Thirty years after hosting the World Boxing Convention during the Ali-Frazier ?Thrilla in Manila? at the Araneta Coliseum, the Philippines again will host the prestigious gathering of boxing officials next year.
This was bared by Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Eric Buhain during the PSA Sports Forum yesterday.
Buhain said 190-member countries are coming to Manila to attend the event which is expected to be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Malate.
As a prelude to the event, a similar gathering will be held among top local officials.
Heads of boxing bodies like the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Organization (WBO, International Boxing Federation (IBF) and regional boxing organizations are attending the convention.
“We will host the prestigious boxing convention for the second time to show to the world that professional boxing is very much alive in the Philippines. The convention is timely because we produced lots of Filipino world champions in Pacquiao, Viloria, Bautista and Rodel Mayol,” stressed Buhain bidding to become the second GAB chairman to host the prestigious world boxing convention.
Buhain said he will stage a world boxing title bout during the convention featuring a Filipino boxer against foreign foe similar to the Ali-Frazier fight in 1975 at the Big Dome.
“We will give world boxing luminaries the opportunity to watch world title fight featuring Filipino boxer,” said the former PSC chairman.
Ali beat Fraizer in that epic fight to retain the world heavyweight crown.
“I have four boxers in mind. Pacquiao, Viloria, Bautista or Rodel Mayol,” said Buhain.
The undefeated Mayol (22-0) is schedule to fight reigning WBC champion Eagle Kyowa of Japan at the Korakuen Hall in downtown Tokyo.
