8CountNews caught up with chief boxing trainer at the ALA Boxing Gym, Alla Villamor. The 3 time National Champion and two time world title challenger keeps busy in The Philippines working with up and coming prospects, current contenders, and current world champs as well. Villamor spoke with 8CN and updated us on his current stable. He also talks about the upcoming Manny Pacquiao Vs. Timothy Bradley fight.
8CN ? Coach thanks for speaking with me. Can you give us an update on Ray ?Boom Boom? Bautista?
AV ? You’re welcome Brad, thanks for the opportunity. Ray is currently in his home town and will be back in training the first week in June. We have to wait for Sir Ala (Antonio I. Aldeguer) and Michael Aldeguer CEO ALA Promotions, regarding the plans of Rey’s next scheduled fight.
8CN ? What’s the latest on AJ Banal?
AV ? AJ Banal is in deep training right now and the plan is for him to fight in July. This is ALA’s plan for him.
8CN ? Please update us on the rest of your stable.
AV ? On June 2nd in the Resort World Manila ?Pinoy Pride 14? Our top main event will be two divisional world champion and the longest Filipino world champion Donnie Nietes. He will defend his title (WBO light flyweight) Vs. Felipe Salguero. Top prospect Milan Melindo (WBO intercontinental flyweight champion) will face Jesus Geles, former WBO intercontinental flyweight champion. Top prospect Genesis Servania Vs Genaro Garcia 8 time world title challenger for the WBC international silver super bantamweight title.
8CN ? Do you think there will ever be another Manny Pacquiao to come along one day?
AV ? No Brad there is only one Manny Pacquiao in The Philippines or in the world.
8CN ? Put it into your words what Manny Pacquiao has done for Filipino boxers.
AV ? Manny Pacquiao is our hero. He’s a one of a kind fighter that has opened the doors for Filipino fighters to be recognized around the world. We thank Manny for this, it’s a big help for Filipino boxers.
8CN ? Who is the most talented fighter in your gym at this time?
AV ? I don’t like to say who’s the talented in our gym because we have so many talented fighters in here. We have two division world champion Donnie Nietes, Rey Bautista, IBF international featherweight champion AJ Banal, WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight champ and number one in the world, Milan Melindo, WBO intercontinental flyweight champ and number in the world Rocky Fuentes, WBC (OPBF) flyweight champ and number three in the world Genesis Servania. Some up and comers to watch are Jason and Albert Pagara.
8CN ? How did you initially get into boxing?
AV ? I got into boxing for self defense. Sir ALA the found of ALA Boxing Gym put on an amateur boxing tournament in Cebu City Philippines 26 years ago. The name of the event was ?For the love of boxing? that’s when I got into boxing, and love it. As an amateur I was a 3 time national champion. As a pro, I was the former Philippine minimum flyweight champion and two time world title challenger IBF/WBC. I fought Ricardo Lopez for the WBC title on March 16th, 1996. This was the co main for the Tyson Vs. Bruno fight. I stopped boxing at 25 years of age because I broke my left hand. My record as a pro was 29 wins and 2 losses with 26 knockouts and 1 draw.
8CN ? Tell the fans out there about ALA Boxing Gym.
AV ? The fans can learn about the gym by visiting http://www.alaboxing.com/about/ I want to point out that there are 4 former world champions that came through this gym, namely Gerry Penalosa, Rodel Mayol, Joma Gamboa, and Malcom Tunacao. When Sir Ala Quit boxing in 1996, he focused on the amateur boxing program.
8CN ? Does Timothy Bradley have any chance to defeat Manny Pacquiao. Give us your thoughts on this fight.
AV ? I favor Manny Pacquiao to beat Tim Bradley. The only chance Bradley has to beat Pacquiao is to go for broke. I think this fight will end up by late stoppage or by decision for Manny Pacquiao.
8CN ? Give me some closing thoughts.
AV ? On behalf of ALA Boxing Promotions to all boxing fans, we thank you for your support. Thanks for supporting ?The Pinoy Pride? series, now 14 series long. I hope you will continue to support us and support all of the Filipino fighters who give us honor to our country. Thanks Brad and God bless us all. Mabuhay Pilipinas!
