Is Philippine boxing really dying?
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 07 Dec 2016
THE new chairman of the Games and Amusements Board, Abraham Mitra, has been quoted as saying Philippine boxing was dying.
It could not be determined if that was an official declaration; or if he made the statement upon his return from the last fight of Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas.
The timing was vital, because Pacquiao?s recapture of the WBO welterweight crown has upped the number of reigning Filipino world boxing champions to nearly half a dozen, a bounty.
**
International matchmaker Lope ?Jun? Sarreal swore Mitra meant well, but readily added the observation about the state of boxing in the country may not be very accurate.
?We still have boxing promotions around, there are the Elorde brothers Bebot and Johnny, and many others,? Sarreal said.
Out in Cebu alone, sportsman Tony Aldeguer, patriarch of the world-famous Ala Stable, has been ably helping keep boxing in the Philippines afloat.
**
So why did the new GAB chief have to say boxing was dying?if not yet dead?
Said Tony Aldeguer: ?Maybe he?s looking at it from a different perspective. In his recent meeting with the boxing group, he made mention that, before we had over 1,500 licensed boxers.?
How many are left?
?Now it?s down to a little less than 650. For me it?s because of the astronomical expenses to get a boxer?s license, particularly on the CT-Scan, hepa test and other medical charges,? Aldeguer explained.
**
Blame was also pinned on the GAB boxing division, whose over-travelled chief, Dr. Nasser Cruz, had been asked to be sacked by a group of boxing power brokers in Cebu.
Meanwhile, Sen. Pacquiao has filed a bill creating the Philipine Boxing Commission. Sarreal said the boxing commission would aim to replace the GAB.
Question: Is the GAB, which also supervises other professional sports in the country, the main problem?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Tapales bags WBC International Silver super bantamweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Boston, NY and Minnesota One Win Away; Push Orlando, Detroit and LAL on Brink
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Sasaki Guns for Japan's First World Welterweight Title, Honor as Asia's Best Asian Boxing Nation
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Raga beats Bañares in SBA Philippine Open, pockets ₱400,000 cash prize
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 28 Apr 2025OK-C You Next Season, Memphis
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Eubank Jr. Edges Benn in Thrilling Grudge Match for the Ages
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Due to Illness, H2O Syve Withdraws from Tonight’s Bout
Sun, 27 Apr 2025Filipino FM Ivan Travis Cu runner-up in Budapest First Saturday Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Home Teams Rule the Day
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 26 Apr 2025Marlon Tapales Makes Weight for WBC International Title Fight in Gensan
Sat, 26 Apr 2025WELTERWEIGHT ERIC TUDOR TAKES UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER KEVIN JOHSON IN MAIN EVENT OF ‘LA FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS’ FROM THUNDER STUDIOS AND LIVE ON DAZN
Sat, 26 Apr 2025Eubank vs Benn: Like Father Like Son
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 26 Apr 2025Eubank Jr. Misses Weight Ahead of Highly Anticipated Benn Clash
Sat, 26 Apr 2025Rafael Espinoza: “I’m Going To Steal The Show On May 4!”
Sat, 26 Apr 2025CO-PROMOTER OF TONIGHT'S ‘LA FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS’ SAYS FIRST EVENT IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
Sat, 26 Apr 2025