Pinoy Pride, Chairman Mitra, Who’s Next? 3

There’s something about Cebu Boxing that’s looking good. Have you noticed it? We had Pinoy Pride 39 last night, a dialogue between the new Games and Amusements Board Chairman and boxing stakeholders yesterday and another boxing event called Who’s Next? 3 on Friday (December 2).

At last night’s Pinoy Pride 39, Milan Melindo faced Fahlan Sakkreerin of Thailand for the interim IBF light flyweight world championship. Since we’re writing this piece before the fight, we’re praying for Milan to finally win and erase the ghosts of his past two attempts at winning a world championship. The regular IBF light flyweight champion of the world is Japan’s Akira Yaegashi, and I’m sure the winner of the Melindo-Sakkreerin fight will be required to face Yaegashi for the world title. Jason and Albert Pagara also saw action along with other ALA Gym boxers Jeo Santisima, Jimmy Paypa, Melvin Jerusalem, Virgel Vitor, and KJ Cataraja. This is one of the most stacked-up cards of ALA Promotions, showcasing boxers who are known to be crowd-drawers. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the undercard fights stole the limelight from the top three fights of the card. A sweep of wins by the ALA boxers was expected last night, and this will surely mean more big fights for all in 2017. Did Milan join the ranks of Manny Pacquiao, Johnriel Casimero, Marlon Tapales and Jerwin Ancajas as world champions from the Philippines? We sure hope so with the loss of Nonito Donaire and Donnie Nietes working his way up the flyweight ranks.

Boxing activity got more intense when Abraham Khalil Mitra, the new Chairman of the Games and Amusements Board, had a chat with Cebu’s boxing stakeholders at the GAB Cebu office. He was joined by GAB Commissioners Matthew “Fritz” Gaston and Eduard Trinidad. Also at the talk was Congressman Mark Aeron Sambar of the partylist group PBA. Representing the Cebu Boxing family were promotions outfits like ALA Promotions, Rex Wakee Salud Promotions, SGG and Omega Pro Sports International. This bleacher bum was there to represent Omega Pro Sports International. Also there were boxing judges, referees, officials, trainers, and matchmakers. Hosting the meeting was the GAB trio of Celso Miranda, Rolando Mendoza and Glenn Agena. Punches weren’t thrown in this boxing event/meeting, but a lot of light jabs and power punches/concerns were discussed. These ranged from officiating SOPs, rest period in between fights, boxers who fight abroad, promoters always losing their pants at every event, term of license holders, incompetent officials at the GAB, media support for promoters, the proposed Senate Bill on the Philippine Boxing Commission, the decline of boxing and so much more. The key take-out of the meeting is that if all the discussions will lead to reforms, changes and upgrades, then boxing could grow under the new GAB leadership. But that’s a big IF. The irony of it all is that we Pinoys love to talk. And all the talk is useless if no action is taken to get things done. I’d rather not go into details of what was discussed as I’d like to see how the GAB leadership reacts and moves to address all these. GAB Chairman Mitra was warm, approachable and listened to all of us. He even apologized for being late. Now that’s a first. So what happens next? Let’s face it. I don’t think they’ll be able to please everyone’s concerns. But if they are creative, committed and can find the major issues that need attention asap, things will be looking up. Good luck Mr. Chairman. We’re with you on all this.

This week doesn’t end with last night’s fights and the meeting with the GAB Chairman. We also have “Who’s Next? 3” Pro Boxing Series on Friday, December 2, at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex. This is promoted by Omega Pro Sports International in partnership with the City of Mandaue and the all-new 2016 Hyundai Tucson. Fighting in the main event is Jhack Tepora of the Omega Boxing Gym as he goes for the WBO Oriental junior featherweight championship against Galih Susanto of Indonesia. Susanto is Tepora’s first foreigner opponent and he’s out to make a big impression since a win will mean moving up the world rankings in the 122-pound division, the same weight class where Donaire lot his WBO world title. Also fighting is the exciting crowd-pleaser Kenny Demecillo (Omega Boxing Gym) who’ll defend his WBF Asia-Pacific bantamweight title against Jestoni Autida (Peñalosa Stable). Prospect Christian Araneta also of Omega faces Philip Luis Cuerdo (Peñalosa Stable) in another featured bout. A special attraction is the second Cebu fight of former Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga who impressed the Cebu fans with his Roy Jones/Floyd Mayweather style of fighting. But he won’t have an easy time against Rodel Kirk Pelenio of the Ablaca Stable. The fight card is open for free to the public.

Pinoy Pride 39, GAB Chairman Abraham Khalil Mitra and Who’s Next? 3. Not a bad way to end the year as we look forward to an even better year in 2017.