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Philippines, 06 Jan 2009 |
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Big Hearts Make Pint-Sized Dreams of Pacquiaodom Possible By J.V. Tuazon, DPT aka “The Fight Doc” PhilBoxing.com Sun, 07 Sep 2008  CEBU CITY -- An unassuming man walks in carrying a gift crate full of bananas. Kids and professional fighters alike surround him like kids surround Santa Clause during the holiday season at the local shopping mall as he passes them out. The gentleman is flanked on each side with strength and speed -- RP Light Welterweight Champion Mark Jason “MJM Grand” Melligen to the left and WBO Asia Pacific Minimumweight Champion/WBA Intercontintental Light-flyweight Champion, Milan “Milenyo” Melindo on the right. The two champions, fresh off recent victories, then proceed to opposite corners of the ring to attend to some pint-sized (even for Melindo’s minimumweight stature) boxers whose headgear and gloves seem to be wearing them more so than they seem to be wearing the gear. So what are “MJM Grand” and the “Millennium Man” doing here so late in the day, tirelessly working the corners of these now unknown amateurs after a long afternoon of rigorous sparring? They are doing exactly what the humble Antonio L. Aldeguer has taught them to do; a lesson taught not through words, but through example. And exactly what lesson is this you ask? The lesson taught is the lesson of humility and genuine good heartedness; of bottomless generosity to give without being asked, and more importantly without asking of those in return. Cut from the same cloth as the man who practically raised them, Melligen and Melindo are building bridges for those walking behind them; living the credence taught to them by their adopted father figure. So too are ALA team members Franklin Albia, a decorated former naval officer and national team member, Weng Haya and Sadam Barambangan, also former national team members, and fast rising upstart pug, Gil Melligen, all of whom graciously served as the evening’s presiding officials. While many people have unfairly criticized Aldeguer’s stable of trainers, methods of training, and recent world championship attempts, people fail to see what has gone on for many years when the professional boxers depart from the gym after long afternoons of training. This afternoon, as the professional prize fighters, including myself, concluded a day of hard sparring, a new wave of boxers took over. Kids ranging from five to sixteen years of age wearing make shift boxing shorts, stitched up boxing gloves, and dreams of one day donning the famed ALA red, white, and black filled the compound to partake in a festive amateur competition. No, this was not a highly publicized or marketed fight card. There was no press release or mention in any local newspaper. No hype. No buzz. No promotion. This was not meant as a money making endeavor. Ask your accountant. Events such as this actually lose money. Officials get paid, equipment is supplied, and a venue is used. All of the figures fall in the red, and none are in the black. Even so, Aldeguer regularly arranges for the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) to sanction his shows, complete with competent white clad ABAP registered officials as well as red and blue colored gloves and headgear. This is not a one-time happening here but rather a regular occurrence at the ALA gym. Unbeknownst to the boxing world and the press, ALA’s regular shows are often done in a non-descript manner, not for the publicity but for those young up and comers hoping to one day be the next Manny Pacquiao or Oscar de la Hoya. The fact that the kids received all the benefit of this fight card without the sponsoring party getting any acknowledgement is a rarity in this world of “Look at me, look at me!” It seemed that the sponsoring group was just content with – well – just the kids being content. This was not a show for the fame and glory but, as they say in sports, for the love of the game – and more so, for the love of the kids. While most stable owners, promoters, and managers hopped on the boxing bandwagon for the quick buck and fast track to fame, ALA is different as he proved that he is in it for the long haul. Although he admits that age is taking its toll, boxing is what has kept ALA young not only physically but also in heart and spirit. His tournaments are as much about promoting good sportsmanship and the upbringing of good people as it is about producing world champions. Already an accomplished entrepreneur, to Aldeguer, money is secondary. He and his trainers care more about the wellbeing of those around them than the potential revenue they can create. So while other promoters are secretively planning and concocting their next major event, and the critics are busy pointing out the negatives instead of highlighting the positives, ALA is quietly and humbly plying his trade. He is doing what he does best. And that is working closely with the grass roots efforts to turn fledgling amateur hopefuls into champion contenders. Top photo: A large group of enthusiastic kids line up to shadow box during practice. 
Young adolescents shadow box and hit the free weights inside the grassy oval running track. 
Young teenaged hopefuls take a break after grueling medicine ball routines. 
Two pint-sized pugs squaring off. 
WBO Asia-Pacific minimumweight / WBA Intercontintental Light-flyweight champion Milan Melindo inserting the mouth guard of one of the amateur competitors in the red corner. 
Two young amateur hopefuls hoping to one day be among one of the fighters whose pictures appear on the posters adorning the gym walls behind them. So as the old adage goes, the next time you cast stones, make sure you don’t live in a glass house… Or more appropriately suited for boxing, don’t throw punches if you have a glass chin! You think the pros you enjoy watching come from nowhere? Just as storks are sure not responsible for making babies, little Mannys and Gerrys have to come from somewhere too. No innuendo meant here, but to bear fruit, seeds have to be planted on fertile ground. I guess what I’m trying to say is that to give birth to future champions, somebody’s gotta get down and dirty…get busy and…Just do it! Author’s note: Being fortunate enough to be at ringside for promotions across the globe, this is one fight card I am glad I had ringside access to. Seeing the sparkle in the children’s eyes that afternoon was truly a touching moment. After a long day of getting punched in the head and wondering what the heck I am doing in the ring, moments like this remind me why I love this game! Click here to view a list of other articles written by J.V. Tuazon, DPT aka “The Fight Doc”. Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles: |
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