Boxer dies of cancer

The final bell rang for teenaged junior lightweight fighter Gregie Simbajon at 2:30 a.m. yesterday in Sucat, Parañaque.

Simbajon, 19, died of cancer that started from a soft tissue tumor in his pelvis then spread to the lungs. He was diagnosed to be suffering from the killer disease late last year.

Simbajon’s trainer Sonny Sangalang told The STAR the shaven-skulled boxer fought to the end. His parents Avelino and Vitaliana flew in from Davao del Norte to be with their son at his deathbed.

For two months, Simbajon stayed in a room near the boxing gym at the Elorde Sports Complex in Sucat until his death. He was previously confined at the Philippine General Hospital, Perpetual Medical Center, and St. Luke’s Hospital as his manager Marty Elorde tried to find a medical solution to battle the cancer. High-powered doctors gave up on Simbajon when the cancer metastasized and called off chemotherapy after two treatments as he progressively grew weaker.

In desperation, Elorde turned to a wonder drug concocted by Dr. Fernando Navales, herbal treatment from Dr. Ruben Galang, and a 14-year-old faith healer from Sorsogon but it was no use.

A devout Catholic, Simbajon visited Sister Mary Imaculata, head of the Reparation Sisters of the Holy Eucharist, in a Tagaytay convent when he was still able to walk early this year. She prayed over him. A few weeks later, Sister Mary surprised Simbajon with a 5 a.m. visit in the hospital. Simbajon told Sister Mary he was resigned to the Lord’s will and left his fate to God.

Sangalang said Simbajon will be brought to Davao for burial this week.

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Simbajon, the oldest of four children, tried his luck in boxing to make something out of his life. A high school graduate from Compostela, he compiled a 17-4 record as an amateur fighter before turning pro in April last year.

In his first pro bout, Simbajon stopped Jovy Gato in a single round. Then, he knocked out Exequiel Gato, also in the first round. But last September, Simbajon was floored twice by Fel Oydok and lost a unanimous six-round decision. He complained of pain in his hip and numbness in his left leg after the setback. Simbajon took pain relievers and returned to training after a month. He was never the same again.

In a sparring session last October, Simbajon quit after two rounds with Pan Asia welterweight champion Fernando Sagrado because the pain in his hip became unbearable. Elorde then brought Simbajon to Dr. Cipriano de los Reyes who recommended an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). The finding was startling. Simbajon had a tumor the size of a small pomelo near his pelvic bone. From a biopsy, the diagnosis was terminal cancer.

When news of Simbajon’s plight spread, the Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation gave P50,000 to help defray his medical expenses. The Games and Amusements Board donated P5,000 from its Boxers Welfare Fund and the Luzon Pro Boxing Association, P3,000.

Former Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Mel Lopez visited Simbajon in the hospital and contributed P6,000. Others who came to Simbajon’s aid included Tony Aldeguer, Terry Carter, Perry McNeely, movie actor Robin Padilla, Allih Padilla, Rod Nazario, Moy Lainez, Lito Mondejar, Vic Rodriguez, Russell Lee, Benjie Puyat, Andres Obieta, Jose Betito, Sachi Takahata, Troy Jimenez, Bobong Dominguez, Joey Rivera, Gerard Maronilla, Gerry Garcia, and several anonymous benefactors.