PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III Fights Davao Acting Mayor Baste Duterte in a Charity Boxing Match; Who Wins? (Long Analysis)
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 25 Jul 2025
MANILA, Philippines — After the disappointing result of Pacquiao vs Barrios, boxing fans would love to see this thrilling showdown: “Battle of the Century” Torre vs Baste!!
Yes. fans in the country would not mind that Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Nicolas Torre III and Davao Acting Mayor Baste Duterte would indeed battle in a charity boxing match at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
Will it happen?
This unique event was sparked by the 37-year-old Baste Duterte's desire to put his fists on the 55-year-old Torre, challenging the police chief Torre for a fistfight.
Torre immediately accepted.
And to make it better than a simple useless brawl, Chief Torre has proposed a charity boxing match (not pro boxing, of course, but a kind of exhibition match) to raise funds for victims of the recent tropical storms and floods that have severely affected areas of Metro Manila.
A charity boxing event seems as a very good idea!
Torre seems positive and confident about it, emphasizing that it should push through whether or not Baste shows up to fight:
"Whether he shows up or not, some sponsors have already committed to donating aid to our countrymen affected by the typhoon and floods," Torre said.
But here is the twist:
Originally, Baste did not talk about conditions. He just wanted so much to fight and beat up Torre, the police officer who arrested his beloved father.
It is understandable why Baste would love to fight and teach a fighting lesson to Torre, rough him up!
Even though Torre was just doing his work as director of the CIDG. In fact, not his fault. Most likely nothing personal. Perhaps destiny.
I completely understand Baste. We all understand him. He is a son, same as we all are. He has feelings: adoring his father forever no matter what. He loves his dad, as I love my 94-year-old father.
Pero all the sudden, Baste is now mentioning one big condition for his fight against Torre to happen:
Which is that Torre must first convince President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to give an order for all elected officials to undergo hair follicle drug testing.
Ha? Does Baste really want to fight Torre, punish him severely, beat him up or not?
Fans wonder that. Because putting such a big condition makes it so difficult for the battle to happen.
Even if Torre manages to convince the president to order drug testing for all political elected officials in the country, (including Baste and his sister Sara), such a huge task would require much time.
It might also require an executive order… senators, mayors, congressmen would like that? plus what would the Comelec and political parties say about it?
It’s not that fast and easy.
A big effort would be required to test all the sudden so many people.
And in the meantime, how about the fight itself, and most importantly, how about the flood victims?
Do all elected political officials in the country really need to be tested for drugs for a fight just between Torre and Baste?
Only the two boxers are the ones who should be tested, right?
Nevertheless, for sure, the event would be a huge success, if it happens. It has already created all kinds of viral postings in social media.
Sponsors would surely be on board, a GAB boxing referee would be there, and a ring would be ready at the famous Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
GAB might as well be on board to make sure that the charity event goes smoothly, safe and according to proper procedures in the Philippines.
👉 Then, who would win if the boxing match pushes through?
Baste is 18 years younger. In theory, it should be easy for him to hurt, land huge punches and knock out the older Torre in two or three rounds. Right?
A victory for Baste could happen. In theory.
That’s in big part because the younger fighter always have the big advantage, diba?
It’s just like in Pacquiao vs Barrios.
Our 46-year-old boxing icon did FANTASTIC during the first 9 rounds, leading the fight on points.
I was there in Vegas a cheering for Pacquiao. I even placed a 700 dollars bet, wanting so much Manny to Win!
But the Pacman got tired, unable to keep up with the 30-year-old Barrios, losing the last 3 rounds in all scorecards, allowing Barrios to salvage a draw.
Our beloved Pacman did great, but his age affected him.
If both boxers were 30 years old Pacquiao would have EASILY defeated Barrios, diba? I am so sure. (My humble opinion).
What I mean is that “Youth is divine treasure,” and Baste has it.
However, the Pulis chief looks confident, willing to battle, fit, not tambok at all, wala big belly as other former pulis chiefs have.
Chief Torre seems in reasonable good shape for his age, diba?
But, as we know, Chief Torre wear glasses. Once Torre removes glasses, will he see blurred? Likely yes.
Would that blurred vision help him in fighting Baste? Of course not.
The PNP pulis chief from Koronadal, South Cotabato, can not fight wearing glasses. That’s against the rules in boxing.
Likely, the pulis chief might not clearly see the incoming jabs, hooks and straights thrown at him by Baste.
Baste has the big advantage in every aspect.
That’s why many of his fans in the lovely Garden City of Davao root for him. I have so many dear friends there in Davao. Such a blessed place Davao is.
Hermanos, one thing is very positive, the idea of having both men putting their time and sweat for a charity event that would benefit victims of the recent tropical storm Wipha and it’s floods is indeed commendable, deserve our recognition and applause 👏
Good for both!
Our affected countrymen deserve all our support, especially during harsh, trying times of storms.
If the charity boxing show of Torre vs Baste happens, who would you support? 😊
The author is boxing reporter Carlos Costa of Cebu, carlos@philboxing.com, and WhatsApp: +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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