Time for boxing to talk things over

It may have come almost eight years since the last time it was held, but the Philippine Boxing Convention now taking place at Hyatt Hotel in Manila is a most welcome development for the sport.

Referees, judges, promoters and almost anybody involved in the sport have gathered for three days (May 14 to 17) of learning in the initiative spearheaded by the Games and Amusements Board.

GAB chair Juan Ramon R. Guanzon, boxing chief Dr. Nasser V. Cruz and commissioners Fritz Gaston and Mohammad Aquil A. Tamano and the board staff have organized talks and discussions to update practitioners and clarify issues.

If other industries and fields can hold conventions, boxing definitely deserves and needs to have its own because it is an encompassing undertaking. Many rely on the sport for their livelihood, so issues of safety, medical expertise, promotions, fair judging and others are definitely worth discussing.

Invited to share their expertise are international referee Jack Reiss and World Boxing Council medical director Dr. Paul Wallace together with a host of seasoned international Filipino referees, judges and ring physicians.

The first day ended with a 60-round fight card that showcased two championships.

A ring was set up inside the Hyatt ballroom and the “In This Corner TV” show production team recorded the fights for its program. Brusmick Promotions of Santa Rosa, Laguna, teamed up with Thai promoter Naris Singwangcha Boxing International as matchmakers.

In the main event, Benezer Alolod took the Philippine junior flyweight crown from Jerson Mancio, who suffered an arm injury in the fight and could not continue after the third round. Rey Migrinio knocked out Ernesto Saulong in the third round to win the Asian Boxing federation junior bantamweight title.

After the fights, Dr. Cruz explained to this writer that the plan is to now stage the convention every two years. He added that other topics could be discussed in the future, including the role of media in boxing.

The sport does need the continued support of all media forms but many in the sport often find it challenging to handle interviews or give the media the information it needs.

Other topics that could be considered in the future are proper training, nutrition, strategies and techniques and many more.  The current conference is, of course, specifically for those who officiate and manage fights but there is also much that all can learn from if all these alternative topics are included.

It’s also clear from the conference schedule that some time is being allotted to encourage questions and discussions on the current topics. There are no breakout sessions, only plenary ones to encourage the broadest possible participation.

Only good things can result from continuous dialogue and learning. A sport as popular as boxing needs to evolve and improve.  There are now many challenges to its popularity and a closing of ranks will augur well for the sport.