GAB eyes fight gyms’ grading

FILE – Vic Saludar of the Philippines. (Photo by JIJI PRESS / JIJI PRESS / AFP)

Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chair Abraham “Baham’’ Mitra said the government regulatory body for professional sports will carry out a series of inspections of gyms that plan to host training or competitions in boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA) fights and other contact disciplines.

The plan, Mitra said, is for the GAB to rate these gyms from 1- to 5-star classifications based on the agency’s own criteria.

“The purpose of this is to professionalize and regulate the quality of sports gyms across the country. GAB accreditation will be awarded to approved facilities with a certification that can be showcased to help promote their business,’’ said Mitra.

Mitra said gyms should comply with these standards for suitable training of athletes, particularly boxers, MMA fighters and competitors in contact sports.

Meanwhile, the World Boxing Association (WBA) finally paid attention to the inquiries of GAB on issues concerning Filipino fighters, including the revocation of Manny Pacquiao’s welterweight championship belt last year.

It can be recalled that the WBA stripped Pacquiao of his title due to inactivity and was relegated to “champion in recess.”

Mitra also sought a dialogue with the WBA on the controversial fight of Filipino boxer Vic Saludar, who defended his WBA minimumweight title against Erick Rosa of Dominican Republic last Dec. 21 with no “neutral judge’’ appointed for the match.

Saludar’s $35,000 purse was also delayed.