Davao’s Gabi trains under Roach
FAMED American trainer Freddie Roach has added Davaoe?o Diosdado “Prince” Gabi in his list of trainees at his famous Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California.
Gabi, a world-rated flyweight, reportedly started working out under the watchful eyes of Roach last Monday together with Rey “Boom Boom” Baustista, Cebu’s 19 year old boxing sensation, who will see action in the September 10 under card of the “Double Trouble” fight card featuring Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales.
Gabi and Baustista trains in the morning, while Pacquiao works out in the afternoon under the watchful eyes of Roach.
The southpaw Gabi, considered the brightest hope from Davao to win a world crown, was brought into the US by American businessman Michael Koncz, who is also Bautista’s US promoter.
Koncz first saw Gabi when he came to Davao sometime last year during a dinner-boxing staged by North Cotabato Gov. Manny Pi?ol.
It was not known how Koncz dangled Gabi to his fold from Pi?ol, who used to promote the boxer’s fights before he left the country.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao will finally have the chance to size up Hector Velazquez when Top Rank holds a press conference this afternoon to promote their coming encounter on Sept. 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Morales, who beat Pacquiao last March, faces former Olympian Zahir Raheem in the main event.
A victory by both Pacquiao and Morales in their respective bouts scheduled for 12 rounds, will set up a grudge rematch in December.
Also in the card, the undefeated Bautista fights Felix Murillo of Colombia and Fil-Am Brian Viloria challenges World Boxing Council light flyweight champ Eric Ortiz.
