FEW more ALA Gym fighters are scheduled to set-up training camp in Las Vegas in preparation for more boxing activities in the United States next year.
Just recnetly ALA Boys Michael Domingo, Mark Jason Melligen and one-time world title challenger Z Gorres went to Manila for a scheduled initerview with the United States Embassy where Domingo and Gorres applied for a renewal. Melligen is a first time US traveler.
Interviewed by Sportsnews.ph, ALA Gym president Michael Aldeguer said they plan to rent a place in Las Vegas as most of their fighters will be training at the famed gym of Floyd Mayweather, Sr.
Aldeguer said Domingo and Melligen will be staying in Las Vegas for about four to six months and will participate in at least two fights in between.
This will be Domingo?s second stint in the United States after a successful debut August of last year where he demolished the highly-touted Miguel Roman via 6th round decision shutout in one of six fights of the RP vs. Mexico World Cup of Boxing staged in Sacramento.
?I?m not getting young anymore and this chance could be a make-or-break thing for me so this is probably the best opportunity for me,? said the 29-year-old Domingo in the vernacular.
Melligen, 22, is a prospective welterweight fighter who is coming off back-to-back first round knockout wins.
A former national amateur standout with a pro record of 12-1, 9 KO?s, Melligen is excited at the opportunity to train in the US since having opponents or even sparring partners within his weight limit is scarce.
?My friends are telling me I may be homesick in a few weeks time in the US but that?s the least of my concerns since my priority in life right now is my career. The best chance for me to improve is to train the in the US with all the quality opponents and sparring partners available there,? said Melligen.
Aldeguer meanwhile said they are still on the lookout for trainers for their fighters. The youthful ALA president added that Freddie Roach, the well-known trainer of Manny Pacquiao is definitely their top choice.
The thing is, Aldeguer added, they do not want to disrupt Roach with his training of Pacquiao as they believe Pacquiao?s fight versus Oscar De La Hoya is too crucial not only for the Filipino fighter but for Philippine boxing as well.
Domingo along with Rey ?Boom Boom? Bautista and Filipino trainer Edito Villamor are set to leave on October 28.
Aldeguer said Bautista?s fight with Mexican Heriberto Ruiz is already a done deal as the fight contract has already been signed.
Gorres and Melligen may leave first week of November. Aldeguer added that Gorres? fight versus Puerto Rican Jose ?Carita? Lopez is still being finalized though both camps seem to have agreed to make the fight happen in principle.
