GAB says boxers Barriga, Suarez considered ‘professionals’

For Games and Amusements Board, the mere participation of Mark Barriga and Charly Suarez to the ABP World Series of Boxing already counts them as professional boxers.

GAB chairman Juan Ramon Guanzon on Tuesday expressed the concern over the Filipino boxers’ status as amateurs at the weekly PSA Forum.

“There’s a contract. It’s long term. The manager is ABAP and the promoter is AIBA. I don’t understand why we can’t call them professionals and they call it open boxing.”

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Guanzon is concerned for boxers like Barriga and Suarez, who don’t have licenses issued by the GAB but are participating in AIBA-sanctioned events.

“If something happens to them, there’s nothing we could do. They’re professionals, as far as were concerned, and we have rules and regulations,” he said. “I hope nothing happens, but if something happens, it’s the ABAP that is responsible.”

In Guanzon’s eyes, this incoherence in the sport of boxing is AIBA President Dr. Wu Ching-kuo’s fault.

“If you were to ask me, this topsy-turvy situation now is because of Dr. Wu. He wants to monopolize all boxing. He wants all countries to be under AIBA. He invaded pro boxing but he wants to be independent,” he said.

“They cannot have both ways. Tell (ABAP executive director) Ed Picson to see me so we can talk about it and explain how did that happen.” CFC