Sportsman in action Sammy Gello-Ani 'The Don King of Cebu'

CEBU, Philippines - He is one of the strongest pillars not only in Cebu but in the Philipine boxing fraternity. So active and dynamic he is that he has been baptized as the Cebuano version of Don King, the legendary American promoter responsible for putting up one of the biggest and richest fights in boxing history.

Despite his stature, he retains a measure of humility. Just as a boxer let his fists do the talking inside the ring, Sammy Gello-ani let his accomplishments speak for himself.

The good thing about Gello-ani is that he has a penchant for finding diamond in the rough. He can easily spot ragtag fighters and transform them into regional and world champions. He admitted that he had second thoughts at first in taking underrated boxers under his care, but his reservations was overpowered by his desire to help them achieve their dreams.

"Of course, there are second thoughts but the desire to help these boxers reach their ambitions is much greater than my own personal interests," said the award-winning sportsman.

Slowly but surely, Gello-ani has established himself as a highly esteemed kingmaker, with IBF light flyweight champion Johnriel "Quadro Alas" Casimero as the most latest product of his hard toil.

Such lofty status is hard to achieve but things became easier for Gello-ani because of his fortitude and flaming desire to help these boxers provide a better life for their families by molding them into world champions.

"Not all aspiring boxers can be champions. And not all have inborn talents and capabilities. It is not easy to handle boxers. First and foremost, I make it a point to emphasize that what they are doing are not for somebody else but for their own future and their families. I am here to help them achieve their dreams," said Gello-ani.

Gello-ani said it's very frustrating if he has so much plans for his boxers but they won't cooperate. He did back down from the challenge though. Instead, he kept his faith in them.

"My lowest point is when you have so much plans and dreams for your boxer and he does not cooperate. It's very frustrating. But then again, you cannot stop helping them especially when you know that he has the talent to become a world champion," he said.

"The moment he listens to you and start working hard to accomplish that ultimate goal, it's simply gratifying. That is exactly what happened to Johnriel Casimero."

Seeing his boxers fulfill their aspirations is more than a reward for Gello-ani. He doesn't mind all the sacrifices he freely makes, simply because he loves what he is doing.

"You just have to enjoy what you are doing. I am enjoying a lot. The whole aspect of it. The headaches make it more thrilling. And when your efforts are rewarded with champions, the victory is so sweet," he said.

When asked what he considers as his biggest achievement, Gello-ani answered:"It's when you know that you are financially short of giving more chances to boxers yet you can still produce world champions. It really feels great."

To those who want to follow in his footsteps, Gello-ani has some words of wisdom for them.

"Always think positive. Don't let the difficulties get in your way. Continue enjoying life with your family and believing in God and trusting that He knows what is best for you. Don't give up because opportunities abound. Obstacles and difficulties will make you a better person and be the best in what you do," he said.

"I have learned that too many failures and problems in life are invited and attracted by an addiction called excuses. I know that sometimes, you just have to pick yourself up and carry on after failed attempts." - THE FREEMAN