Louie’s wife appeals for understanding

Former two-time world champion Luisito Espinosa’s wife Marie Cherie yesterday pleaded for understanding from Filipino fans if the fighter is unable to fly to Manila and fight International Boxing Organization (IBO) superfeatherweight titlist Cassius Baloyi as scheduled on Dec. 19.

In an overseas phone call from the Espinosas’ home in Daly City, California, Marie Cherie told The Star unless her husband is issued a parole visa, he will not risk forfeiting his application for a green card by traveling to the Philippines.

"Ano ang mas pipiliin namin?" asked Marie Cherie. "$25,000 or a green card for life and the opportunity of my kids in America?"

Marie Cherie confirmed earlier reports in The Star that she had consulted immigration lawyer Marcia Perez on Espinosa’s status. Perez was quoted as saying, "The law is very clear that if you leave (the US), you cannot return. There are waivers for a return but they take at least a year to get approved and they are not called ‘humanitarian parole.’ However, the US Consulate in the Philippines has a very low approval rate for such waivers and Luisito takes a big risk of not being able to return. I suggest he stays here (in the US), he fights here and he returns to the Philippines once he receives a green card."

Marie Cherie said as it is apparent Espinosa will not be issued a green card within the year, the fight against Baloyi is likely to be postponed. "I hope the fans understand our situation," she intimated. "It’s not that we are playing hard to get. Of course, we want to go home to visit our relatives. But ang advice sa amin ni Marcia, huwag daw kaming umalis at baka mabigo ang aming application for a green card."

Marie Cherie said she has informed Espinosa’s attorney-in-fact Noel Rivera of their situation. "Since the second week of September, I told Noel not to commit (to a Manila fight) because of Luisito’s immigration papers," she related. "We sought the advice of our lawyer and Marcia told us not to travel as we need to wait two more years for our green card." She added that Espinosa has not signed a contract to fight Baloyi.

To allay Espinosa’s fears, Rivera asked California Rep. Fortney (Pete) Stark for assistance in facilitating the issuance of a parole visa for Espinosa but so far, there is no response.

Marie Cherie admitted she is bitter about not being able to collect the balance of Espinosa’s purse from former South Cotabato Gov. Larry DePedro for a 1997 fight in Koronadal. The balance amounts to about $130,000.

"I’m speaking in Louie’s behalf," said Marie Cherie. "Whoever is involved and responsible, sana naman mahiya sila sa taong dugo’t pawis. Basagan ng mukha ang pinuhunan ni Louie dito at hindi madaling maging boksingero. Kahit ano naman ang sabihin namin o ni Louie tungkol dito, they don’t care. Hindi ka rin naman nila papansinin at wala na talagang pag-asa na ma-kolekta pa ni Louie ang premyo niya. Pasensiya na kung we’re still bitter about this case. Mahirap po kasing kalimutan dahil dito nag-start malasin ang buhay namin mag-asawa at ang pamilya ni Louie. Actually, mayroon po siyang letter para sa Pangulo asking for her help in collecting our money."

Marie Cherie said Espinosa appreciates Rivera’s effort in arranging the Baloyi fight. If Espinosa wrests the IBO crown from Baloyi, he will become Asia’s first-ever world champion in three different weight divisions. Marie Cherie added that Rivera assured Espinosa of a $25,000 purse for the Baloyi fight plus a $25,000 bonus from President Arroyo, if he wins, and at least half of his 1997 unpaid purse or $65,000.

Marie Cherie said Espinosa signed a two-year contract to be managed by Randy and Josie Harris last February.

"Louie was looking for a parttime job and called Josie because she has a jewelry and cargo business," said Marie Cherie. "She offered to manage Louie and bragged that she’s been promoting concerts. We lived in one of their (Harrises) homes. Louie was given a training expense (account), a nice gym in our house (where) we have a punching bag, speed bag, double-end bag. But we still have problems. Hindi na kami mawalan ng problema. Siguro kailangan na talagang mag-retire si Louie para wala ng gulo."