ISANG haligi ng modern-day boxing ang nagpaalam.
Ginulantang ng ALA Boxing ang local fight sports community noong Biyernes ng gabi nang ianunsiyo nito na magsasara na ito makaraang hasain ang ilan sa pinakamahuhusay na Filipino pugs sa nakalipas na 35 taon.
“After 35 years, ALA Boxing (ALA Promotions and ALA Gym) would like to say farewell and thank you to our supporters from all over the world,” nakasaad sa statement.
Isang brainchild ni Cebuano sportsman Tony Aldeguer, ang ALA ay naging isa sa premier local boxing stables, kung saan hinubog nito ang mga tulad nina Gerry Peñalosa, Donnie Nietes, Rey Bautista, at AJ Banal.
Subalit dalawang malalaking kaganapan sa mga nakalipas na buwan ang naging sanhi ng pagsasara ng kompanya.
“The pandemic and the closure of our long-time broadcast partner ABS-CBN has affected the overall situation and the future of the company,” ayon sa ALA.
Sa pamamagitan ng ALA Boxing ay nasaksihan nang live ng may 30,000 katao ang ‘big night’ ni Bautista sa kanyang native province Bohol.
Dinala rin nito ang world title bouts sa Cebu, tulad ng Z. Gorres-Fernando Montiel bout sa Cebu City Sports Complex at Banal-Rafael Concepcion showdown sa Cebu Coliseum.
Tumulong din ang ALA sa pag-promote sa mga laban ni Nonito Donaire sa bansa, tampok ang Pinoy Pride 30: D-Day sa Smart Araneta Coliseum sa Quezon City noong 2015 at ang isa pang fight card sa Cebu City Sports Complex pagkalipas ng isang taon.
“All these memorable events and accomplishments would have not been possible without all of you, the past and present ALA boxers, the trainers, the office staff, the media, the fans, the boxing organizations, sponsors, and our boxing family from all over the world,” sabi ng boxing company.
“We would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for all your support for the past 35 memorable years. We cannot ask for more.”
Samantala, tinawag ni Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra ang pagsasara ng ALA Boxing na malaking kawalan sa boxing world sa Filipinas.
“The closure of ALA is sad news for the sports industry,” ani Mitra. “Their group will be sorely missed. We hope that new promoters with similar dedication in the boxing industry can fill in for ALA’s absence.” (PNA)
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