THE FIESTA Fistiana boxing event is being revived this year behind a new setup, but with the same mission — to help destitute and retired boxers and to promote Philippine boxing.
The Philippine Sportswriters Association yesterday announced the restaging of the fund-raising boxing card in coordination with the Manila Sports Council under its chairman Arnold “Ali” Atienza.
Proceeds of the April 29 boxing promotion at the Rajah Sulayman Park, headlined by reigning RP light flyweight champion Sonny Boy Jaro against challenger Alfred Nagal, will be turned over to the Games and Amusements Board for distribution to destitute and needy boxers.
But instead of cash as had been the practice in the past, livelihood projects will be given to deserving boxers.
“We’re no longer giving money. Mas magandang kabuhayan ang ibigay natin sa kanila, because we’ve seen many boxers in the past na nabigyan ng kaunting halaga, pero saglit na panahon lang, ganun pa rin `yung estado ng buhay nila,” said the 34-year-old Atienza during the launching of the program at the weekly PSA Forum at the Pantalan Restaurant in Manila.
“We’ll just give them little guidance and support. I think mas maa-appreciate `yung maitutulong ng PSA sa kanila,” added Atienza.
“Sabi nga nila, instead of giving them fish, why not teach them to catch fish,” said PSA president Aldrin Cardona of the Tribune.
GAB chairman Eric Buhain, accompanied by GAB boxing chief Dr. Nasser Cruz in the same public sports program sponsored by PAGCOR, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and MASCO, said his office will screen out potential beneficiaries of the charity drive.
“May mga criteria kaming sinusunod diyan like medical screening, etc. And I assure you, walang palakasan dito,” said Buhain.
Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao fought in the main event of the 1999 Fiesta Fistiana organized by the PSA and held at the Elorde Sports Complex.
Atienza is taking care of the event venue, security and cash prizes, the PSA will be in charged of the sponsorship, while veteran boxing man Bomber Pamiloza will promote the card.
“Mr. Pamiloza has long been absent in boxing and this marks his return to boxing promotion. So in turn, the Fiesta Fistiana is not for just a single purpose, but also to help boxing here in the country,” Cardona said.
The rest of the Fiesta Fistiana promotion features the RP superbantamweight title class between champion Alex Escaner and either top contender Bernabe Concepcion or RP no. 2 Rey Salim, John Rae Verano versus Eric Rapada, Jun Talape against Ariel Delgado, Leonardo Doronio opposite Jaypee Ignacio and Jurland Ceniza against Francis Borreros.
