Saturday, 01 August 2026 · Philippines
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GAB RESPONDS TO CANTADA TIRADE

The head of the Games and Amusements Board boxing division, Dr. Nasser Cruz says the increased fees of judges and referees which was assailed by boxing promoter and sportsman Edgardo "Boy" Cantada as excessive and arbitrary was because it was a double championship fight card.

Cantada in a stinging letter to GAB chairman Eric Buhain said he was quitting as a promoter of pro boxing and would concentrate on amateur fights.

Dr. Cruz clarified that the ring officials headed by veteran boxing judge Alex Villacampa "has been requesting since the time of chairman (Dominador) Cepeda to adjust the fees" and it so happened that the request was granted during the Cantada promotion last month.

The GAB official said that if Cantada had requested for a reduction it could have been done since it was "easy to talk to the officials involved to reduce the fees since they are the ones who receive payment."

Dr. Cruz said it was "unfortunate" that Cantada was upset and indicated he was prepared to "explain our side so we could do what is best for boxing. We want everybody to be happy especially the promoters because that would mean more boxing and more promotions." However, Dr. Cruz stressed that "at the same time we do not like to compromise the officials."

He said officials had to travel to the venues and did not even receive a gasoline allowance.

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