Unless a major corporate backer will come in to cover up the high cost of promotion, ALA Boxing Gym top honcho Antonio “Bidoy” L. Aldeguer believes that the World Cup of Boxing here in the Philippines is not feasible.
“On the business aspect of it, the World Cup is not feasible in RP mainly because of the high cost of promotion. Unless of course there are major sponsors,” Aldeguer told The Freeman yesterday.
At least US$2 million is needed to stage the prestigious event that is initially scheduled this August either in Cebu or Manila.
Aldeguer, who is considered as the godfather of Cebu boxing, confirmed he received a letter from Golden Boy Promotions vice president Eric Gomez informing him of their intent to hold the World Cup on August 11 at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California.
Although nothing is definite yet, Aldeguer has somehow already conceded that the World Cup won’t take place on local shores.
“It’s (Golden Boy) their promotion so they can hold it anywhere they want,” said Aldeguer.
However, well-known international promoter and Aldeguer’s right hand man Sammy Gello-ani, remains confident that the World Cup would still be done in the Philippines as he kept on holding talks with possible corporate and television sponsors who can help bankroll the multi-million show.
“Right now, everything is still being worked out. Nothing is definite, and we are just working on the details on which is the best option for us to hold the event,” Gello-ani told boxingconfidential.com.
But whether or not there’s a World Cup, Aldeguer advised the GBP executives that he is willing to promote the mandatory title defense of WBO super bantamweight champion Daniel Ponce de Leon of Mexico against Boholano ring sensation Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista in Cebu.
“I already told Golden Boy Promotions that I’m willing to promote the title fight between Bautista and De Leon here in Cebu whether or not there’s a World Cup. That’s my recommendation to them. That depends though if De Leon is willing to come here,” said Aldeguer.
The Bautista-De Leon showdown is supposed to headline the World Cup that will also feature WBO bantamweight champion Jhonny Gonzales against Gerry Pe?alosa.
Aldeguer, on the other hand, revealed that he is willing to pursue a world championship bout for his other prized ward Z “The Dream” Gorres possibly against Dimitri Kirilov for the IBF super flyweight crown later this year.
Aldeguer, meanwhile, quashed the probability of a rematch between Gorres and WBO super flyweight title-holder Fernando Montiel. “It won’t happen,” the amiable boxing manager said.
