BIG BOXING CONFERENCE IN BORACAY CALLED OFF
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 10 Jan 2007
The much-ballyhooed joint conference of the World Boxing Empire (WBE) and the Womens International Boxing Association (WIBA)which was to be hosted by the Games and Amusements Board in the beautiful resort of Boracay and to be highlighted by a WIBA title fight for women and a WBE title fight for men has been called off.
Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today learned that the conference which GAB Commissioner Alex Paglumotan had billed as "another glorious moment in the history of Philippine boxing" with the approval of GAB chairman Eric Buhain and a "fulfillment to the national sporting agenda of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Strong Republic" and a commitment towards "global competitiveness and recognition" was cancelled because of lack of sponsors.
It was learned that efforts to seek the help of the WBE and the WIBA in defraying the costs of staging the conference were reportedly turned down.
In the meantime, the head of the GAB Boxing Division Dr. Nasser Cruz is continuing his efforts to clean-up the sport, initially targeting unlicensed boxers or retired fighters being sneaked out of the country only to get mauled in terrible mismatches in Thailand.
Responding to a story in The Standard about three boxers being badly beaten in Thailand recently, Dr. Cruz said he had sent an official letter asking promising young fighter Richie Mepranum whether he actually fought undefeated WBC Youth flyweight champion Panomroonglek Kratiangdaenggym as reported by boxrec.com. Mepranum was reportedly knocked down twice before being knocked out in the sixth round by the champion who had a record of 15-0 with 8 knockouts.
Dr. Cruz said it was possible that another "colorum" fighter used his name which is known to have happened many times in the past. The boxing division chief said that Mepranum was not cleared to fight in Thailand and "if the fight really happened he will be suspended."
Dr. Cruz disclosed that two other fighters identified by boxrec.com as Roger Monserto and Roger Berloza were "not really registered boxers" and that he had written to WBC official Rex Walker. At the same time the GAB official disclosed that he had also written to the Thai Boxing Commission regarding promoters recruiting "unlicensed and retired boxers" stressing that the GAB "doesn't want such boxers to be allowed to fight in Thailand."
Monserto suffered a fifth round TKO at the hands of former world flyweight champion Medgoen Singsurat while Berloza suffered a crushing fourth round TKO in a fight against former world champion Chatchai Sasakul.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Donaire awaits WBA decision
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 10 Nov 2025Joel “lethal” Lewis inks Managerial deal with Dragon Fire Boxing
Mon, 10 Nov 2025Meet Jayr Raquinel: The Filipino Sensation Taking the Super Flyweight Division by Storm
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 10 Nov 2025NONITO DONAIRE HOPES TO BECOME TO BECOME WORLD CHAMPION AGAIN
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Astrobio loses by TKO in 7th round
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 09 Nov 2025UNDEFEATED KNOCKOUT MONSTER VERGIL ORTIZ JR. DESTROYS ERICKSON LUBIN IN SECOND-ROUND
Sun, 09 Nov 2025Manny Pacquiao Arrives in LA to Oversee Son Jimuel's Highly Anticipated Pro Debut
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Robert Racasa Shines for the Philippines on First Day of World Memory Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 09 Nov 2025P20k for 42k winners in 3rd SDSPPO
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Weights Set for Tomorrow’s Sanman Boxing Show in General Santos City
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz vs. Erickson Lubin: Can Lubin Tip the Ortiz/Ennis Apple Cart?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Gibbons’ ‘Thrilla’ regrets
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Erickson Lubin Set for Explosive Showdown in Fort Worth
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Ring Officials Announced for Michael Hunter Vs Eli Frankham - York Hall, 5th December
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Baseball in the Sulaimán Family
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sat, 08 Nov 2025