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:
Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 15 Feb 2026“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Feb 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026