Tagbilaran the best host in Visayas Inter-City boxing history, claims event founder Aldeguer

Revered boxing patron Antonio "Bidoy" L. Aldeguer hailed Tagbilaran City as the best and most organized host so far in the nine-year history of the Inter-City Developmental Age-Group Amateur Boxing Championship. "Since we started the event nine years ago, Tagbilaran is the best and most organized host so far," said Aldeguer, who is the forerunner of the tournament patterned after that of the Cuban boxing program. Aldeguer based his remarks on the manner by which Tagbilaran City and Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP)-7 regional director Nemesio "Nemmy" Monton ran the 19th edition of the Inter-City boxfest billed as "Mayor Dan Neri Lim Cup" last September 21 to 25.

Aldeguer said this is the first time since the event's inception in 1996 that all the delegates were billeted in a pension house equipped with air-conditioned rooms and televisions sets. In the past stagings of the competition, the participants were usually housed in classrooms. Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim said they're extending such privilege to the participants not only because he values human being, but also because he believes this could encourage the youthful boxers to keep on competing and strive for excellence in their chosen field.

"I believe in the value of human being. Dili ko gusto nga kulatahon ning atong mga boxers sa ring unya dili nato pahigdaon og tarong. Bun-ogon ni sila unya pakan-on lang nato og ginamos, di na mahimo para nako," said Lim.

"Mao ni nga ato ni silang gi-treat og tarong aron pud ma-encourage sila og maayo nga magpadayon og boksing," added Lim.

Aside from the beautiful trophies for the top three performing contingents and special awardees, Tagbilaran also ordered personalized medals for all the winners.

Every night, at least two policemen were on standby at JJ's Pension House to ensure the safety of the participants and fight officials in the duration of the tournament, which was held at three different venues. The Island City Mall Activity Center in Tagbilaran hosted the closing and opening ceremonies. The quarterfinal action was staged in Dauis, while the semifinal bouts were held in Alburquerque. "We're just giving the best within our means to ensure the successful staging of the tournament. I hope Tagbilaran's way of hosting the event will serve as a precedent for the next host to look after the welfare of our aspiring boxers," said Monton.

Tagbilaran reaped the price for being a good host as it won its first ever overall title with four golds and three bronzes. Mandaue City wound up second with one gold, two silvers, and one bronze, while the dethroned champion Cebu City settled only for third place this time with one gold, one silver, and two bronzes.