request for a thorough review by the WBO for possible miscalls of the referee where some deductions were not made and of the judges in their judging that has caused varying opinions on their subjectivity,? wrote Mitra who signed the letter with GAB commissioners Fritz Gaston and Eduard Trinidad. At first, the WBO declined to order a review. But Valcarcel later had a change of heart. He said a five-man neutral panel would be commissioned to score the fight independently but qualified the findings would not reverse the result of Horn winning by a unanimous decision. The only way the outcome could be reversed or nullified is if there is proof of fraud or corruption or malicious intent. It isn?t the first time the WBO will order a review of a controversial decision involving Pacquiao. In 2012, the WBO heeded the public outcry for a review of the scoring and a five-man neutral panel found Pacquiao to be the winner on points, contrary to the split verdict that was awarded to Tim Bradley.

Mitra said Pacquiao was not consulted before he made the appeal and Pacquiao himself said he had nothing to do with the GAB request. Mitra?s move was a clear indication that the GAB chairman won?t hesitate to voice his position if the interest of Philippine boxing is jeopardized in any way.
****

On another matter, the GAB has discovered that the mandatory CT-Scans of 70 fighters were tampered and promptly revoked their licenses. It?s likely that the boxers had no knowledge of the anomaly as the suspicion is their handlers faked the CT-Scans to save on expenses. The GAB conducted an investigation when the CT-Scans came from the same clinic in Batangas. A GAB team went to the clinic and confirmed the tampering. As soon as the proper CT-Scans are submitted, the licenses will be reinstated.

CT-Scans are important to determine if a fighter has some kind of head injury. The requirement is for the protection and well-being of fighters. Unfortunately, some agents or managers couldn?t care less about the welfare of fighters as their primary motive is profit. The more fights, the more money is made, never mind if the fighters suffer some kind of brain damage that will only surface later.

The GAB has also set a meeting with officials of the Thai Boxing Commission in Bangkok this week to put an end to illegal activities involving Filipino fighters. Because no visa is required for Filipinos to travel to Thailand, some fighters bypass the GAB to accept unsanctioned bouts in the country. Worse, some handlers even use the names of rated fighters to bring out tomato cans to lose in Thailand for a prize. Mitra, Gaston and Trinidad are headed to Bangkok tomorrow.

?It?s a very important meeting,? said Gaston. ?There are many horrible experiences of Filipino fighters in Thailand. We want to strengthen our relations with the Thai Commission by not allowing, both ways, boxers to fight without the endorsement of both government boxing bodies. At home, we?re also looking into other issues like promoters cutting short the time in a round to save a fighter or the number of rounds.? From all indications, the GAB means business and Mitra is out to wash the dirt out of boxing.
****

In the Pacquiao-Horn aftermath, what should concern fans----regardless of whom they?re for----is the long-term safety of both fighters. After the brutal contest, Horn was whisked to a hospital for a two-hour checkup which presumably included a brain scan. Pacquiao never went to a hospital for a brain scan. From the ring, he entered his dugout and was brought to a private room where cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Roth sewed up his scalp wounds. After the stitching, Pacquiao returned to his hotel, presided in a Bible study and stayed awake playing chess and talking to friends.

If Pacquiao hasn?t taken a brain scan, it?s not too late to arrange. A neurologist said it?s advisable for Pacquiao to submit to an MRI of the brain or a CT-Scan within two weeks from the fight to check for damage. All that butting from Horn must have caused some kind of concussion.

Before any talk of animosity, speculation or conspiracy theory, Pacquiao?s health must be the primal concern. He?s a national treasure, public servant and someone who brings honor to the country and pride to the Filipino people. Let?s make sure he?s not in any compromising health condition.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • AJ Paciones Stops Wanchai, Retains WBA Asia 108 Belt in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 29 Mar 2024
  • Ador Torres Scores Round 4 TKO WIn in Thailand, Still ABF-147 Champ
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 29 Mar 2024
  • Weigh-In Results: Oscar Valdez vs. Liam Wilson & Seniesa Estrada vs. Yokasta Valle Championship Doubleheader
    , Fri, 29 Mar 2024
  • Pagaduan to face Bubpamalo on March 30 in Bangkok
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 29 Mar 2024
  • Andrew Moloney-Pedro Guevara Interim Junior Bantamweight Title Showdown Confirmed as New Co-Feature to Lomachenko-Kambosos Super Fight at RAC Arena in Perth & LIVE on ESPN
    , Fri, 29 Mar 2024
  • CBN Promotions Expands Broadcast Reach with Addition of Stadium and Gray Television as Distribution Partners
    , Fri, 29 Mar 2024
  • Daya, Paulino rule OCR
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 29 Mar 2024
  • Wild, Wild Western Conference
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • Press Conference Notes: Oscar Valdez-Liam Wilson & Seniesa Estrada-Yokasta Valle Doubleheader Set for Friday
    , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • WEIGHTS FROM BIG TIME BOXING USA IN DETROIT
    , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • Undefeated Super Featherweight Contender Andres Cortes to Attend Oscar Valdez vs. Liam Wilson Fight Eyes Potential Showdown with Winner
    , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • PACE to host FIDE chess tilt this weekend
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • Preserving a Legacy: The Birth of the Philippine Boxing Historical Society
    By Dong Secuya, , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • Garcia vs Haney: Boxing Match or A Live Mental Break Down?
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • Christian Mbilli-Mark Heffron Super Middleweight Main Event & Arslanbek Makhmudov-Junior Fa Heavyweight Battle Set for May 25 at Gervais Auto Center in Shawinigan, Canada
    , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • MATÍAS MAKES HOMECOMING DEFENSE AGAINST PARO ON JUNE 15
    , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • ‘ROCKY’ HERNANDEZ RETURNS AGAINST LUGO IN MEXICO ON MAY 11
    , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • PCAP: Cavite eyeing to bounce back
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • HALL OF FAMER ANN WOLFE TO ATTEND 2024 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
    , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • Gathering of champions
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Filipinos AJ Paciones and Ador Torres Make Weight for Title Fights in Highland Boxing Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Visiting Teams All Won vs Hosts; Boston Finally Loses
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Lukas to face undefeated Jaiklom on March 30 in Bangkok
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Sulaiman leaves Manila with fond memories
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Montano to Fight for WBO Oriental Welterweight Title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 27 Mar 2024




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2024 philboxing.com.