OPBF EXTENDS ASSISTANCE TO INJURED BOXER
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 16 Jan 2006
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--In a move unprecedented in Philippine boxing, the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) showed class and heart as it donated a 'tricycle' to retired boxer and former RP bantam champ Alvin Felisilda last week, virtually assuring the latter of a livelihood following the accident he suffered more than two years ago in a Japan fight.
The 23-year-old Felisilda, who is now back in his best health following a head surgery in Japan, will use this tricycle to earn a living in this city.
Retired boxer Alvin Felisilda (2nd from left) is surrounded by OPBF representative Bruce McTavish (leftmost), GAB-Cagayan's tong Paguidopon, Letty and Leonil Lazarito and Norkis representatives following the purchase of a Yamaha STX bike to be used by Felisilda to earn a living.
The OPBF was represented by top referee Bruce McTavish, who flew in from Angeles City to turn over the donation to Felisilda, who was accompanied by his boxing manager Leonil Lazarito and wife Letty.
To accetuate the importance of the turnover, Ring Magazine Philippine correspondent Ted Lerner and this writer also flew in with McTavish to chronicle the event, and were deeply touched upon knowing that the OPBF had taken care of Felisilda right at the start of his hospitalization up to the time when he came back to the country.
"The OPBF and the Japan Boxing Commission really took care of us when Alvin had to undergo surgery after his fight with Hozumi Hasegawa. The OPBF sent Alvin monthly allowance when he got out of the hospital, and now, it has just given him a source of livelihood," said Lazarito.
OPBF representative Bruce McTavish and boxing manager Leonil Lazarito with Felisilda on a ready-made tricycle in a Cagayan de Oro shop.
Felisilda, had lost to Hasegawa, now the WBC bantam champ, on a 10th-round technical knockout in Kobe, Japan. He had earlier won the RP bantam title with an 8th-round KO of Johnny Lear in Mandaluyong City.
END
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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