EDITORIAL - Boxing must be protected from itself

The resurgence of boxing, due in large part to the global interest whipped up by Manny Pacquiao, unfortunately carries with it the unwanted baggage of the sport’s seamy underside, as typified by two recent incidents.

Last month, a diplomatic row erupted between the Philippines and Argentina following a riot that broke out in Buenos Aires when Filipino boxer Johnreil Casimero knocked out Argentine Luis Lazarte in the 10th round of an IBF junior flyweight match.

Casimero and his handlers were attacked by angry Argentine fans with fists, kicks, bottles and chairs, prompting Philippine authorities to lodge a complaint. Argentina later sent its apologies, and the IBF imposed sanctions on Casimero and Argentine boxing authorities.

Then only last weekend, underhanded tactics surfaced again, this time closer to home. In a fight scheduled in Tagbilaran City, Boholano pride Rey Bautista was supposed to fight a Mexican by the name of Genaro Garcia.

As expected, Genaro Garcia came. But to the chagrin of the promoters, it was not the Genaro Garcia they had contracted to fight Bautista but another boxer with the same name. That Bautista eventually won did not detract from the fact that he won over a “fake” opponent.

Naturally the incensed promoters are initiating legal action against those they had dealt with in Mexico concerning the fight. It is shenanigans like these that lend a bad name to boxing, and undermine the new-found credibility the sport has regained through Pacquiao, et al.

There is money in international fights. But with money comes shady practices and bad attitudes. It is up to the leaders of the sport, and the many good men and women who follow it, to be vigilant.

Boxing is a great sport and must be protected, the integrity of its boxers and their fights assured at all levels with unassailable authority. To the Philippines, especially, so much is at stake, considering the competitiveness and success of our own boxers.