'Pinoy Pride' trilogy set to put RP in spotlight of world-class boxing

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu’s revered ALA Promotions in partnership with ABS-CBN Sports will once again put the Philippines in the spotlight of world-class boxing after formally launching yesteday the “Pinoy Pride” - a series of mega events featuring ALA Boxing Gym stalwarts against top caliber opponents from foreign shores.

The worthwhile “Pinoy Pride” venture that will blast off by the end of the month bodes well with the ALA Promotions’ thrust of staging a highly entertaining fistic event that the Filipinos could brag about from the rest of the world.

“This is part of our plan of creating global awarness that we can put up a world-class boxing show in the country particulary here in Cebu,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer in a news conference yesterday at Sports Exchange Bar and Grill. “Why go to Las Vegas to watch world caliber fights if we can promote it in our own country?”

To start the ball rolling, Aldeguer said they have wrapped up a three-fight package with ABS-CBN but they are looking forward to a long-term partnership with the giant television network anchored on the ultimate goal of putting up a world championship fight in the future.

“Initially, it’s a three-fight deal but we’re looking beyond that. We’re looking for a long-term tieup with ABS-CBN,” said Aldeguer.

The opening salvo of the surefire explosive “Pinoy Pride’ trilogy features WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight titlist AJ “Bazooka” Banal (21-1-1, 17KOs) against former two-division world champion Luis Alberto “El Demoledor” Perez (26-4, 17KOs) on October 30 at the Pacific grand ballrook of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

“It’s going to be a tough fight for Banal because Perez is a two-time world champion and has fought against the best in his [weight] division” said Aldeguer.

But Banal said he’s prepared for the tough challenge ahead both physically and mentally. “I’m ready and prepared hard for this fight. I’m confident on my chances but I still have to give my all-out best to win.”

The Banal-Perez mainer is loaded with equally-explosive undercards led by rising welterweight star Mark Jason Melligen (19-2, 13KOs) against Mexican power-hitter Bladimir Hernandez (18-3, 16KOs)

In the other bouts to watch out for in ALA’s Halloween offering, Jason Pagara (23-1, 11KOs) will slug it out with Thai Sapapetch Sor Sakaorat (20-6, 11KOs), while Larry “Bon Jovi” Canillas (15-2, 13KOs) faces an acid test against the deadly veteran Ramie Laput (38-4, 17KOs) of the Davao City-based ABA Boxing Gym.

The “Pinoy Pride II” slated on November 27 will be headlined by Milan “Melinyo” Melindo against the dangerous Colombian Carlos Tamara, while the ‘Pinoy Pride 3’ on January 29 next year will present the grudge rematch between Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista and Mexico’s Alejandro Barrera.

Bautista won by a controversial fourth round TKO against Barrera during their first encounter last August 28 at Waterfront. A significant cut on Barrera’s left eyelid at 1:14 of round four gave the technical win to Bautista after the cut was ruled by the referee as coming from a legitimate punch. (THE FREEMAN)