While it is true that the Dubai boxing project has hit a snag, former PBA Commissioner Noli Eala says everything is being done to save the ambitious project to stage a major boxing event in the highly progressive emirate.
Eala, who heads Third Force Promotions, the same group of businessmen and sportsmen that promoted the high-profile “Payback” boxing event at the Araneta Coliseum last December, says the Dubai group that was supposed to bankroll the project has not been able to honor some financial commitments on time.
“This is a turn-key project wherein some investors from the emirate along with a group of Filipinos there agreed to have Third Force put together a blockbuster fight card that would feature two Filipino world champions (IBF/IBO champ Nonito Donaire Jr. and WBO Minimumweight title-holder Donnie Nietes),” said Eala. “Of course, the presence of a huge Filipino work force in Dubai was the main reason why this effort was hatched.”
In a telephone conversation with the Bulletin from Davao where he was in a meeting for “Liga Pilipinas,” a basketball league he is putting up, Eala said the Dubai group was very gung-ho about the project, especially when Third force was able to land Hussein Hussein, an Australian citizen of Lebanese descent as Donaire?s opponent.
Eala says he started sensing some trepidation on their Middle Eastern parties after the Michael Moorer-Shelby Gross Heavyweight fight last February reportedly attracted only about 800 spectators. It was the first ever boxing promotion in Dubai and the dismal turnout has understandably caused jitters among some of the investors.
However, it should be different with the Filipino-dominated fight card with the reputation of Filipino workers abroad who grab every opportunity to get a taste of home, especially when they are given a chance to cheer for their compatriots. That Hussein also traces his roots to the Middle East adds even more spice to the pot.
“I am still hopeful that our Dubai partners will come around and fulfill their part in our agreements. Our group has already advanced some monies and this is a sign of our good faith. But more than the possible financial setback, we are especially concerned about the Filipino counterparts there who are also involved in this, and of course the boxers,” Eala said.
“We have already imposed on ourselves a deadline-March 31 for everything to be settled so we can get the project back on track. The Dubai side has indicated they will honor their commitments. Until then, everything else is speculation and will only be counter-productive for all concerned.”
The Third Force president also flatly denied that some parties are grumbling because “I have always been transparent with them and am in constant communication with the same people I have been negotiating with from the start- Gary Shaw (Donaire?s promoter), Tony Aldeguer (of ALA gym who has several boxers in the card aside from Nietes) and Samson Lewkowicz of Golden Boy Promotions, who is our matchmaker. They are all regularly apprised of the situation and will be the first to know of any developments. Even Rachel Marcial, Donaire?s fianc?e, is in touch by email.”
Eala says he is surprised why a big deal is being made about the problems the promotion is encountering. “We aim to showcase the Filipino boxer and to give joy to our working countrymen in the Middle East, but the moment we encounter some difficulties, some people are all over it. We intend to go through with the project, and just like any other prudent businessmen, we do have contingency plans.”
“Other promotions have experienced postponements or even cancellations and nobody makes a fuss. Our contracts also have provisions for this, so that shouldn?t be a problem. But our efforts are geared towards carrying on with the original plan because it is a good plan. Now, if March 31 comes around and the assurances are not adhered to, then we will go to plan B.”
But Eala says it is not good business to be confrontational and he hopes to iron out the kinks in a diplomatic and non-contentious manner. “We have to take into consideration that our partners in other countries and cultures have their own way of conducting business. We cannot impose our own style on them, because we are guests in their territory. We need to be patient and trust in the good sense and honor of all involved. We would have preferred to work on this quietly, but we will take things as they come.”
Meanwhile, word from California is that Donaire has temporarily broken camp until definite word comes out as to the actual date of his second title defense.
