Philippines, 18 May 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


ABAP Powerless Over Amateurs Turning Professionals; SEAG Silver Medalist Melligen Is The Lastest To Jump Fence


PhilBoxing.com


If only the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) had its way, it could have stop amateur boxers from turning professional.

But, according to ABAP president Manny T. Lopez, his office has no power in so far as its boxers' decision of campaigning in the professional level is concerned. In an interview with Lopez yesterday, following reports that SEA Games silver medal winner welterweight Mark Jason Melligen is the latest amateur boxer who jumps into the pro rank and in fact scheduled to appear in his debut bout on April 30 in Bohol, Lopez said it has long been the system.

Actually, it was not the first time that an amateur boxer turns professional and in fact, some of them succeeded in their new endeavor.

He also admitted that ABAP will not stop nor interfere with its boxers? decision to apply for a professional license.

?Matagal nang nangyayari yan, na ?yung mga boxers namin eh biglang nawawala and then nababalitaan na lang namin professionals na, pero hindi kami naghahabol, ganoon talaga ang kalakaran,? comments Lopez.

What Lopez wants to insist is a system in which the boxers?should take clearance from ABAP before campaigning in the professional rank.

?Dahil sa Pacquiao-mania mainit talaga ang professional boxing ngayon, and we understand na gusto ng mga boxers na sumikat din tulad ni Pacquiao,? Lopez lamented.

Because of this recent development, Lopez might meet with Eric Buhain, chairman of the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), the supervisory body task to oversee professional boxers, to tackle the issue.

?Honestly, the ABAP has no control of the boxers in our fold who wants to become professional,? Lopez said.

?Ang gusto lang namin dito sa ABAP, ?yung mga boksingero namin ay magpaalam nang maayos,? he added.

ABAP sec-gen Roger Fortaleza revealed that after settling for a silver medal in the 23rd SEA Games in December, Melligen had failed to report to ABAP office in January (2006). Moreso, the boxer didn?t bother to inform ABAP of his decision of fighting as professional.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Virgi T. Romano.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Paolo Gallito, 6 others in the last 16 in Malaysia
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 17 May 2026
  • Keyshawn Davis Returns Home With Decision Win Over Nahir Albright
    , Sun, 17 May 2026
  • Heartbreak in Johannesburg: Jerusalem Dethroned by Kuse in Bloody Rematch
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 17 May 2026
  • Roy Jones Jr. Blasts Dana White and Zuffa’s Push to Reshape Boxing During Explosive “Boxing Primetime Show” Interview
    , Sat, 16 May 2026
  • Weigh-In Results: Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright II
    , Sat, 16 May 2026
  • Jerusalem vs. Kuse II: High-Stakes Rematch in Johannesburg
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 16 May 2026
  • Hometown Hero Edward Vazquez Returns to ProBoxTV on Friday, June 5, to Face Mexico’s Daniel Lugo in the 10-round Main Event of ‘The Contender Series’ at University of Texas in Arlington
    , Sat, 16 May 2026
  • AQ Prime to host 2 big tournaments
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 16 May 2026
  • June 6 announcement: Padley-Fiaz to Main Event in Sheffield after Galal Yafai setback
    , Fri, 15 May 2026
  • Press Conference Notes: Keyshawn Davis Ready to Settle Unfinished Business in Saturday’s Hometown Rematch against Nahir Albright LIVE on DAZN
    , Fri, 15 May 2026
  • Eros Correa vs. Anthony Garnica, Set to Clash for WBC Continental Americas Title.
    , Fri, 15 May 2026
  • Eman-Perez rematch now title-match
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 15 May 2026
  • Montreal Experience greatly benefited Undefeated Kansas boxing prospect Marco Romero for this Saturday’s fight
    , Fri, 15 May 2026
  • ”MERCILESS” RAY MERCER TO ATTEND 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
    , Fri, 15 May 2026
  • IIEE Metro Central dominates the IIEE National Midyear Convention sportsfest
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 15 May 2026
  • Ancajas Boxing team to join Koronadal slugfest
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 15 May 2026
  • Jojo Legaspi eyes four squads in JCI Senate Lipa 3X3 Open Rapid Chess Tournament on June 20
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 15 May 2026
  • Paras ready to face Yokoyama on June 6
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 14 May 2026
  • Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright II Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
    , Thu, 14 May 2026
  • Champion Outside the Ring: Gustavo Trujillo and Bio Cell Wellness Group Support Children with Autism Through Life-Changing Therapies
    , Thu, 14 May 2026
  • IBA and WBA successfully deliver first joint professional training course for referees and judges
    , Wed, 13 May 2026
  • GAB to give managers, matchmakers and trainers 3 years license
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 13 May 2026
  • ROBIN “ROBZ” SAFAR TO FACE ARGENTINA’S HIGHLY RATED YAMIL PERALTA FOR WBC SILVER CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE
    , Wed, 13 May 2026
  • Influencer/boxer Brooklyn Barwick anxious to Bounce back from first loss this Saturday in South Carolina
    , Wed, 13 May 2026
  • Mama ready to facer Ayala in Mexico
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 13 May 2026




  •  



     
    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
    © 2026 philboxing.com.