WBC founding secretary general and eminent lawyer Rudy Salud says he has to ?regrettably decline? the invitation of Oscar De La Hoya to be his guest at special ringside for ?The World Awaits? epic against undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 5.
Salud told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that his doctors won?t allow him to travel to the US because he is still recovering from a serious heart condition. However, Salud said he wished to thank De La Hoya for a very touching gesture which he would always remember.
Salud also wished De La Hoya the best of luck in his fight against Mayweather although he predicted it would be a tough battle.
The invitation to Salud was coursed by Golden Boy through well-known Philippine boxing promoter Sammy Gello-ani. In the invitation De La Hoya said ?as one of the founding fathers of the WBC and one of the most influential boxing authorities in the Philippines I would like to personally commend you in your extraordinary career. You have served our beautiful sport of boxing with dedication and passion. Alongside my family, I would like to have you present ringside as my personal guest.?
Salud also wished emerging ring sensations Rey ?Boom Boom? Bautista and AJ ?Bazooka? Banal the very best in their fights on the De La Hoya ? Mayweather undercard. Salud said ?I haven?t see Banal fight in person but I have watched Bautista and he should win. I hope they both win and bring honor to our country.?
Both Bautista and Banal are prot?g?s of the respected boxing patron Tony Aldeguer and have impressed both De La Hoya with whom they have been training in Puerto Rico and celebrated trainer Freddie Roach who has high hopes for the two young fighters.
Bautista faces Sergio Medina of Argentina in a WBO super bantamweight eliminator in a battle of the undefeated while Banal faces Mexican KO specialist Juan Alberto Rosas.
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