Elordes, Sanman open to consider ALA boxers

Fighters left homeless by the closure of ALA Boxing need not worry. Other local promoters are willing to provide them shelter if they knock at their doors.

This was the same view taken by the Elorde boxing stable and Sanman Promotions, two of the country’s other big boxing outfits, after the heralded ALA Boxing (Promotions and Gym) of Cebu succumbed to the lethal shot dealt by the COVID-19 pandemic and the non-renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise, its broadcast partner for the most part of its 35-year existence.

(READ: Coronavirus knocks out ALA Boxing)

“If they (boxers) want to come, why not,” said Johnny and Liza Elorde, who run the Elorde Sports Center in Parañaque. “We are always willing to help.”

“The boxing community in the country is small,” said Sanman head JC Manangquil. “Of course, they are welcome. Just like other boxers who need help and want to continue their careers.”

The Elordes and Manangquil, however, stressed they won’t be making any move to invite the displaced boxers.

“It’s really up to them to decide,” said the Elordes, who attend to the needs of their in-house boxers at the sprawling complex in Sucat.

Both the Elordes and Manangquil believe there are a lot of talented fighters from ALA Boxing, citing the unbeaten KJ Cataraja (11-0, 9 knockouts) and Melvin Jerusalem (15-2, 9 knockouts) as prime prospects.

According to the Elordes these are really trying and uncertain times for boxing, noting the case of their fighter, Giemel Magramo, whose crack at the World Boxing Organization flyweight title against Japanese Junto Nakatani in Tokyo has been postponed multiple times due to the coronavirus scourge.

“Up to now the promoters can’t provide us a new date because Japan is accepting no foreigners up to now. In fact, the Japanese embassy remains closed.”

Earlier, MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions, through its president Sean Gibbons, also expressed willingness to take into its fold some ALA boxers. – Rappler.com