OPBF HONORS FORMER CHALLENGER FELISILDA
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 16 Nov 2007
The Orient Pacific Boxing Federation has honored former Philippine bantamweight champion and OPBF title challenger Alvin Felisilda by presenting him with an honorary title belt for his courageous stand against champion Hozumi Hasegawa who went on to win the WBC world title.
Felisilda battled Hazegawa gallantly in an OPBF title fight in Kobe, Japan on November 9, 2003 and lost by a tenth round TKO. He was rushed to hospital with a brain injury and underwent surgery twice and thanks to the superb attention of the promoter, the Japan Boxing Commission and the doctors, Felisilda recovered.
OPBF president Frank Quill who presented the belt to Felisilda at the WBC Convention gala dinner on Thursday night raised funds through the OPBF as well as from Australian friends to help the Filipino boxer. Internationally respected referee Bruce McTavish and we ourselves also helped pay for the medical needs during Felisilda?s rehabilitation.
McTavish who was cited by the WBC for his humanitarian work including a project involving street children in his hometown of Angeles City where he has lived for years, joined Quill, Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain, Felisilda?s manager Leonil Lazarito and ourselves in presenting the OPBF honorary belt to the former Philippine champion.
McTavish, a couple of years ago with the approval of Quill used some of the funds to buy a tricycle for Felisilda and traveled to his hometown in Bukidnon to make the presentation to a grateful champion who today earns an honest living.
McTavish said the OPBF honored Felisilda for his ?courage and perseverance and is pleased that he was given a chance in life.?
Felisilda won the Philippine bantamweight title with am eighth round knockout over Johnny Lear on August 8, 2003.
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