Haven for Pinoy boxers

There’s a home in Las Vegas where Filipino fighters live and train, dreaming of a future to provide a better tomorrow for their families. It’s called the Knucklehead Paradise Ranch Manny Pacquiao Boxing Compound. MP Promotions and Knucklehead Boxing president Sean Gibbons owns the six-bedroom, three-bathroom place, about two miles from where he lives.

Gibbons, 58, fought as a lightheavyweight from 1986 to 1996, compiling a record of 14-7-3, with nine KOs and one of his opponents was actor Mickey Rourke whom he held to a majority draw. He moved from Oklahoma City to Las Vegas in 1997 and worked for Bob Arum at Top Rank then branched out as an independent matchmaker, motivated by giving less privileged fighters a chance to improve their lives. Since meeting Pacquiao, Gibbons’ eyes were opened to the plight of Filipino boxers. He has made it a life-long goal to create opportunities for Filipino fighters to become their best versions of Pacquiao.

“I feel like I’ve been blessed and I’ve been given a lot,” said Gibbons, a US Navy Commodore’s son who grew up in military bases and fell in love with boxing at an early age. “I really have a heart for my Filipino brothers. They give so much and all they need is a break like Jerwin (Ancajas), Jonas (Sultan) and Vincent (Astrolabio). I’m just happy that I’m in a position where I can help and try to make their dreams come true, make some money like Vincent, Jonas, Jerwin and the rest. They were able to take the money they made and change their families’ lives, build houses, do some things. I’m just happy to be part of the program.”

Gibbons’ boxing haven is now home for Ancajas, coach Joven Jimenez, Eumir Marcial, Weljon Mindoro, Carl Jammes Martin and his father and brother and Jade Bornea. Astrolabio and Sultan are flying in to join the growing family. Marlon Tapales could also bunk in.

“We’ve got a basketball court in the backyard, a boxing ring, equipment from our sponsor Global Fitness, heavy bags, speedballs, weights, the works,” said Gibbons. “I pay for all the utilities, groceries and everything else. When I make some money working with Senator Manny, I invest it back into the house and the fighters. The money I make, I put back in because that’s what I do, that’s what I want to see and that’s what I like.”

Gibbons’ influence has landed Filipino fighters big money bouts and those who make waves find themselves climbing up the ratings, eventually battling for world titles. A prime example is Martin, ranked No. 1 by WBO and No. 8 by IBF in the superbantamweight division. He has a 25-0 record, with 20 KOs. His last two fights were KO wins over Mexicans in Mexico. Martin, 25, is set to face Colombia’s Jose Sanmartin in Las Vegas next month and a win will line him up for a possible eliminator against unbeaten Australian Sam Goodman. Undisputed superbantamweight champion Naoya Inoue is expected to move up in weight in September and the vacancies on the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO thrones will mean a chance for Martin to get his title crack.