CEBU, Philippines- ALA Promotions, the country’s premier boxing outfit, finally got what it envisioned five years ago as it stages its first ever Pinoy Pride fightcard abroad billed as ‘Duel in Dubai’ on September 5 at the Dubai World Trade Center.
“Five years is enough for this historic milestone for ALA Promotions,” said ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer in a press conference yesterday at the Rajah Park Hotel.
“It was far-fetched at first, but we made it. The first event solely promoted by us,” said Aldeguer. “I feel that it’s something we couldn’t believe and finally it’s going to happen.”
Aldeguer said after a series of planning and negotiations, they are glad to finally put on a show that would mark the rise of Philippine boxing.
“Bringing big fights abroad with Filipino boxers is something very historic for Philippine boxing,” he said.
Aside from an extensive planning, Aldeguer said the investment involved is enormous, but he believes that everything will pay off especially that they have already been receiving positive response from the Filipino OFWs in the oil-rich emirate.
Come the first Pinoy Pride series on foreign shores, undefeated super bantamweight prospect Genesis ‘Azucal’ Servania (24-0, 10KOs) will defend his WBO Intercontinental title against Mexican challenger Jose ‘Matador’ Cabrera (22-4, 10KOs) in the main event.
“Genesis is No.2 (in the World Boxing Organization) right now and he can be a mandatory challenger against current champion Guillermo Rigondeaux," said Aldeguer. "But this is something that we will have to look into."
Servania said it would be a big opportunity for him to bolster his chance of fighting for a world crown, but more importantly, he wants to give an impressive win before his fellow countrymen in Dubai.
“I saw his (Cabrera) tapes and I noticed that he is a tactical and defensive fighter. But I am prepared for him and my only goal is to deliver for the Filipino audience,” Servania said.
In the supporting main event, another undefeated ALA stalwart ‘King’ Arthur Villanueva (25-0, 14KOs) guns for the vacant IBF International junior bantamweight belt when he takes on Nicaraguan Henry ‘El Crespo’ Maldonado (18-3, 13KOs).
In another attraction, crowd-favorite Rey ‘Boom Boom’ Bautista (35-3, 25KOs) will see action for the second time in the super featherweight division against Mexican Jose ‘Piquet’ Martinez (19-1, 15KOs). (FREEMAN)