ALA, ABS-CBN TIE UP PRODUCES "PINOY PRIDE"
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 07 Oct 2010
From now on, call this partnership a match made in boxing heaven, and expect only the best fights matchmade by the gods of boxing. Or at least, world-class boxing.
ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, two of the biggest sports entities in the country, have inked a deal that is expected to bring world class boxing in the country under a show that will be called "Pinoy Pride."
This was announced yesterday by ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer in a press conference held at the Sports Exchange Bar and Grill with Cebu media in attendance.
"We have initially inked a three-event deal, but this is actually a long-term project that will give Filipino fans a chance to see world class boxing right here, instead of going to such high-profile places as Las Vegas," Aldeguer told the media.
The youthful boxing impresario was joined at the media gathering by fighters AJ Banal, Mark Jason Melligen, Jason Pagara and Larry "Bon Jovi" Canillas as well as marketing chief Dennis Canete and publicity guru Chad Canares. Also in attendance with top trainers Edito Villamor, Edmund Villamor and Joseph Baldago.
"Pinoy Pride" will have its maiden event on October 30 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, headlined by AJ "Bazooka" Banal against former two-division world champion Luis Alberto Perez of Nicaragua.
"We feel this is the type of fight that AJ Banal needs for his career. Perez is a very dangerous fighter, and Banal will have to be in tremendous shape to be ready for this kind of challenge," added Aldeguer.
The chief support will pit Mark Jason Melligen in his return to the local scene as he takes on Mexican Bladimir Hernandez. Melligen, who is promoted by Top Rank, has been campaigning in the United States and hopes to impress local fans once again.
"I have sparred with Floyd Mayweather Jr, Marcos Maidana and Devon Alexander. My confidence level is very hight right now," announced Melligen, while informing that his Las Vegas-based co-trainer Tony Martin will also be flying in for the fight.
Jason Pagara is also slated to see action in the card opposite Thailand's Sapapetch Sor Sakaorat in a 10-round dukeout, while Larry "Bon Jovi" Canillas is expected to have his hands full against the talented veteran Ramie Laput.
"Pinoy Pride 2" according to Aldeguer, is set for Nov 27 also at the Waterfront Hotel featuring the mammoth collision between ALA fighter Milan Milendo against ex-IBF champ Carlos Tamara, who defeated Brian Viloria for the title.
Aldeguer also disclosed that "Pinoy Pride 3" is slated on January 29, 2011 featuring the highly-anticipated rematch between Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista and Alejandro Barrera at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.
Top photo (L-R): Trainer Edmund Villamor, Jason Pagara AJ Banal, ALA President Michael Aldeguer, Mark Jason Melligen, Larry 'Bon Jovi' Canillas and trainer Edito Villamor pose during Wednesday's presscon at Exchange Sports Bar & Restaurant announcing the partnership between ALA Promotios and Philippine TV network ABS-CBN. Photo by King Catriz.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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