CEBU, Philippines – Highly esteemed sportsman Antonio “Bidoy” L. Aldeguer, the godfather of Cebu boxing and the genius behind the world-renowned ALA Gym, said the decision of the International Boxing Association, also known as AIBA, to adopt the ‘no headgear rule’ for male boxers in the upcoming Rio Olympics is ‘a good move, but entails a bigger risk.”
The AIBA has adopted the change for amateur fighters three years ago, but will be implemented for the first time in this year’s Games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil this August.
This after the move got official clearance from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board, saying it would not interfere should AIBA apply its own rules in the quadrennial sports conclave.
It marks for the first time in over three decades that male pugilists won’t be wearing protective headgear at the Olympics.
When sought for his comment, Aldeguer, a Cebu Sports Hall of Famer for his impassioned support to the development of boxing in both the amateur and pro ranks, said in so doing, the AIBA just want to professionalize the fighters and further advance its cause of allowing pro boxers to compete in the Olympics.
“The main reason that the headguard was removed was because AIBA was trying to “professionalize” the fighters and definitely, the pros cannot fight with headguards. It was a good move but by doing so, the fighters entail a bigger risk,” said the venerable founder of ALA Promotions International. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:
In his standpoint, Aldeguer said the move of AIBA to allow professionals to fight in the Olympics is good but he feels that it will take some time before the big names in the pro level will be able to participate in the games.
Even eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao is very keen keen on postponing his retirement plans for a shot at delivering the coutnry’s first ever Olympic gold via the Rio Games (see separate story). ADVERTISING
But for Aldeguer, it’s not going to happen. At least, not any time soon.
“Firstly, the big stumbling block are the promoters and managers. Most fighters are under contract. Secondly, it is difficult for big name pros to adjust to fight an amateur for a four-round fight when they train for 10/12 round fights. Style make fights and the pros fight differently than amateurs,” said Aldeguer.
“Perfect example is two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux. Nobody wants to fight him nor anyone wants to watch him fight and no promoters want to promote his fights.”
“It will be a long transition yet before AIBA can get big name pros to fight in the Olympics and definitely, not in Rio. I am in favor of it but AIBA have also to look into bringing in pro officials to initially officiate the fights,” he added. (FREEMAN)
