Unconditional Love Allotey
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 23 Mar 2020
Cebu City, Philippines
March 23, 2020
(Circa 1989). The gentleman at the end of the line had a mellifluous African accent with a British lilt.
“This is Sumos Pappoe Allotey. May I speak with Hermie Rivera, please,” the caller asked.
After their conversation, my father excitedly turned to me and asked how my schedule was that day.
They found willing spar mates in (122 lb.) Gerardo Martinez and (126 lb.) Hector Lizarraga who were also the co-features in the upcoming December 1 card promoted by Elorde International Productions at the famed Cow Palace in Daly City, California, the same arena where Gabriel “Flash” Elorde lost to Sandy Saddler in the 13th round due to cuts after leading on 2 score cards and having knocked down Saddler once. It was an abbreviated and disappointing conclusion to an exciting fight that nearly went Mr. Elorde’s way, according to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Jack Fiske.
It was finals week in college, but I scrapped all plans for the library and opted instead to drive Team Espinosa which was composed of Lindol himself, my father, Mr. Rolando “Toti” Sangalang and Mr. Flor Rivera and yours truly as the driver, navigator and cheerleader.
No entourage, no fancy modes of transportation, no nutritional advisers, no conditioning coaches or advisers, back then.
Before the start of the sparring sessions at the old Star Boxing Gym (owned and managed by Mr. Miguel “Mike” Jara) in Alum Rock, East San Jose, a fit welterweight-looking gent with dark shades, white slacks and pressed white long sleeves complete with a folded San Jose Mercury newspaper introduced himself almost in a whisper.
The gait was smooth, the smile was warm, the grip was firm, self-assured.
“Anybody who loves boxing is a friend of mine. This is Luisito Espinosa. Everyone calls him Louie,” my affable father said as he slathered vaseline on our boxer’s face.
“My friends call me ‘Love’. I’m here to meet the bantamweight champion Al Corona calls ‘Earthquake’,“ 1said the man who called our house earlier.
He was and forever will be Mr. Sumo Pappoe “Love” Allotey, the same man who twice fought our great countryman Gabriel “Flash” Elorde.
Love Allotey was a professional fighter born on December 16, 1936 in Ghana and passed away in April 1,1996 (age 59) in San Jose, California.
He was a formidable fighter in the featherweight (126), super-featherweight (130), lightweight (135) division and went as far as the (147) welterweight division because the champions then were reluctant to stake their crowns what with his offensive skills. He spoke six languages---English, Spanish, Danish, Tagalog, Italian and his native Twi. His career spanned the nineteen-fifties, sixties and seventies unable to secure and win a world title.
Along the way he garnered the Ghanian featherweight and the British Commonwealth lightweight crowns and challenged for the British Commonwealth feather title. His boxing record stands at a respectable 38 Wins (KO 5), 19 Losses (KO 1), 3 Draws (Total fights 60)
The closest Mr. Love Allotey came to boxing glory was in a rematch for the WBC 130-lb. super-featherweight crown against the great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde in the Philippines.
When asked how the fight unfolded, he said,” I had Bai going. I was ready to finish him in the 11th when the referee stepped in. He said it was for aggressive fighting. He was right. Bai and I were playing for keeps, not playing golf. Bai Elorde was a great champion.”
The sparring sessions (total 12) between Louie Espinosa and the Mexican warriors were fast and furious, better than most main events we see nowadays.
The first four rounds Luisito went up against were (126 lb.) Maui Diaz, the next four and four were with (122 lb.) Gerardo Martinez and then (126 lb.) Hector Lizarraga respectively.
Just as the last round tolled, Mr. Love Allotey said something my father and I have kept between us all these years.
“Please tell the family of Bai Elorde I appreciate what they’ve done in bringing back boxing in the Bay Area. You know, it’s been a while since a Filipino fought here and it’s special that the Elordes are the ones to bring it back. I love Bai and his family are tops. They’ve treated me well despite what happened. By the way, would you folks mind if you give them these? I know they’d understand.”
Mr. Love Allotey was referring to the sparring gloves he used for the second Elorde fight.
The mementos are unsigned.
For this Filipino boxing fan, however, the gloves are authentic and with story my father and I were lucky to be a part of.
I kindly ask Mr. Dong Secuya to take care of the gloves as they await transit to the waiting arms of the Elorde family for the upcoming (postponed) Gabriel “Flash” Elorde awards night.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Sanman 100 Official Weigh-In Results from General Santos
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Subkhankulov stops Usmonov, Agrba wins hard test, and Aminova claims WBA Asia title at IBA.PRO 17 in Ufa
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Pero vs Miller: Heavies Collide in Prove it fight on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 25 Apr 2026Subkhankulov Stops Usmonov in Russia, Claims IBF No. 2 Spot at Lightweight
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Yeow Ming to fight in Bangkok for ABF title
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 25 Apr 2026MILLER VS. PERO - WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER AHEAD OF TOMORROW NIGHT’S ACTION
Sat, 25 Apr 2026IBA Pro Champions Night to feature world champions in Saint Petersburg
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Noelle Haro and Marie Rosendo Advance to Quarterfinals with Wins on Day Four of 2026 World Boxing Cup – Stage 1
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Bautista to face Dulayba at Okada on April 30
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 25 Apr 2026LAS VEGAS FIGHT WEEK: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AS MILLER AND PERO COLLIDE IN WBA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR – LIVE ON DAZN
Fri, 24 Apr 2026Undefeated Knockout Artist Amari “The Reaper” Jones Headlines First-Ever DAZN Card Against Former World Champion Vincenzo “Il Capo” Gualtieri
Fri, 24 Apr 2026Mexican female stars Mayelli Flores and Irma ¨Torbellino¨ Garcia sign with MVP
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 24 Apr 2026Basil to fight Britanico on April 26 in Delpan
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 24 Apr 2026Race briefing of Mt. Apo Boulder Face on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 24 Apr 2026Into fights for IBA championship on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 24 Apr 2026