With long-term vision, ALA re-launches 'IDOL' boxing series

CEBU, Philippines - Driven by its ardent desire to further mold  future Philippine boxing world champions, ALA Promotions has brought back the IDOL boxing television series.

Dubbed as ‘IDOL 2’, it features the new generation of ring warriors who will showcase their talents as they try to reach the next level of their careers.

The first IDOL was launched three years ago, but it didn’t last long as ALA Promotions focused on bringing the highly successful Pinoy Pride series abroad.

“We focused on international events so we stopped it (IDOL series). Now that ALA Promotions has already established its name abroad, we are bringing it back to serve as our regular local event,” said ALA director of operations Jeana Alvarez in a press conference yesterday at the St. Mark’s Hotel.

Just like the first edition, 'IDOL 2' will try to take over the Philippine boxing scene as Pinoy Pride series now goes worldwide.

“This time, we have a long-term goal for IDOL and we have already prepared six events for this year,” added Alvarez.

The 'IDOL 2' series will be shown on weekends over broadcast giant ABS-CBN via its ABS-CBN Sports channel and will follow the format of Pinoy Pride.

Some of the fighters who will show their stuff in the IDOL 2 series are unbeaten flyweight contender Kevin Jake ‘KJ’ Cataraja (4-0, 3KOs),  Jeo ‘Santino’ Santisima (10-2, 9KOs), Melvin ‘Gringo’ Jerusalem (9-0, 7KOs),Jonas ‘Zorro’ Sultan (11-3, 7KOs) and reigning WBO Oriental super bantamweight titlist Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Paypa (18-3, 6KOs).

ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor said the IDOL series is also open to boxers  coming from other stables in the country.

“What we are doing is like a grassroots program for professional boxers and we want to include fighters from other stables,” said Villamor. “In this boxing series, we will be looking for boxers who have potentials and we want to give them proper exposures.”

The first ‘IDOL 2’ event is set for July 16 at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex headlined by Santisima and Jerusalem against foreign foes.— (FREEMAN)