Superflyweight boxer Diosdado (The Prince) Gabi is dedicating his fight against Jose Alfredo Tirado of Mexico at the Stockton Civic Auditorium tonight (tomorrow morning, Manila) to his family and North Cotabato Gov. Manny Pi?ol.
It was Gov who nurtured Gabi’s career and brought him to the limelight. Gov even came close to sending Gabi to train at Emanuel Steward’s Kronk gym in Detroit.
In all, Gov invested about P4 Million in Gabi. But a misunderstanding between Gabi and one of Gov’s brothers resulted in an unsavory breakup. Gabi backed out of a World Boxing Council flyweight title elimination bout that Gov had arranged and told his benefactor he was quitting the fight game for good.
But Gov found out Gabi was only “testing the waters” and later “unretired” with Canadian lawyer Michael Koncz as his business manager.
“I never meant to disrespect the Governor,” said Koncz. “I kept him posted on what I was doing from the start. I premised my actions on the assumption that Gabi was a free agent and had no existing contract with a manager. All I’m doing is helping out Gabi by finding fights for him in the US.”
Gov, however, wanted to teach Gabi a lesson and filed a case of estafa. Apparently, in Gabi’s application for a boxer’s license with the Games and Amusements Board this year, he indicated Gov’s brother Noli as his manager. That means Gabi should’ve gotten the consent of Gov’s brother before agreeing to terms on another contract.
Before the court could issue a hold departure order to prevent Gabi from leaving the country because of Gov’s suit, he took off on a Philippine Airlines flight to Los Angeles last Aug. 3 and is now living in Koncz’ home in Orange County.
Koncz has been burning the phone lines talking to Filipino reporters appealing for Gov’s understanding. He said there was no intention to slip out of the country in a hurry because of the court order.
For his part, Gabi is asking for Gov’s forgiveness.
The other day, Gabi issued this statement:
“Even though at this point in my career, we have parted ways, I have full appreciation for Gov. Pinol. Whether the Governor accepts me or not, I will forever consider him as my co-manager. Also, I will always give him credit for assisting in bringing me to where I am today. I sincerely hope the Governor will come and watch my fights in the near future and his presence will help boost my morale. I dedicate my fight in Stockton to my family and Gov. Pinol.”
Koncz said veteran fight matchmaker Jimmy Montoya picked Tirado, a tough opponent, to test Gabi. “This will be an indicator as to where Gabi stands in the world title hunt,” noted Koncz.
James Grunsky is promoting the Stockton fight, which stipulates a weight limit of 116 pounds, one over the superflyweight limit. Gabi is ranked No. 5 by the World Boxing Council in the flyweight division.
“I have been training very hard for my US debut as I know my opponent is very good,” said Gabi. “I will give 110 percent in the ring in an effort to entertain the people of Stockton. Coming to America, I have made great sacrifices, leaving my friends, family, my wife Eva Joy and our 10-month-old son Prince. But I know in my heart, I will give a better life for my family when I fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion. I pray and ask for the continued support of my family, fans and countrymen as when I return to the Philippines, I hope to be champion of the world.” * * *
