They may not have invited Muhammad Ali in time for the opening, but officials of the Games and Amusements Board are making history just the same when the 1st GAB Philippine Annual Boxing Convention unwraps Tuesday at the Hotel Hyatt and Casino Manila.
GAB Chairman Eric Buhain admitted Monday that the government agency for professional sports has been trying to extend an invitation to Ali, the former world heavyweight champion who fought Joe Frazier in the famed “Thrilla in Manila” in 1975, to come to the convention that underscores the recent boom in the local boxing industry.
“But we haven’t reached him [Ali] yet. We are still looking at possibly inviting him [to come] in November,” added Buhain.
Even without “The Greatest,” the convention is historic in that it’s the first such gathering for Philippine boxing and the first in the 55 years of the GAB’s existence, aimed at “securing the future of Filipino pro boxers and the nation’s image as a country that nurtures world-class athletes,” according to board Commissioner Alex Paglumotan.
Hundreds of local delegates, from big-time promoters and managers to top referees and judges and the boxers themselves, are expected to convene for the occasion.
The four-day meeting is a tune-up for the country’s hosting of the World Boxing Council convention in 2007, and so the GAB has drawn support from the Office of the President, Department of Tourism, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the City of Manila.
Top officials of boxing’s governing bodies, including Jose Sulaiman of the World Boxing Council, Gilberto Mendoza of the World Boxing Association, Paco Valcarcel of the World Boxing Organization, Marian Muhammad of the International Boxing Federation, and representatives of the Pan Asian and Oriental and Pacific conglomerations are expected to attend the convention.
President Arroyo has pledged to attend the highlight of the convention, the awards and recognition night on Wednesday that will also draw Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Sen. Lito Lapid, Reps. Mayo Almario, Monico Puentevella and Eileen Ermita-Buhain, Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.
The President’s presence will indicate the national leadership “is serious in its desire not only to enhance the development of boxing but elevate our nation’s quest for continued excellence,” according to Paglumotan.
“We expect the President to declare her support to the Philippine pro boxing industry and honor our current and past world boxing champions,” he added.
Among the local champions to be honored is the late Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, the former world lightweight titlist whose family had just hosted local boxing’s annual awards night—which they had staged for the sixth straight year—on March 25.
The night would not be complete without an appearance by the current toast of RP boxing, Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao, plus WBC light flyweight champion Brian Viloria and the rest of the Filipino fighters who recently made their marks in fights in the United States and elsewhere.
Registration and a fellowship night kick off the event, followed by the orientation for the convention proper and an officer’s meeting on Wednesday. Thursday is devoted to lectures and an evening ball, while a match at the Raja Sulaiman Park in Manila caps the activities on Friday.
“We are showcasing to the world the best of our Filipino boxing potentials and at the same time creating a sound program for our continued quest to acquire global excellence in the sport,” Paglumotan said.
