MANILA, Philippines — The man behind some of the country’s biggest boxing events in the past has returned to make sure that a revived ring festival will create ripples in the local sporting scene anew.
Veteran boxing promoter Bomber Pamiloza emerged from semi-retirement to help the Philippine Sportswriters Association raise livelihood funds for destitute and disabled former fighters.
Pamiloza is promoting the Fiesta Fistiana on April 29 at the Rajah Sulaiman Park which will have as its main bout Alex Escaner’s defense of his RP super bantamweight crown against No. 3 Jake Verano over 12 rounds.
“Matagal na rin akong tumigil (It’s been a long time since I stopped promoting fights), pero nadinig ko ang planong pagtulong sa mga (but then I heard about this plan to help) disabled boxers,” said Pamiloza, who promoted fights that featured former world champions Rolando Navarrete and the Pe?alosa brothers Dodie Boy and Gerry.
“Gusto ko rin makatulong (I also want to help).”
The event, free to the public, will help provide a source of livelihood for the disabled boxers to be chosen by the PSA, Games and Amusements Board and the City of Manila.
Instead of giving out cash, organizers will grant livelihood packages or “pangkabuhayan” carts to the recipients.
San Miguel Corp. and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. are the event’s main sponsors.
Arnold “Ali” Atienza, before relinquishing his post as Manila Sports Council chair to vie for the mayoralty post to be vacated by his father Lito, signed an agreement with the PSA to provide the fight’s card venue and to co-sponsor the event, first held in 1955.
Denver Cuello, No. 2 in the straw weight division, battles Carlo Besares while fourth-ranked super bantam Jun Talape faces off with Johnny Lear in the other top draw of the card also backed PCSO and Caltex. Inquirer Sports Staff
