'PAYBACK' SUCCESS INSPIRES THIRD FORCE
By Emmanuel B. Villaruel
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 05 Dec 2007
Inspired by the tremendous success of their maiden venture in Philippine boxing scene last Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum, the Third Force Promotions under the marketing genius of Noli Eala assured the Filipino fight fans of more bigtime promotions next year.
During the "Payback" card topbilled by ALA Boxing Gym stars Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista and AJ "Bazooka" Banal, fans came in droves at the Big Dome and withnessed an explosive ring action with a touch of world-class entertainment.
From the production numbers and ring entrance that all have the glitz and glamour of blockbuster shows being done in Las Vegas, the Third Force was also able to assembled a star-studded cast of spectators at the ringside spiced up by the surprise appearance of former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.
"I don't want to brag about but bringing 7,000 plus people at the Araneta Coliseum for a boxing event is indeed a good start for us. We're really very happy with the turnout," said Eala.
The figures presented by Eala was only based on the numbers of tickets they were able to sold. In the conservative estimate of some of the event organizers, close to 10,000 fans filled in the bleachers of the cavernous Big Dome.
"We are encouraged by the reception of the boxing community including the World Boxing Organization. And we're very happy with the way the fans embraced the idea of Third Force," said Eala."They can expect more promotions of this magnitude next year."
The crowd were surprised at first upon seeing 'chubby' roundgirls who sashayed around the ring in the preliminary bouts. But soon as the top fights were about to begin, the gorgeous round girls wearing two-piece bikini suits were being introduced in grand fashion to the delight of the spectators.
Spicing up the spectacular affair were The Kitty Girls, Rachel Lobangco performed a sultry "Dance on Fire' number, Cebuana actress-singer Vina Morales sang the national anthem, and the luscious ring announcer Amy Hayes, who literally knocked down everyone at the venue with her stunning good looks.
Eala said they have also learned some lessons out of their first ever voyage in the rough Philippine boxing waters.
"All these stories about boxing I think are stories that can be addressed. Boxing, they say, is a difficult business. There are many practices that are difficult to accept, but my taking is I think it's matter of presenting yourself to the boxing community," said Eala."There are a lot of things I learned. One thing is that boxing is very difficult from basketball both in terms of marketing and promotions. It's different from the market you address."
"In the actual sport itslef, I also learned boxing is very difficult to predict in the sense that you may have the best record of boxer, but you don't khow really how they peform until they're in the ring and whether they will really be an attraction,"he added.
Eala expressed satisfaction with the performances of Mexicans Antonio "Barrio" Meza and Jovanny "Bambino" Soto. Meza showed great willpower and admirable toughness, albeit for a losing cause to WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight champion Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista in the main event.
Soto likewise displayed sheer grits and guts before being knocked out by WBO Youth super flyweight titlist AJ "Bazooka" Banal in round nine.
"At the end of the day, it's gratifying to see the fans love and appreciate what they are watching," said Eala. "And I'm grateful for that to ALA Boxing Gym, to the WBO and to our corporate sponsors for making things happen."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel B. Villaruel.
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