CEBU, Philippines – Cebuano kingmaker Rex “Wakee” Salud said he is willing to open business lines with ALA Promotions as long as it is for the good of all concerned.
ALA Promotions, the country’s leading boxing outfit responsible for the highly successful Pinoy Pride series that is now a global hit, has earlier expressed interest on signing up Salud’s prized ward Marlon “The Nightmare” Tapales, who boosted his stock following his sensational victory in Thailand exactly a week ago.
The 24-year-old Tapales showed nerves of steel in recovering from two knockdowns in the fifth round on the way to batter two-time world champion Pungluang Sor Singyu into 11th round submission and win the WBO bantamweight title last July 27 at the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthayah.
Thus, the pride of Lala, Maranding, Lanao del Norte becomes the fourth reigning Filipino world boxing champion after Donnie “Ahas” Nietes (WBO light flyweight), Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, Jr. (WBO super bantamweight) and Johnriel ‘Cuardo Alas” Casimero (IBF flyweight).
Salud, a close associate and confidant of Pinoy ring superstar Manny Pacquiao, said he got a lot of offers after Tapales’ monumental triumph but the most serious thing he considers right now is a business partnership with ALA.
“ALA Promotions is a highly respected organization not only here but in other parts of the world. It has proven many times in the past its capability of handling top boxers as well as puting up world-class events. It would be my pleasure to work with them as long as it is for the good of all,” said Salud, who now has four world champions out of his RWS Boxing Gym International. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:
Before guiding Tapales to crowning glory, Salud once charted the careers of celebrated brothers Dodie Boy and Gerry Pe?alosa, both two-division world champs, and ex-WBC flyweight titlist Malcolm “Eagle Eye” Tu?acao.
Salud said he and ALA Gym manager/chief trainer Edito Villamor has already talked about the possibility of signing up Tapales but they have not reached a concrete agreement yet.
“Yes, Edito (Villamor) has informed me of their plan to sign up Tapales but nothing is definite yet,” said Salud. “I have to talk things over first with Michael Aldeguer,” added Salud, referring to the dashing ALA Promotions President and CEO.
In a separate interview, Aldeguer has reiterated their desire to enter a deal with Salud and Tapales.
“Yes, we are interested with Tapales and hope to sign him up,” said Aldeguer. “We’ll sit down and talk with Wakee at the soonest possible time.”
If they succeed in getting Tapales, it would be a major boost for ALA Promotions as it needs an added main draw for their future Pinoy Pride events. (FREEMAN)
