CEBU, Philippines — Of all the boxers that went through ALA Gym, Edito Villamor is the most special.
He is the only one allowed to carry the ring name ALA when he turned pro in 1989.
And he did not disappoint.
Edito “ALA” Villamor lived up to expectations while bringing the name of Cebu’s fabled stable, becoming one of the brightest stars that shined in the Philippine boxing constellation.
During his prime in the 1990s, Villamor was like a rockstar. Backed up by an army of diehard fans that filled every nook and cranny of the Cebu Coliseum, his fights were always a blockbuster hit.
Villamor shared that he first learned the ropes of boxing at age 15 with the late Paciano “Noy Pacing” Flores as trainer at the ALA Gym in 1986. Among his contemporaries were Andy Tabanas, Gerry Penalosa, Rey Cosep and the Alfante brothers.
At that time, Villamor got to know Antonio “Bidoy” Lopez Aldeguer, a Negrense but Cebu-based businessman-sportsman who established ALA Gym in 1985.
That marked the start of what has been a wonderful relationship that spanned for over three decades until ALA decided to hang up its gloves last week because of the ongoing pandemic and the closure of its longtime TV partner ABS-CBN.
“Sir ALA is very hands on in training not only in boxing but also in teaching you all values in life. On money matters, he will advice you how to spend wisely. He will teach you about good grooming, right manners, and how to deal with people. He does not want anybody to look down on boxing as a profession. He wants people to treat boxers with respect and high regard. He truly cares for you. That is why I see a father figure in him who will guide my life to the right path,” shared Villamor.
“Being a boxer was really a big help to my family. To make the long story short, I’m grateful to sir ALA for everything I have, and for who I am today,” added Villamor, who pocketed P75 when he won by decision against Dante Abalorio during his amateur ring debut in June 1986 in Toledo City.
Four years later, Villamor entered the pro ranks. He knocked out Jun Mendoza in his baptism of fire on June 3, 1989 in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.
After going undefeated in his first 25 bouts, Villamor vied for a world crown but was stopped in the seventh round by Thai Anucha Pothong in their IBF minimumweight championship match on June 27, 1993 at Thailand’s National Stadium in Bangkok.
Villamor got another world title shot only to be knocked out in round eight by WBC 105-pound king Ricardo “Finito” Lopez of Mexico on March 16, 1996 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The defeat was so crushing that it sent Villamor to retirement with a record of 29 wins, 26 via stoppage, against two losses, and a draw.
A year later, Villamor opened a new chapter in his career as trainer. What he failed to achieve as a boxer he accomplished as a trainer, producing a slew of world champions with four-division world titleholder Donnie “Ahas” Nietes as his finest product.
The 49-year-old Villamor, who will be a “Golden Boy” in terms of age this October 18, diligently worked his way up not only as a coach, trainer and matchmaker but also as ALA Gym manager.
No wonder Villamor felt that his whole world has gone done down when the ALA Gym closed shop.
“I should be the first one to understand. I respect the ALA family with all their decisions,” said Villamor. “But the longing and pain is inexplicable, thinking that the ALA Gym, which is a huge part of my life, has said goodbye.”
“I’m proud to say that I have no heartaches. Instead, I am very grateful to the ALA Gym, to sir ALA, sir Mike and the whole family for they have done so much to me as a boxer, trainer, gym manager and matchmaker. In behalf of my family, thank you ALA Boxing Gym, and thank you ALA Promotions. Godbless,” Villamor ended.
During these uncertain times, there’s one thing that is for sure. Wherever life leads him in the future, Edito Villamor is ALA forevermore.