Boxing used to be associated with "blood, Vegas, rags-to-riches, casino, gambling, Don King, bodyguards, politicians, and betting…" It was also connected with matches held in inner city parks, tiny community gyms and town plazas. "But now, boxing has become a recreational, middle-class to high-end, lifestyle, and fitness sport," says Nepomuceno. "It is now practically the new badminton."
This is attested by an event presented by McDonald’s and Samsung, together with Crush and Punch-Out called "The Jab Fair," the first-ever lifestyle, recreational, and fitness boxing fair in the Philippines. It will be held from June 2 to 4 at the Glorietta Activity Center, June 16 to 18 at Market! Market!, and from June 23 to 25 at Alabang Town Center. The centerpiece of the event will be a boxing ring surrounded with various boxing-related and boxing-themed booths and sections. There will be retail areas, boxing-sparring areas, A Philippine Stars of Boxing Hall of Fame area, and a video section, among others.
It seems that everyone – from students to yuppies – are getting into the sport. Boxing (and boxing-related sports such as kickboxing, Muay Thai, and aero-boxing) is becoming the cardio-exercise of choice for many young people. "Celebrities such as Aga Muhlach, Gretchen Barretto, and Lucy Torres-Gomez are some of the celebrities who are getting into the sport," says Nepomuceno.
"Fitness boxing allows regular people to enjoy the benefits of boxing," says Absolute Workout president and Punch Out owner Mike Ochosa. "The philosophy behind this is to follow a real boxer’s routine, and the results will be a toned body, increased stamina, and improved speed."
He adds that what’s great about fitness boxing is that one doesn’t have to beat others to a bloody pulp (and vice versa) to enjoy the benefits. "While sparring or fighting someone is common, it is not essential to the training. That’s why the traditional view that boxing is a violent sport no longer applies."
Yes, you heard it right: You can train as a boxer without having to hit anyone.
"The Jab Fair" is presented by McDonald’s, Samsung, Punch-Out Boxing Gym, in cooperation with Toby’s Sports, Bull Fighter Energy Drink, and Champion sports apparel. The media partners are The Philippine STAR, Solar Sports, Magic 89.9 TM, 103.5 K-Lite, 99.5 RT, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, and ABS-CBN Publishing magazines MetroActive, Metro, Chalk, Working Mom, Pink, and Metro Him.
For information, call Crush Philippines at 893-5941 or e-mail rod@crush.com.ph.