Aldeguer Back To Pros? - Joaquin M. Henson

Cebu-based businessman Tony Aldeguer used to manage a stable of world-ranked pro boxers. Known for his integrity and big heart, he was a rare breed among sharks in the fight game. Aldeguer never compromised his principles, walked the straight path, and shone like a knight in blinding armor.

When he couldn't stomach the dirt in the beakbusting business any longer, Aldeguer opted out. He didn't need the aggravation. Aldeguer retreated from pro boxing but continued to take care of his proteges -- anytime they asked for his help, he was there for them.

Aldeguer, however, didn't quit sports completely. He couldn't. He was too much of a sportsman to give it all up. The gym that he built in his garment factory compound in Cebu stayed open for fighters, pros and amateurs alike, to use for free. Aldeguer kept active in the amateur ranks and maintained a pool of promising simonpures.

Last Friday, Aldeguer's brightest amateur star Malcolm Tuñacao brought glory to the flag when he stopped heavily-favored Medgoen Lukchaopormasak (also known as Kratingdaeng Gym, formerly Toyota-Thailand and 3-K Battery) in the seventh round to wrest the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight crown in faraway Udonthani.

Aldeguer failed to watch the fight on TV. His cable system isn't hooked up to the Thai station that aired it. But Aldeguer was hardly the last to know about Tuñacao's feat. Shortly after the match, Tuñacao and his manager Rex (Wakee) Salud phoned Aldeguer long distance to deliver the good news.

"Malcolm was so excited," related Aldeguer. "He told me he didn't think he could win because Medgoen is such a tough fighter. He was hurt in the early rounds but he was determined to win. I'm so happy for him. Wakee got on the phone and thanked me for giving him a champion. I told Wakee I had nothing to do with it -- I got my reward with Malcolm when he was an amateur. This is Wakee's reward -- he made Malcolm a champion."

Tuñacao, 21, was six when he began boxing and nine when he started training in Aldeguer's gym. He lived in Aldeguer's compound for six years.

"I remember when he was a kid, Malcolm liked to wear boxing shoes and gloves that were big for him -- he always dreamed of becoming a world champion," said Aldeguer. "He was an outstanding amateur and won so many medals. He was once given the Discovery Award as the best boxer in the Philippine National Games. Two years ago, he went to Manila to try out for the national team. But after a day, he came back to Cebu. He didn't like being away from his wife, who was pregnant at the time. So he never made it to the national team. When he wanted to turn pro, I gave him my blessing and asked Wakee to manage him."

Although Salud now manages Tuñacao, Aldeguer still provides for his family. Tuñacao's wife Roda, a pretty former round girl, is employed by Aldeguer in the embroidery department of his garment factory. The Tuñacaos have two children, a 3-year-old girl and a 1-year-old.

"Ability-wise, Malcolm has it," said Aldeguer. "All he needs is more exposure. Would he beat (Manny) Pacquiao if they fought as flyweights? Maybe. Pacquiao's a great fighter and a big puncher but he'll find it difficult to hit Malcolm who's just too fast. Of all the fighters I've managed, my best was Gerry Peñalosa. Malcolm is a close second. Joma (Gamboa) is a disciplined fighter, a good family man, and a hard hitter. But Joma knows his limitations -- he always avoided sparring with Malcolm."

Aldeguer said in the wake of Tuñacao's victory, he's seriously thinking of making a comeback to the pros.

"I can't be selfish," he continued. "I'm taking care of 15 amateurs and now they all want to turn pro and become world champions like Malcolm. My best prospects are Rodel Mayor and Randy Paspie who once beat Malcolm in the amateurs. I'm meeting the boys next week then I'll decide whether or not to go back to the pros."

Meanwhile, former Aldeguer pro Andy Tabanas, now managed by Salud, takes on Indonesian Agus Ray in Honolulu on Thursday. Tabanas, a miniflyweight, is gunning for his third straight win since moving to Hawaii last March. He previously knocked out Wonoroya Subandi in the first round and beat Muhammad Basir on a disqualification.

Tabanas is scheduled to return to Cebu late this month. He's coming with Honolulu-based business manager Leon Panoncillo who's proposing to arrange fights for Aldeguer's boys in Hawaii.

Another Aldeguer protege Gamboa, the interim World Boxing Association (WBA) minimumweight titlist managed by Joe Koizumi, has an offer to stake his crown in Japan on July 8. If he wins, Gamboa will face Noel Arambulet of Venezuela for the championship in a rematch, possibly in Caracas, during the WBA convention late this year. Arambulet, still recognized as the WBA ruler despite an illness that led to prolonged inactivity, outpointed Gamboa before the Filipino won the interim title.

Aldeguer couldn't be happier for his fighters, past and present. And you couldn't be happier for Aldeguer who has selflessly sacrificed a fortune to give his boys the opportunity to make something out of their lives. Aldeguer is reaping what he sowed - he deserves it.