The state-of-the-art Cebu City Boxing Gym located inside the Cebu City Sports Center was formally blessed and inaugurated in a simple yet meaningful rites yesterday.
Among the luminaries who graced the affair, which coincided with the enshrinement ceremony of the Cebu Sports Hall of Fame, were Cebu City Sports Commission chairman Michel J. Lhuillier and his beloved half Amparito, and city councilors Raul “Yayoy” D. Alcoseba, Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem, and Jocelyn Pesquera.
Also present were Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, PSC-7 coordinators Fr. Vic Uy, SVD and Dr. Danilo Villadolid, well-known Cebuano boxing promoter/manager Rex “Wakee” Salud, and sports commissioners Calixto Pacquiao, Rolly Diorico and the Hayco couple Edward and Eleanor.
Lhuillier said their ultimate goal in putting up a boxing gym is to produce the future Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines.
“It’s only the beginning of our dedicated effort to help out our less privileged athletes,” said Lhuillier. “Pacquiao is very hot in boxing. Hopefully we will be able to find future Manny Pacquiao.”
Alcoseba, who was tasked by Lhuillier to implement the City’s developmental programs for boxing, said they will start off scouting for aspiring pugilists in the barangay level.
Alcoseba said all the talents that will be spotted will form the core of the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Cebu City Boxing Team.
“Maybe a week or two from now, we will start holding try-outs up to the grassroots level in the different barangays. Those who will make it to the team will undergo regular training at the gym. All their needs like boxing shoes, uniforms and allowances will be taken cared of by the city government,” said Alcoseba.
Those skillful enough to make it to the team will undergo rigid training regimen under the watchful eyes of former two-time world champion Dodie Boy Pe?alosa and Efren Tabanas. They will eventually carry the fight for the Queen City of the South in regional, national and possibly in international amateur boxing competitions.
Meanwhile, the late Atty. Manny Oyson, a revered sportswriter and columnist, was officially enshrined into the hallowed portals of the elite Cebu Sports Hall of Fame.
