AFTER over 13 years of making a decent living for his family by putting his life on the line in boxing, Michael ?Bruce Lee? Domingo has finally called it a day.
The 33-year-old native of Sultan Kudarat decided to end his rollercoaster career and has chosen a different path ? working behind the scenes as a trainer.
?I decided to just become a trainer. I still would have wanted to continue but I decided to retire while I am still healthy. My wife and family want me to retire. This decision is for my own safety. I might get unlucky inside the ring. I have more than 50 fights already and my body is already beaten up,? Domingo told Sun.Star Cebu.
Domingo amassed 63 fights with a record of 45-16-2 with 24 knockouts. He captured the World Boxing Organization Oriental and RP bantamweight belts along the way.
?I think (it was the right decision) because he was waiting for a world title fight and when he lost to Drian Francisco, which he could have won if he threw more punches, maybe he had already had that feeling of wanting to retire. It started when his world title fight was postponed but also years ago he mentioned that he always wanted to be a trainer of ALA Gym and produce a world champion,? said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer, who has been Domingo?s manager and promoter most of his career.
Domingo is now a trainer at ALA Boxing Gym, alongside his former coaches Edito and Edmund Villamor. He currently handles Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation mini-flyweight titleholder Merlito Sabillo and young gun Jimmy Paypa.
Domingo started his career in 1999.
Domingo piled up wins and losses at the same time and gained journeyman status with a 33-14-2 record before his career-defining fight against then-unbeaten young prospect Miguel Roman in 2007. He scored the biggest upset of the night at the Arco Arena in Sacarmento with a unanimous decision win over Roman.
?I miss boxing. But it?s just the same, I?m still in boxing. I want to help the young boxer achieve their dreams.?
