BUHAIN WANTS ALI HOMECOMING IN THE PHILIPPINES
By Alex A. Paglumotan, GAB Commissioner
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 09 Apr 2006
After almost 30 years of the " Thrilla in Manila" where the presidency of then Ferdinand E. Marcos brought the world's idols in professional boxing,Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, to a battle in Manila.
That was history made, one that remains cherished by the Filipinos. That hellish encounter between the two heavyweights was written in the walls of Araneta Coliseum as the venue of the fight. No argument that inspite of the fact that it was held under the Marcos era, the sensational bout remains a source of pride and joy to this poor country.
Some if not all of the major players who promoted the fight then are still alive and finds nostalgia when they reminisce the grand battle. As a matter of fact, many of us now in this young generation are dreaming to see and witness another Ali-Frazier scenario. But how and when and by whom, are the big questions needed to be answered.
From the very start of the year 2006, while the good Chairman of the Games and Amusements Board, the "swimming idol" of the Philippine Eric R.Buhain and this representation and TEAM Asia were having sessions for the 1st GAB Philippine Boxing Convention which is about to begin this April 19-22,2206, the high profile idea to bring back the legendary Muhammad Ali to the Philippines for his homecoming was already in the pipeline of GAB's major programs of implementations. But considering our zealous commitment to conduct a successful boxing convention came first, we threw every resources at it first. And its already a done deal.While this four-day boxing conclave is projected to achieve remarkable success for the better interest of our Filipino pro boxers and showcase the best among our world champion boxers, we cannot help but take a "green-go-and do it" attitude to ensure the next bigger project by the Chairman and the GAB as an agency which is "promote the Ali homecoming this year probably in October or November of 2006" as Chairman Buhain wants it to happen.
Muhammad Ali, formerly Casius Clay and an Olympic gold medalist of the US has greater interest in coming back to the country than missing this one of a kind opportunity. As of the moment and per instruction, Buhain is working with our reliable and dynamic Executive Secretary Eduardo R.Ermita for the "Presidential Invitation" to be sent to Ali in the United States. Women International Boxing Association (WIBA) President Ryan Wissow has his commitment to the GAB Chairman for possible arrangements of Ali's homecoming. Salven Lagumbay of the PDI and the Philboxing.com is in close coordination with the group for info drive campaign.With TEAM Asia's Joey Fornier and this representation and the resources from the Office of the President with diplomatic tie-up to the US Embassy here, no doubt, we can bring the great Muhammad Ali back here in the Philippines. Not only that, Laila Ali, his daughter and the reigning WIBA light heavy weight champion in women boxing will be accompanying the father if plans materialize.
The reasons of his coming back here? Ali is no ordinary name in professional boxing in the world. He is well respected and being emulated by thousands of boxing greats after him. He is a legend. By bringing him back here and according him the "Presidential Medal of Honor" will be an important act of showing him how grateful we are to him for the memories.
But least I forget, Sonny Padilla, our very own topnotch Filipino boxing referee was the one who played a vital role in that greatest fight between Ali and Frazier.Watch out for more developments on this. This is a worthy project for the pro sporting development agenda of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Alex A. Paglumotan, GAB Commissioner.
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