Boxer Alim dies after retaining title
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 22 Jun 2012
DAVAO City -- Reigning Mindanao Professional Boxing Association (Minproba) featherweight champion Ermelito "Job" Alim Jr. died two days after successfully retaining his crown via a unanimous decision last Tuesday in Rosario, Agusan del Sur.
Alim, 20, collapsed on the ring after he was declared the winner over challenger Ahl Grumo in their 10-round championship bout. He was immediately rushed to the hospital in Agusan but later transferred to Tagum City. The boxer, who made his first title defense, was again transferred to another hospital at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City last Wednesday.
But the doctors declared him already dead on Thursday morning at around 9 a.m.
"May pumutok daw na ugat sa kanyang leeg sabi ng doctor," said Allim's manager-trainer Vicente Adriano, who said that his boxer was not event hurt or hit by telling blows during the fight.
Alim even knocked down Grumo in the sixth round but slowed down in the next four rounds.
"Sumusontok pa rin si Alim pero hindi na masyado malakas," said the 65-year old Adriano.
Alim's elder brother Rosel also fought and won in the undercard by beating Grumo's younger brother Meljo.
Alim's body now lies in state at the Collado Funeral Parlor in Bangkal and will be brought to his hometown in Pangiao, Malita, Davao del Sur by his father Emerlito Sr. and their family and relatives.
"Sayang si Alim, he was already scheduled to fight on August 18 in the Kadayawan here," Adriano said.
The 5-foot-7 Alim had a 16 fights with only four loses and two draws with eight knockouts.
Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Davao Field Officer-in-Charge Jimmy Mata said a request for a financial assistance has already been sent to the Manila head office.
Mindanao Professional Boxing Association (Minproba) president Yollly Alfante said that they will also give a financial assistance to the family.
Alim's family are also hoping to get help from 8th World division champion Manny Pacquiao, who is now back in Sarangani Province.
File Photo: Alim stands in a neutral corner after sending RJ Anoos to the canvas during their bout in Glan, Sarangani Province on October 6, 2010.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
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