Johnson, Farah in their final workouts
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 10 Jun 2019
DAVAO CITY -- American Ron Johnson and his Bolivian opponent, Saul Farah, are already tapering off in their spartan regimen having each prepared hard in their respective bailiwicks.
The 34-year old Cleveland, Ohio-born Johnson, the WBF three-belt owner, trained in Las Vegas, his home for the last 18 years while Farah, 36, is a seasoned campaigner who last climbed the ring last March, beating Cesar Mamani for the Bolivian heavyweight title. Both are doing final workouts at the Elorde Davao gym.
The Thrilla in Davao is a dinner boxing event on a by-invitation only. It is not open to the general public and is set to unfold on June 15 at the Enderun Tent, Azuela Cove, Lanang. Meanwhile, Mayor Sara thanked the RED Boxing Int?l and Global Boxing Organization for bringing the Thrilla in Davao in this part of the country.
She said that the staging of the first world heavyweight championship in Davao City is a testament to the ability of the LGU to capably host major sporting events.
The local chief executive described boxing both as a highly cerebral and physical sport that requires strength, endurance as well as character and discipline.
?As a combat sport, boxing develops stamina and strength, tests the limits of one?s endurance and also helps build character by teaching perseverance, discipline and self-confidence,? said Mayor Sara of the boxing extravaganza that is expected to attract national as well as international attention.
For his part, Games and Amusement Board chief Abraham Kahlil Mitra congratulated GBO and RED Boxing Promotions for bringing back the glory of heavyweight boxing in the Philippines. ?Our country has been recognized as the stage for the historic
?Thrilla in Manila, the bout which culminated the Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier trilogy,? adding that the ?epic battle showcased the unbelievable power of these legendary boxers and is therefore deemed as one of the greatest fights in the history of professional boxing.?
Mayor Sara was profuse with positive words, saying ?may this gathering foster greater camaraderie and sportsmanship?inspire each member of the Filipino boxing community to continue helping and uplift the condition of boxers as they strive for excellence.?
Promoter Rey Rodis, chair of RED Boxing Int?l, cited Mayor Sara and her staff for their efficient collaboration.
He said part of the proceeds of the Davao Thrilla will go to Buhay Kamao Foundation, a charity project that will benefit poor and disabled boxers, including scholarships for their children.
Rodis also praised the GAB for the quick and efficient facilitation of documents of all boxers concerned. (Lito delos Reyes)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
WEIGHTS FROM LOS MOCHIS: Eduardo Nuñez - 130 Lbs., Christopher Diaz - 129.6 Lbs.
Sat, 06 Sep 2025“THE HOMECOMING” OFFICIAL WEIGHTS
Sat, 06 Sep 2025‘SUGAR’ NUNEZ VS. ‘PITUFO’ DIAZ – PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Sat, 06 Sep 2025SUNDERLAND: WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER
Sat, 06 Sep 2025USA Boxing Nabs Perfect Outing on Day One of 2025 World Boxing Championships
Sat, 06 Sep 2025Kelvin Watts Charged Up for 2025 World Boxing Championships
Sat, 06 Sep 2025Legendary German Trainer Michael Timm Dies
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 06 Sep 20252X Olympic Champion, 4X Undisputed & 17X World Champion Claressa Shields Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo,
Sat, 06 Sep 2025Boxers swing into action
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 05 Sep 2025UBO Youth World Title Showdown: Aliya Soomro Fights Monika Singh in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 05 Sep 2025Battle of the Hawk Season 1 Finals on September 9; offers P600,000 to the winning team while P300,000 to the losing finalist team
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 05 Sep 2025Press Conference Notes: Oscar Valdez Motivated for Saturday's Homecoming Against Ricky Medina
Fri, 05 Sep 2025SUNDERLAND PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AS McCORMACK EYES BIG WIN
Fri, 05 Sep 2025THE ROAD TO REYES CUP AND MOSCONI CUP | 2025 PLAYERS QUALIFICATION
Fri, 05 Sep 2025Statement from World Boxing following reports in the French media about French female boxers at the World Boxing Championships
Fri, 05 Sep 2025