Sunday, 13 September 2026 · Philippines
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GAB awards cash to ex-WBF champ and ex-convict Magahin

ILOILO CITY -- The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) has awarded cash to former WBF welterweight champion and ex-convict William Magahin of Iloilo City.

For his part, Vidal thanked the GAB for “sending a positive signal to all retired Filipino boxers like Magahin” saying he will inform WBF President Mick Croucher about GAB’s benevolence.

“The amount will not last a lifetime but the GAB showed that it is ready to come to the rescue of destitute boxers regardless of their background,” said Vidal, referring to Magahin whose incarceration in 2003 prompted Croucher to come to Manila and visit him in jail.

CASH FOR BAILBOND

The former boxer won the WBF belt by whipping Australian Jeff Malcolm on points in a title fight at the Iloilo Sports Complex here on March 25, 1995.

DEBACLE

He lost it on points to Suwito Lagola in Sumatra, Indonesia but regained it when the WBF stripped Lagola of the title for failing to make a mandatory defense.

After repulsing on points deaf-mute Hawaiian-Filipino challenger Erwin Villaver in 1996, Magahin yielded the crown to Jaime Lerma of Texas, USA on a savage 11th round disposal witnessed at the ringside by then Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

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