JUDGING FROM accounts of different sources at the 1st GAB Convention, our fears seem to have been justified (see The Scene Around, April 21). The issues we were hoping would be addressed with concrete plans and solutions never saw the light of day. However, most participants did come away impressed with the efforts to make their stay a pleasant one.
While there was some change in the rules, there reportedly was not even any effort to find a solution to the problem of former World Champion Luisito Espinosa’s uncollected purse from over eight years ago. And this is a high-profile case. I wonder how many lesser-known boxers are suffering the angst of having put life and limb on the line in the name of the sport and not being paid what was due them? Surely, this is a big part of the responsibility of the GAB, which is supposed to oversee and protect professional boxing.
And what of the perennial practice of boxers going abroad in scripted “fights” where they are contracted to lose or the odds are stacked heavily against them? How many cases have been reported of boxers using other people’s names in fights abroad? If most people know about this, how can GAB not be able to stop this practice?
So many other concerns were over-looked in that much-publicized affair. But I guess the organizers had their own agenda. They certainly don’t lack for patting each other in the back and using the President’s name and other Malaca?ang officials.
GAB Chairman Eric Buhain strikes me as well-meaning and smart enough to know what his agency’s rightful role is. It is hoped he would consolidate his forces and engage the GAB in more fruitful endeavors in the future.
Lotsa luck to you, sir.
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Despite some ill-advised activities in boxing, we are fortunate to still be experiencing some sort of epiphany in this age-old sport. Many of our boxers are being sought after in different parts of the world.
On Sunday May 6, a big card at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo Japan involves the young sensation from Mandaue in Rodel Mayol (22-0, 17 KO’s). Mayol will be put to the test as he challenges for the WBC Minimumweight championship against the respected Champion, Eagle Kyowa a Thai who fights out of Japan.
In the undercard is comebacking former WBC flyweight champion Malcolm Tu?acao, who will defend his OPBF Bantamweight title versus tough Yasuo Kijima.
Both fighters are managed by amiable Japanese businessman Yasuo Matsuoka and his comely Cebuana wife, Gina. Matsuoka has been in town lately and has expressed interest in recruiting more Filipino pugilists to his growing stable. We saw him in earnest conversation with Aljoe Jaro, manager of up-and-coming prospects Florante Condes and Bernabe Concepcion.
Closer to home, Mayor Dan Neri Lim of Tagbilaran City is hosting another SGG promotion in his charming city this coming Sunday, April 30 dubbed as the “Stars of the Future” at the Island City Mall Parking lot in downtown Tagbilaran. Several hot prospects are to be showcased in the card. I am personally eager to again see a young man named AJ Banal, a former amateur standout who has distinguished himself in the 4 or 5 bouts he has fought so far. I saw his last fight in Cebu over a month ago and was stunned at the way he disposed of his Thai enemy in the very first round. A powerful punch to the side of the body did the trick and his opponent could not get up for a long while.
Banal will be going up against another Thai boxer who is also a former amateur sensation in Bangsaen Sithpraprom who once fought against our very own Gerry Pe?alosa. Solar Sports is showing the fight on Sunday evening itself. It should be worth watching if only to be one of the first to see the blossoming of a potentially great Filipino boxer.
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Famed movie director Tony Reyes, who megs most of Vic Sotto’s movies, is calling on all supporters of Filipino movies to join a golf tournament for the benefit of stuntmen, extras and other marginalized sectors of the movie world. This will be held at the Veterans Golf Club this Thursday, April 27. Tee off is from 7 a.m. to 12 noon.
