CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- A newly-formed international boxing organization is aiming to expand and continue to promote boxing in the Philippines, as it organized events here Sunday.
The Global Boxing Organization (GBO), although based in the United States, is run by a Filipino -- Reynaldo Rodis, its chairman. He just concluded five amateur fights and two main events at the Limketkai Mall on Sunday
Rodis, who started his boxing promotions in the city during the '90s, said that Sunday's event was its inaugural and launching fight for the Philippines and Asia Pacific, and also a preview in their Philippine Caravan in search of a new boxing hero after Manny Pacquiao.
"Manny Pacquiao probably changed the image of Filipinos abroad. But after Pacquiao became a boxing icon in the world, it created a big bang to the image of Filipinos not only in boxing but in general as a competitive country in sports and entertainment," said Fred Lumba, GBO chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Lumban is also a sportswriter and columnist.
He said that after the Cagayan de Oro launch fight on Sunday, they will be preparing for a big event dubbed as "Thrilla in Davao" in Davao City on May 25 as a tribute to international boxing promoter "Don King", who has been invited to grace the event, or a representative to receive his Life Achievement Award spearheaded by GBO and is expected to be presented by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
The "Thrilla in Davao" will feature a Filipino undefeated heavyweight who has a 17-0 record against a Chinese opponent. (PNA)
