Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo “Boy” Radaza yesterday said they will be giving out a whopping P300,000 cash incentive to their newest boxing star Gabriel “Bonbon” Pumar for coming up with a historic feat in South Africa two nights ago.
Except for Manny Pacquiao, no other Filipino boxer has received such a huge cash reward. Radaza’s announcement shocked even Pumar, who almost went speechless after hearing the good news.
The 20-year-old Pumar put Lapu-Lapu City to the international boxing map when he scored a smashing seventh round knockout of defending champion Tshepo
Lefele to win the WBC International minimumweight title last Saturday at the Wembley Indoor Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Interestingly, the bonus that will be shelled out by the city government to Pumar is double than Pumar’s purse in the Lefele fight.
Aside from being the only second Filipino boxer next to Bert Batawang to win a major title in South Africa, Pumar also earns the honor as the country’s first unranked fighter to capture a prestigious regional belt abroad.
Before challenging Lefele, Pumar wasn’t rated by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB). That is no longer needed now as Pumar is expected to barge into the Top 10 in the WBC ratings as his African victim is rated No.12 105-pounder by the Mexico-based organization.
“Pumar’s victory is a big honor for us so he deserved to be rewarded. We are giving this incentive as our gesture of appreciation and thanks for his efforts and will to win,” said Radaza, who tendered a sumptuous victory party to Pumar and his entourage at Anton’s Seafoods Restaurant.
“His win is very inspiring to Lapu-Lapu athletes and a morale-booster to our youth. I hope the other sport-minded individuals of Lapu-Lapu will emulate the achievement of Pumar,” added Radaza, himself a big supporter of Pumar
Radaza said Pumar’s triumph is very timely as they are bracing for the “Kadaugan sa Mactan” on April 27, their annual festival commemorating the victory of local chieftain Lapu-Lapu over the Spanish invaders led by Ferdinand Magellan.
The highlight of the colorful event is the re-enacment of “The Battle of Mactan”, which is among the significant events in Philippine history and a testimony to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Filipinos.
On that day, Radaza said they will be handing out the cash incentive to Pumar as well as to other outstanding Lapu-Lapu athletes that include Antonio “Gaga”Gabica in billiards.
“I’m really thankful for the financial assistance given to me by Mayor Radaza. It’s indeed a big help to my family. One thing I can promise to him (Radaza) and to my fellow Cebuano is that I will strive and work hard to eventually win the world title,” said the soft-spoken Pumar, who holds an immaculate 9-0 record with six wins by knockout.
Actually, Pumar is one of the three Filipino ring gladiators from Cebu’s prominent Rex “Wakee” Salud Stable who fought in South Africa. The others were Benedict Suico and Mecito Gesta.
Suico, who was stricken with fever brought by the swelling of his tonsilitis, lost to Mhikiza Myekeni by unanimous decision in their 12-round bout for the BC International flyweight crown, while Gesta’s bout with WBC International featherweight title-holder Jeffrey Mathebula was canceled after Gesta failed in the final medical exam.
“? encouraged him (Pumar) to give his all-out best to win the fight because he’s our lone hope to bring home a crown. I’m happy he did it and I’m proud of him,” said Pumar’s trainer Juanito “Jun”Ablaca.
Cebu bigtime promoter Rex “Wakee”Salud, the manager of Pumar, said he believes his ward has all what it takes to become a world champion someday.
“Pumar just turned 20 years old. He’s still very young and there’s a very big chance for him to become a world champion in the future,” said Salud.
