In defense of Shelly Finkel

There’s a concerned call clearing the name of Hall of Fame promoter Shelly Finkel, which dismally topped the list of those dangling “staggering amounts in the tens of millions” for prized Filipino middleweight boxer Eumir Marcial to turn pro.

The concerned fellow was Homer D. Sayson, tested and influential roving Filipino sports correspondent based in Chicago.

Sayson was the last reporter to talk to Finkel before the Marcial issue erupted.

“Finkel absolutely didn’t mind having his reputable name being floated out there. His intentions are pure,” Sayson wrote.

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There predictably was an inference Marcial will ditch the Tokyo Olympics the moment he signs with a manager.

“The goal is to make sure Eumir Marcial fights in the Olympics,” Sayson quoted Finkel as saying.

Continued Sayson: “Finkel’s reputation remains unsullied. He says little and does a whole lot. Finkel doesn’t make empty promises. He delivers like UPS.”

Still, the problem is how much Finkel and other bidders would dare dangle.

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Definitely dazzling, said Ricky Vargas, head of the Alliance of Boxing Associations of the Philippines (Abap), which carved and propelled Marcial to prominence.

How much is the lure?

“As of now, everything is speculation, nothing has been signed so far,” explained Abap executive director Ed Picson.

He assured Marcial’s main and sole focus remains the Olympics.

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By the way, Manny Pacquiao has reportedly assured he could put Marcial in a world title fight after only three pro bouts.

For the record, Picson assured, the Olympics remains theoretically open to all pro boxers.

“Actually, there are various amounts quoted, but we agreed during a video conference with Marcial and Mr. Vargas to stick to the status quo,” Picson explained.

He said they would meet in person once the lockdown is lifted.