Philippines, 02 Jul 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Haven for Pinoy boxers


PhilBoxing.com



Gibbons (L) and Pacquiao.

There’s a home in Las Vegas where Filipino fighters live and train, dreaming of a future to provide a better tomorrow for their families. It’s called the Knucklehead Paradise Ranch Manny Pacquiao Boxing Compound. MP Promotions and Knucklehead Boxing president Sean Gibbons owns the six-bedroom, three-bathroom place, about two miles from where he lives.

Gibbons, 58, fought as a lightheavyweight from 1986 to 1996, compiling a record of 14-7-3, with nine KOs and one of his opponents was actor Mickey Rourke whom he held to a majority draw. He moved from Oklahoma City to Las Vegas in 1997 and worked for Bob Arum at Top Rank then branched out as an independent matchmaker, motivated by giving less privileged fighters a chance to improve their lives. Since meeting Pacquiao, Gibbons’ eyes were opened to the plight of Filipino boxers. He has made it a life-long goal to create opportunities for Filipino fighters to become their best versions of Pacquiao.

“I feel like I’ve been blessed and I’ve been given a lot,” said Gibbons, a US Navy Commodore’s son who grew up in military bases and fell in love with boxing at an early age. “I really have a heart for my Filipino brothers. They give so much and all they need is a break like Jerwin (Ancajas), Jonas (Sultan) and Vincent (Astrolabio). I’m just happy that I’m in a position where I can help and try to make their dreams come true, make some money like Vincent, Jonas, Jerwin and the rest. They were able to take the money they made and change their families’ lives, build houses, do some things. I’m just happy to be part of the program.”

Gibbons’ boxing haven is now home for Ancajas, coach Joven Jimenez, Eumir Marcial, Weljon Mindoro, Carl Jammes Martin and his father and brother and Jade Bornea. Astrolabio and Sultan are flying in to join the growing family. Marlon Tapales could also bunk in.

“We’ve got a basketball court in the backyard, a boxing ring, equipment from our sponsor Global Fitness, heavy bags, speedballs, weights, the works,” said Gibbons. “I pay for all the utilities, groceries and everything else. When I make some money working with Senator Manny, I invest it back into the house and the fighters. The money I make, I put back in because that’s what I do, that’s what I want to see and that’s what I like.”

Gibbons’ influence has landed Filipino fighters big money bouts and those who make waves find themselves climbing up the ratings, eventually battling for world titles. A prime example is Martin, ranked No. 1 by WBO and No. 8 by IBF in the superbantamweight division. He has a 25-0 record, with 20 KOs. His last two fights were KO wins over Mexicans in Mexico. Martin, 25, is set to face Colombia’s Jose Sanmartin in Las Vegas next month and a win will line him up for a possible eliminator against unbeaten Australian Sam Goodman. Undisputed superbantamweight champion Naoya Inoue is expected to move up in weight in September and the vacancies on the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO thrones will mean a chance for Martin to get his title crack.


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


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • 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
  • GOLDEN BOY SIGNS UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT BLUE-CHIP PROSPECT AMARI JONES
    , Sat, 28 Jun 2025
  • Paul vs. Chávez Jr. is a Go: All Fighters Make Weight in Anaheim Ahead of High-Stakes Bout
    , Sat, 28 Jun 2025
  • IIEE Chessmasters Overall Champion in the International Bundesliga with GM Joey Antonio
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 28 Jun 2025
  • Kittipong of Thailand Battles Bhavesh of India in Brico Santig's Exciting Show in Bangkok
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 28 Jun 2025
  • Weights from Philadelphia
    , 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.