Philippines, 02 Jul 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


ALA keeps on punchin’


PhilBoxing.com


>
Tony Aldeguer (L) with the author.

CEBU. Meeting up with Tony (or Bidoy) Aldeguer, respected owner of the once-thriving ALA Boxing stable, was a highlight of my visit here for the EASL Final Four recently. It’s been years since we’ve seen each other and in between game days, Tony motored close to 1 1/2 hours to take me to lunch.

For 35 years, Tony was at the helm of one of the country’s most respected boxing outfits. He put up a first-class gym in the compound of his family’s garment factory in Talamban and personally, supervised the careers of his fighters until yielding the reins to his son Michael. ALA Boxing closed down in 2020 in the wake of the pandemic.

Through the years, Tony saw the rise of ALA fighters who became world champions, some under his wing and others, moving on to join different stables. The all-star cast includes Gerry Penalosa, Donnie Nietes, Joma Gamboa, Malcolm and Noel Tunacao, Milan Melindo, Mark Magsayo, Melvin Jerusalem, Rodel Mayol and Merlito Sabillo. Among the fighters who fell short of bagging a world title were Jeo Santisima, Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista, Andy Tabanas, Edito Villamor, AJ Banal, Jonas Sultan, Arthur Villanueva and Z Gorres. A milestone achievement was ALA Boxing promoting in the US where the license fee alone was $50,000. Although no longer involved in boxing, he’s often visited by his proteges.

Tony, 82, is far from being retired, checks in at his office every morning then takes his lunch, naps and does his exercise routine. Tony is an avid basketball fan, monitors every PBA game on TV and keeps track of the league standings. Michael, who took over ALA Boxing for a few years, is into another hobby, breeding Golden Retrievers. Tony has three sons and eight grandchildren.

“When ALA Boxing closed down, many of our fighters went to SanMan with JC Manangquil whom I remember, when he was still in high school, used to seek my advice,” said Tony. “JCs a good man with a passion for the sport and I’m happy a lot of our fighters joined him. Of the ALA fighters, I think Boom Boom stood out. He was charismatic and gave it his all, win or lose. Boom Boom now lives in Bohol with his family, has two kids and is a Master Sergeant with the military.”

Tony will always be remembered for his integrity, love for boxing and care of his fighters. He never took a centavo from his fighters’ purses, provided employment for their families, created opportunities for them to travel the globe in pursuing their dream to become world champions and paved the way for a better life. Tony set a high standard in managing and promoting boxers with his principles remaining a guiding light in the fight game today. Before we parted ways, Tony smiled and said, “keep on punchin.’” Tony still is.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • What If Pacquiao Defeats Barrios?
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • Team USA Earns Three Wins on Day Two of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
    , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • Women's Boxing Champion Signs with Combate Global, Still Aims For WBC Absolute Gold
    , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • Sanman Boxing Presents Hard-Hitting Prospect Abubakar Yanon Set to Challenge for Philippine Boxing Federation Flyweight Title in Malungon, Sarangani Province
    , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • Boxing Returns to Tropicana Atlantic City, July 25
    , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 June 2025: Zurdo Outpoints Dorticos, Keeps WBA/WBO Cruiser Titles; Mbilli Stops Sulecki in 1; Wins by Kuroki, Wilder and Jake Paul
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • IIEE Titans secured Finals in BPBL, IIEE Chessmasters retain on top level in Bundesliga
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • MARIO BARRIOS LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
    , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • CATTERALL AND EUBANK LAY THEIR 'CARDS ON THE TABLE' AHEAD OF MANCHESTER SHOWDOWN
    , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • Dumadag holds chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • Manny Pacquiao's Case for the Greatest of All Time
    By Ace Freeman, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • DavNor Adventure Race 2025 set July 2
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Gumila rules Antipolo rapid chess tilt
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • FULL CIRCLE AT WILD CARD: Jhay Otamias’ Tribute to a Fighter and a Fanbase
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Vince Paras Wins by 4th Round KO Over Sarawut Thawornkham to Capture the IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight Title
    , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Team USA's Quest for Gold Set in Stone at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
    , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • SBA SEASON 2 DRAFT UNVEILS RISING STARS AND STRATEGIC MOVES AS TEAMS COMPLETE THEIR ROSTERS
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Filipino Elwin Retanal wins Saudi rapid chess meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Jake Paul Earns Boxing Legitimacy with Dominant Decision Over Julio Cesar Chávez Jr.
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 29 Jun 2025
  • Zurdo Ramirez Defends Cruiserweight Crowns with Unanimous Decision Over Dorticos
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 29 Jun 2025
  • Vince Paras Faces Sarawut Thawornkham Today at Venue 88 in Gensan
    , Sun, 29 Jun 2025
  • USA Elite High Performance Team Sets Sights on Gold at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
    , Sun, 29 Jun 2025
  • Alekhine Nouri bags silver in blitz
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 29 Jun 2025
  • Paul vs. Chavez Jr: Can Julio Derail Jake Paul?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 28 Jun 2025
  • Dr. KO: Christian Mbilli Stops Maciej Sulecki in 1
    , Sat, 28 Jun 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.