ALA Gym welcomes back 'prodigal' boxer

CEBU, Philippines - One-time world title challenger Jimrex ‘The Executioner’ Jaca got a rare opportunity to rebuild the colorful career he once enjoyed after ALA Promotions welcomed him back in its fold with open arms.

It was truly an admirable gesture for the country's top promotional outfit who once charted the career of Jaca before the latter left them without any notice some years back.

“I really thanked ALA Promotions for accepting and giving me again their trust despite all the things that I have done,” said Jaca. “I promise to do my best to be back in the boxing scene and hopefully fight for another world title.”

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said he and his father Antonio ‘Bidoy’ L. Aldeguer decided to give Jaca another chance since the remorseful fighter from Dumaguete City personally approached them to ask forgiveness along with a promise that he will do his best to summon back his old, deadly form.

“We will give him chance to rebuild his career," said Aldeguer. “Jimrex has the talent. He still has the potential to make it big.”

“ALA Promotions is not only here to promote. We're also here to help boxers, that’s why we decided to give Jimrex a second chance, more so that he's now a family man.”

Jaca (34-6, 19KOs) once fought Mexican superstar Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBO featherweight title in 2006, but lost via ninth round technical decision.

As for their immediate plan, Aldeguer said they are planning to put Jaca in the undercard of the “Pinoy Pride 15” this July in Manila to be topbilled by WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight champion AJ ‘Bazooka’ Banal against a still undetermined opponent.— (FREEMAN)