Bato wants to revive prison boxing

Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa shows his fighting stance. Photo by Mark Giongco/INQUIRER.net

KUALA LUMPUR — An amateur boxer during his days in high school and the Philippine Military Academy, Bureau of Corrections chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is inclined to organize boxing matches in prisons in the Philippines.

Speaking with Manila-based reporters covering the Pacquiao-Matthysse “Fight of Champions” here, Dela Rosa said prison boxing is actually part of the Bureau of Corrections’ sports and recreation program before.

“I will revive that,” said dela Rosa, who flew to Malaysia and even accompanied Manny Pacquiao on stage during the official weigh-in, in Filipino on Saturday.

The former PNP chief said prison boxing is also a way to help inmates with their rehabilitation.

Dela Rosa is also intrigued about the possibility of gang members taking their rivalry inside the ring with boxing gears on rather than figuring in deadly brawls.

“Sputnik vs Commando, Batang Cebu vs Batang City Jail,” said dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa, whose boxing idol is former undisputed middleweight champion Marvin Hagler apart from his good friend Pacquiao, said he still boxes and use it as his form of exercise.

Dela Rosa added he envisions himself beating up “Chinese drug lords in Building 14” whenever he goes boxing.