Scribes group to revive Fistiana

The Fiesta Fistiana boxing event is being revived this year behind a new setup, but whose mission remains just the same – help destitute and retired boxers in particular, and promote Philippine boxing in general.

The Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) yesterday announced the restaging of the fund-raising boxing card last held in early 2000, and which the organization is putting up this time in coordination with the Manila Sports Council (MASCO) under its chairman Arnold "Ali" Atienza.

Funds to be raised during the April 29 boxing promotion at the Rajah Sulayman Park, headlined by reigning RP light-flyweight champion Sonny Boy Jaro against challenger Alfred Nagal, will be turned over to the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) for distribution to destitute and needy boxers.

But instead of giving out cash as had been the practice in the past, livelihood projects will be doled out this time, to those deserving ones.

"We’re no longer giving money. Mas magandang kabuhayan ang ibigay natin sa kanila, because we’ve seen many boxers in the past na nabigyan ng kaunting halaga, pero saglit na panahon lang, ganun pa rin ‘yung estado ng buhay nila," said the 34-year-old Atienza during the launching of the program in the weekly PSA Forum at the main function room of the Pantalan Restaurant in Manila.

"We’ll just give them little guidance and support. I think mas maa-appreciate ‘yung maitutulong ng PSA sa kanila," added Atienza.

"As they say, instead of giving them fish, why not train them to catch fish," added PSA president Aldrin Cardona of the Former world champion Gerry Penalosa was also featured in the 2001 Fiesta Fistiana held at the Casino Filipino Ampitheater. This year, Jaro banners the boxing card featuring six bouts, including two championship matches.

Atienza is taking care of the event venue, security and cash prizes, the PSA will be in-charged of the sponsorship, while veteran boxing man Bomber Pamiloza will promote the card.

„Mr. Pamiloza has long been absent in boxing and this marks his return to boxing promotion. So in turn, the Fiesta Fistiana is not for just a single purpose, but also to help boxing here in the country,‰ Cardona said.

The rest of the Fiesta Fistiana promotion features the RP super-bantamweight title class between champion Alex Escaner and either top contender Bernabe Concepcion or RP no. 2 Rey Salim, John Rae Verano versus Eric Rapada, Jun Talape against Ariel Delgado, Leonardo Doronio opposite Jaypee Ignacio and Jurland Ceniza against Francis Borreros.

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GAB chairman Eric Buhain, accompanied by GAB boxing chief Dr. Nasser Cruz in the same public sports program sponsored by PAGCOR, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and MASCO headed by the young Atienza, said his office will screen out potential beneficiaries of the charity drive.

"We have some criteria to follow like medical screening, etc. and this will be handled fairly," said Buhain.

Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao fought in the main event of the 1999 Fiesta Fistiana organized by the PSA and held at the Elorde Sports Complex.

Fresh from losing his World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight title to Medgoen Lukchaopormasak of Thailand, the then 21-year old Pacquiao moved to the super-bantamweight class and proceeded to score a second round knockout of Reynante Jamili.

Former world champion Gerry Penalosa was also featured in the 2001 Fiesta Fistiana held at the Casino Filipino Ampitheater. This year, Jaro banners the boxing card featuring six bouts, including two championship matches.

Atienza is taking care of the event venue, security and cash prizes, the PSA will be in-charged of the sponsorship, while veteran boxing man Bomber Pamiloza will promote the card.

„Mr. Pamiloza has long been absent in boxing and this marks his return to boxing promotion. So in turn, the Fiesta Fistiana is not for just a single purpose, but also to help boxing here in the country,‰ Cardona said.

The rest of the Fiesta Fistiana promotion features the RP super-bantamweight title class between champion Alex Escaner and either top contender Bernabe Concepcion or RP no. 2 Rey Salim, John Rae Verano versus Eric Rapada, Jun Talape against Ariel Delgado, Leonardo Doronio opposite Jaypee Ignacio and Jurland Ceniza against Francis Borreros.