Two Maranao fighters are joining the famous ALA boxing stable in Cebu, according to American boxing patron in Davao Ron Doran.
Saddam Barambangan, 17 of General Santos City and Ali Brashary Cali, 16 of Davao City, are two bright prospects in professional boxing, were escorted by Doran to ALA owner Antonio L. Aldeguer, handler of Boom Boom Bautista.
Doran said the two fighters have no longer formidable opponents in the amateur ranks and they have to move up to the professional level.
Doran took care of the training of the two fighters in Davao under the watchful eyes of two-time Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) bronze medalist Efren Desierto and Mike Revilla by holding sparring sessions at the Holiday Gym and Spa and Matina Fitness Gym here.
It will be recalled, Mike Revilla was the former trainer of world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.
Doran said under ALA’s stable, the two amateur standouts are expected to improve and get the necessary training to become world champions.
“We can see that they can be world champions. With proper guidance of ALA, who is the best, we are very confident that they will follow the footsteps of Manny Pacquiao, Boom Boom Bautisa and Diosdado Gabi,” Doran said.
Meanwhile, before their departure last Sunday, Barambangan said he will do his best to become a good fighter while Cali wants to be the best in the pro ranks in order to help his family here.
Gabi is the only Davao fighter, so far, who is making a mark in the professional ranks in United States under the Golden Boy Promotions of Oscar dela Hoya. He trains daily at the Wild Card gym of Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer.
Doran said he is even impressed of the fighters of North Cotabato Vice Gov. Emmanuel Pinol who just won titles under the World Boxing Organization (WBO) in Kidapawan City.
“We have very good fighters in Mindanao. We just need to give them a chance to get a big fight in the pro ranks,” Doran added. (PNA)
