GAB begs for poor boxers
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 04 Apr 2020
GAB Chairman Abraham Mitra.
IN marking his 54th year as a successful promoter, matchmaker cum laude Bob Arum noted the sad fate of boxers who have not earned and saved enough while caught in the crippling grip of the coronavirus pandemic.
“You have to look at the losses in these young men’s careers, they’re not being able to pursue their activities,” Arum, 88, stated.
He said he hopes they’re capable of staging events, but does not “know when this will be over.”
**
Major world events have been put on hold, including the April 25 unification fight of Filipino Johnriel Casimero, the WBO bantamweight title holder, against unbeaten Japanese sensation Naoya Inoue, the IBF and WBA champion.
Casimero has expressed desire to leave training in Las Vegas and return to the Philippines, saying there’s nothing certain when his bout with Inoue would take place. He said he’s threatened by the virus infection that continued to surge in the USA.
Here in Manila, there’s uncertainty and pockets of restive crowds demanding help from government following the lockdown in Luzon and movement restrictions in other areas.
**
Big sporting events, topped by the professional Philippine Boxing Association, have been put on hold indefinitely.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial has assured staffers, technicians and others affected PBA personnel of assistance during the lockout.
As the height of uncertainty, the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), regulatory body of professional sports in the Philippines, announced it has notified government agencies about the fate of boxers, martial arts practitioners, who have been rendered without work due to the coronavirus pandemic.
**
GAB chairman Abraham Mitra said his agency has submitted a list of 1,133 affected boxers, martial arts fighters, including trainers and matchmakers, to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
GAB hopes the affected personnel would similarly get assistance through the Social Amelioration Program.
“These individuals are unable to exercise their profession due to the imposed community quarantine,” the GAB stated.
The GAB operates directly under the Office of the President.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
OLYMPIC BOXING 8: 1948 OLYMPICS AT LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
By Maloney L. Samaco, Mon, 26 Jan 2026Golden Gloves Launches on Meta Quest Store, Establishing the First Official Esports Competition Pathway for Amateur Boxing
Mon, 26 Jan 2026Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla: Who Will Execute?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Libranza to fight undefeated Tso for IBF Pan Pacific bantam
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Filipino Cue Artist RJ Bautista Ready to Shine at the Las Vegas Open 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 24 Jan 2026MURATALLA VS. CRUZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
Sat, 24 Jan 2026Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
Sat, 24 Jan 2026Ballesteros not yet ready against Ocum
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Chocolatito Gonzalez to undergo shoulder surgery
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 24 Jan 2026NM Nika finishes Sixth in Czech Republic Blitz chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 24 Jan 2026The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Sat, 24 Jan 2026Donaire back in Cebu
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 23 Jan 2026MURATALLA VS. CRUZ IN LAS VEGAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 23 Jan 2026Four Pinoys in line for title shots
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 23 Jan 2026After the meeting in Mexico City, the WBC is ready for 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 23 Jan 2026