ABS-CBN LAUNCHES 'IDOL' SEARCH FOR NEXT BOXING STAR
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 10 Nov 2007
CEBU CITY--Giant television network ABS-CBN formally unveiled here yesterday a trail-blazing reality-based boxing program aimed at discovering the next Pinoy boxing superstar.
Dubbed "Idol", the search for the next Pinoy boxing star is a collaboration between ABS-CBN's Regional Network Group and ABS-CBN Sports in cooperation with the ALA Boxing Gym.
The program, which will be aired by the network over Visayas and Mindanao on Sundays at 10AM, is hailed as the most exciting professional grassroots boxing competition on television in Visayas and Mindanao.
"We believe that this will be a successful event for all of us. This has been a life-long dream of my dad, Tony Aldeguer, and with ABS-CBN's backing, this will be something to look forward to," said ALA Gym president Michael Aldeguer at yesterday's press conference at the Parklane Hotel.
The young Aldeguer was joined at the presidential table by ABS-CBN Central Visayas Area Manager Tata Cinco Sy and company executives Ikit Garcia and Grace Mayola.
ALA Gym was also represented by its VP for Marketing Dennis Canete and Christine Aldeguer, who will be the face of the show in its next several episodes. ALA Gym chief trainer Edito Villamor was also in attendance.
The tournament features 32 young boxers all vying for the titles in four weight classes, and the chance to be chosen as the "Idol" of the tournament.
"I am a big fan of Sugar Ray Leonard. I love the entertainment side that boxing brings. It's real-life drama in action," said Ikit Garcia, manager for programming and content.
Out of the 32 fighters, only 16 have remained following the first elimination round, with the semi-final round slated on November 20 at Paseo in Mabolo.
"More importantly, we're also looking for a boxer whose life can inspire us as well," stated Tata Cinco-Sy.
Aside from the purses and prize money to be won by the winners in the four weight categories, the ultimate boxing "Idol" will also bring home P100,000 in prize and boxing equipments.
Aldeguer stressed that the boxing program is expected to last due to teh quality of the fights resulting from excellent matchmaking.
"We're giving free in-house training for these boxers. They will be fully supported," said trainer Edito Villamor.
The last 16 'Idol' candidates pose at yesterday's press conference at the Parklane Hotel in Cebu City.
The last 16 'Idol' candidates pose with ALA boxers, trainers and managers.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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