Philippines, 16 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


PBA: It?s on with the sweet savagery


PhilBoxing.com


(COURAGEOUS CALL: It was the lifetime motto of newspaperman Nixon Kua to stare truth in the eye--and report everything without fear or favor. It was also his lifetime vow to fight criminality. Kua was being truthful to his calling when he was gunned down by robbers in Calamba over the weekend. He has been sacrificed. It would be a big disservice to this committed gentleman if authorities, led by President Aquino, continue to play blind to the rapacious rise of criminality in the country. Sir Nixon?s death should serve as a screaming call for police authorities to take honest action, or do they have the courage of the man?)

**

THAT was not an entirely new dish served in the opener of the PBA Governors Cup Finals on Sunday.

But it must?ve tasted especially good.

If to a steak, it was virile, far from tender.

But there?s no denying PBA Commissioner Chito Salud has found it to his liking.

He has, in fact, bluntly ordered a second serving.

It was hard to determine how the referees, acting as chefs, could do a reprise.

**

For one, the dish did not sit well with all those involved.
There was, for example, B-Meg coach Tim Cone who had obviously suffered indigestion.

He protested vehemently, hurling a chair in frustration, thereby damaging the glossy, expensive playing floor at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Cone was slapped a hefty fine by the Commissioner, and also assessed for damages by venue managers.

**

It was indeed quite smart of coach Yeng Guiao for having snapped back at Cone for his critical reaction.

Guiao said it was unfair of Cone to have asked the help of referees, while hinting things could go out of hand in Game 2 (scheduled last night.)

Guiao would next be upheld by Commissioner Salud, who insisted everything was above board as far as officiating was concerned.

**

Of course, fans, including Rain or Shine diehards, were not unanimously happy at the Sunday outcome.

Budda Daiz, a hardworking jeep driver, said he made the right decision by staying away from the game together with his eldest son CJ, a talented young cager and avid student of the game.
?Kung ganuong laro makikita ng mga bata, buti nga huwag na lang (It?s better to stay away if that?s the kind of dirty game kids would be exposed to),? he told the Inquirer on Monday.

He said the winning side could have used a little subtlety in going all out for a win.

**

But we have to give it to Commissioner Salud who insisted the rough, rugged match did not border on savagery.

In deference to the Commisioner, this reporter hereby rephrases the title of his last column to sweet savagery.

Coach Cone has also apologized for his explosive reaction.
In fairness go Guiao, he?s both sharp and talented his players could?ve won hands down with more fluidity.

But, as demonstrated in Game 1, toughness is the name of the game.

In fact, there should be an even bigger attendance last night, thanks to the promise of a more dramatic encounter.

**

This could also mean the referees, given the authority by the league commissioner, should have more than their share of hot, fiery ingredients.

Unfortunately, there was also the risk of the steak ending up overdone.

How? Ok, this need not be retold. But when one beleaguered team (was it Shell?) demanded tighter control from the referees during a championship series in the 90s, the great Rudy Salud, late father of the current PBA commissioner, humbly acceded. He ordered the referees to next render a softer conduct of the game, like shifting from rock to a waltz number.

The requesting squad, naturally, had its moment on the floor. This team was clearly on its way to a title win when a monumental walkout, led by living legend Robert Jaworski, import Sylvester Gray and manager Bernabe Navarro, was staged in the second half.

That event also rocked the league to its foundation.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
    By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026
  • “The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026
  • Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
    , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
    By Dong Secuya, , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • 3 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Young Australian Benji Birchell Claims Title Win in Thailand
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Tickets for the Inaugural “Mike Tyson Invitational” Amateur Fight Night on Saturday, March 14, in Las Vegas Are on Sale Now
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Men's Elite High Performance Team and Squad Rosters Announced
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • IIEE, SAEP shared lead, PIChE won 3rd in a row in the PTC WED NEMO Chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 9 FEBRUARY 2026: Figueroa Stops Ball in 12; Medina Outpoints Curiel; Asanau, Unal Win in Montreal
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Paradero gets a rematch against Francisco
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Carcedo wins WBA Asia South super welterweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Feb 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.