Enamored by his sincerity and enthusiasm to help promising Filipino fighters fight in the United States, Cebu boxing patron Antonio “Bidoy” L. Aldeguer announced that he has accepted the proposal of American impresario Michael Koncz to serve as business manager of WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight champion Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista. Aldeguer, a Cebu Sports Hall of Famer for his tremendous support in boxing both in the professional and amateur ranks, said the deal was sealed through a “gentleman’s agreement” as no formal signing of contract took place between him and Koncz.
“Michael Koncz is already part of the ALA Team that will chart the future of Bautista’s career. I don’t like to look at the business side of our agreement. All I can say is that he is a friend and that endeared me to him,” said Aldeguer in a simple get-together with some members of the sports media the other night at the City Sports Club of Cebu.
“Although he has no clout with big promoters in the US, he has time for us and that is what counts,” added Aldeguer, a three-time Sportsman of the Year awardee by the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC).
An ecstatic Koncz said it is a distinct privilege for him to work with the revered ALA Boxing Club, which is established by Aldeguer in 1985 and has so far produced countless Cebu ring stars in the likes of the Tu?acao brothers Malcolm and Noel, Pe?alosa siblings Gerry and Dodie Boy, Randy Suico, Rodel Mayol, Rev Santillan and Edito Villamor to name a few.
“It’s really a great privilege working with these guys because we have the same principle,” said Koncz, who represents Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Bureau.
Koncz said their ultimate goal is to convert Bautista – undoubtedly one of the most exciting and hottest fighters in the country today – into a superstar status to the elite Pay-Per-View level.
Koncz believes that Bautista has all what it takes – the charisma and skills – to become the most popular athlete the Philipines could ever have in the future, even surpassing the fame and fortune presently enjoyed by the General Santos City-native Manny Pacquiao.
“Bautista is an all-round fighter. He’s got the aggressiveness and style. He’s a very exciting fighter and that’s what boxing fans want. Given proper training and exposure, he will surpass Manny Pacquiao. We’ll transform him into a superstar to the elite Pay-Per-View level.He can be the most popular athlete the Philippines could ever have,” said Koncz.
“He reminds me of Mike Tyson in the prime. You’ll never know that hand is going to knock you out,” added Koncz.
Koncz said their first step is to concentrate more on the exposure of the Candijay, Bohol-native Bautista by letting him fight in the US to a minimum of two and a maximum of three per year as what they’ve agreed with Aldeguer.
Koncz confirmed that Bautista is set to see action on September 2 on an ESPN card in Sacramento, California against a still undetermined opponent.
“I already have names of his possible opponents, but I won’t make any disclosure until the contract is signed,” said Koncz, who was responsible for booking a fight for Bobby Pacquiao, Manny’s younger brother, in the US last year against Mexican Oscar Villa.
Koncz’ love affair with the Filipino ring gladiators started to blossom when he spotted ALA prodigy Z “The Dream” Gorres training under the watchful eyes of American strategist Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California in September last year.
“Upon seeing Gorres train at the Wild Card Gym, it was instantly conceived in my mind that Filipino fighters really have the skills and potentials. If they will be trained properly and given the necessary exposure, they could make it big in the US,” said Koncz.
Koncz, on the other hand, revealed that he is planning to put up a promotion in the US featuring top ALA pugs such as Bautista and Gorres against Mexican fighters.
