Columns · PhilBoxing.com

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It’s make or break for Magsayo

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Tue, 25 Aug 2020

Magsayo (L) and Haro (R). IBF No. 4 and WBC No. 5 featherweight contender Mark Magsayo could’ve signed for a world title crack on Sept. 19 but MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons held back to give the Tac…

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End of an Era: ALA Bows Out

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Thu, 20 Aug 2020

Michael Aldeguer (L) receives an award from the WBO. The fabled ALA Boxing stable is down for the count with chief TV backer ABS-CBN’s closure and the curse of the pandemic wreaking havoc on the viabi…

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Casimero foe unveiled

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Tue, 18 Aug 2020

MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons yesterday ended speculation on who will challenge WBO bantamweight champion JohnRiel Casimero in Connecticut on Sept. 26, pulling a rabbit out of his hat to name unbeat…

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Casimero sets title defense

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Mon, 17 Aug 2020

There’s no turning back for WBO bantamweight champion JohnRiel Casimero. A unification showdown with super WBA/IBF titlist Naoya Inoue was supposed to be held in Las Vegas last April 25 but the pandem…

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Bridges of compassion

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Wed, 12 Aug 2020

Robert Bridges. Social media trendsetter and author Ken Poirot once said “build a bridge by extending your hand.” It’s an appropriate quote considering referee/judge Robert Bridges was one of five men…

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WBC cites Pinoy ‘Heroes of Humanity’

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Mon, 10 Aug 2020

The World Boxing Council (WBC) paid tribute to Sen. Manny Pacquiao, GAB chairman Baham Mitra, referee Bruce McTavish, referee Robert Bridges and lightweight contender Mercito Gesta as “Heroes of Human…

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Don’t sell Manny short

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Wed, 05 Aug 2020

The London weekly trade magazine Boxing News recently took a close look at the world’s top 10 welterweights and came to the conclusion that reigning super WBA champion Manny Pacquiao is only the fourt…

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Dangerous foe likely for Magsayo

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Sat, 01 Aug 2020

Mark Magsayo (right) and JohnRiel Casimero in Redondo Beach, near L. A., on a fishing expedition. A fighter who sent an opponent to a hospital and into retirement three years ago is likely to face IBF…

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Daza backs Garcia for Hall of Fame

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Thu, 30 Jul 2020

ABAP vice chairman Raul Daza is a man of integrity, action and principles. During a long distinguished career as a public servant, he never changed political colors, staying loyal to the Liberal Party…

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Adams predicts Donaire win by KO

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Mon, 27 Jul 2020

There’s no doubt in former US Olympic boxing coach Kenny Adams’ mind that Nonito Donaire, Jr. will knock out defending WBC bantamweight champion Nordine Oubaali of France when they clash in a 12-round…

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Casimero may settle for another foe

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Sat, 25 Jul 2020

Casimero. It’s still not certain when super WBA/IBF bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue will arrive in Las Vegas and his appointment with WBO titleholder JohnRiel Casimero remains in the wait list but M…

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Let’s not forget Garcia

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Fri, 24 Jul 2020

A press release from Las Vegas quoted Olympic boxing qualifier Eumir Marcial the other day setting his career goals as capturing the Philippines’ first gold medal in the Summer Games and becoming the …

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Clearing the road to Tokyo

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Wed, 22 Jul 2020

Signing a contract to turn pro with MP Promotions has assured Olympic middleweight boxing qualifier Eumir Marcial a clear path to Tokyo with Sen. Manny Pacquiao himself declaring he’ll do whatever he …

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Appeal for help

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Fri, 17 Jul 2020

Virgilio Garcia. The good news is pro boxing referee and judge Virgilio (Vio) Garcia will likely be discharged from The Medical City in Pasig this weekend after recovering from COVID-19 but the bad ne…

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Ancajas in for long US haul

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Thu, 16 Jul 2020

IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas will likely stay in the US for two or three fights once he lands from Manila and his manager/trainer Joven Jimenez said yesterday Top Rank is ready to arrang…

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Pinoy pugs in demand

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Tue, 14 Jul 2020

John Vincent Moralde sees action this Thursday in Las Vegas. More and more Filipino fighters are being lined up for fights in the US but WBO bantamweight champion JohnRiel Casimero is still waiting fo…

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Pro boxing OK’d under MGCQ

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Sun, 12 Jul 2020

Boxing was included among the pro sports that were given the provisional green light to restart by the IATF but GAB chairman Baham Mitra said yesterday fights may be allowed only under MGCQ starting i…

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Suarez to go for Olympic gold

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Thu, 09 Jul 2020

Suarez. Three-time SEA Games gold medalist Charly Suarez is hoping to join Olympic boxing ticket-holders Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno in going for gold in Tokyo next year but it remains to be seen if…

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Mitra seeks clarity on boxing restart

By Joaquin Henson, PhilBoxing.com Sat, 04 Jul 2020

There appears to be some confusion on whether boxing was approved among the contact sports to restart by the IATF during a zoom meeting last Thursday. GAB chairman Baham Mitra said yesterday although …