ALA Hangs Up Its Gloves

In a move that caught sports fans by surprise, ALA Boxing, the record-breaking and trailblazing phenomenon of Philippine boxing, is hanging up its gloves after 35 years. In a statement released to the media, the country’s leading boxing promotions outfit and boxing gym cited the pandemic and the closure of ABS-CBN as the major factors behind the decision.

“After 35 years, ALA BOXING (ALA PROMOTIONS and ALA GYM) would like to say Farewell and Thank you to our supporters from all over the World,” the statement bared. The Pandemic and the closure of our long time Broadcast Network partner, ABS-CBN, has affected the over-all situation and future of the company,” it added.

As a consequence of the closure, all of ALA’s fighters will now be released and are free to tie up with any boxing manager or promotions outfit where they can resume their careers. Among them are four-division world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, who also holds the record for being the Filipino champion with the longest reign as world champion. Others in the stable include former world champion Milan Milendo, Albert “Prince” Pagara, Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem, Jeo Santisima and KJ Cataraja. Among the current world-class boxers who fought for ALA before are Genesis Servania and Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo.

ALA Promotions is best known for staging “Pinoy Pride,” a series of world-class boxing productions in partnership with ABS-CBN. The series had raised the bar in terms of boxing promotions and TV ratings, staging world championships that featured Nonito Donaire, Nietes, Melindo and AJ Banal. They held events at the posh Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, the Mall of Asia Arena, Solaire Hotel, Resorts World, the Araneta Coliseum and had stints in Dubai and the U.S.

Among the pioneering boxers who fought under the ALA Boxing Gym in the 1990s include former world champion Gerry Peñalosa, Edito “ALA” Villamor, Noel Tuñacao, Jun Gorres, Ramy Dumpa and Joma Gamboa, all of who once donned the classic black ALA trunks.  Other popular boxers who once fought for ALA were Michael Domingo, Z Gorres, Czar Amonsot, Katsunari Takayama, Merlito Sabillo, Rocky Fuentes, Bart Abapo, Dindo Castañares, Wyndel Janiola, Rodel Mayol and Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista.

Saying farewell in class, ALA didn’t have any other words but thanks for its followers. “All these memorable events and accomplishments would not have been possible without All of you. The past and present ALA boxers, The Trainers, The office staff, The Media, The Fans, The Boxing Organizations, Sponsors and Our Boxing Family from all over the World,” the statement concluded.

Reactions and words were swift from sports fans in Cebu and across the country. The Professional Boxing Officials of Central Visayas expressed their words of stunner and thanks. “This came as a shock to all of us in the boxing community. ALA Boxing has given Philippine boxing so much pride in many decades now. The most popular Pinoy boxers of recent times were either an ALA boxer, or have trained in ALA or have at least sparred inside that famous gym in Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City. To learn about this closure is like a dagger stab right in our very own hearts at this time of crisis. Thank you ALA, thank you Don Antonio Lopez Aldeguer, please accept the appreciation of a forever grateful boxing nation.”

Philboxing founder Dong Secuya said, “It’s the end of an era. Boxing in Cebu and in the Philippines will never be the same again. It’s a big if; if Cebu boxing will recapture its glory days in the foreseeable future.” For his part, boxing columnist Atty. Jingo Quijano weighed the heart-breaker of a loss. “Truly disheartened to realize an institution such as ALA boxing is gone.... where would Phil boxing be were it not for ALA boxing?”

Pio Paulo Castillo, President of the Omega Sports Promotions and the Omega Boxing Gym, was also stunned. “It comes with great shock what ALA has shared with us today, as they announced the closure of their boxing program. It is very difficult for us here in Omega Sports Promotions & Omega Boxing Gym to accept this decision. Without a doubt, the boxing industry not only in Cebu but in the entire Philippines will be very different. They have been one of the pioneering organizations that has helped plenty and has inspired many in the local boxing industry. I for sure am one of those. We have lost a colleague in our journey of representing Philippines in the sport of boxing. Moreover, it is also important to take note what they have left for young organizations such as Omega. The boxing scene will forever be thankful for everything that you have shared with us. We will continue to represent the Philippines on the road ALA has helped pave for us. Salamat ALA sa mga experience gi hatag nimo sa tanan tao nga naay hilig sa boxing. Dili na namo kalimtan ang uras inyung gi gahin para sa boxing sa Pilipinas. (Thanks to ALA for the experience that you gave all who are fond of boxing. We will never forget the time you invested in Philippine boxing).”

Pinoyliga.com expresses its gratitude to ALA Boxing for setting the bar, creating history and keeping Pinoy boxing alive.

Photo: This writer with four division world champion, Donnie "Ahas" NIetes, the Filipino with the longest reign as a world champion and the jewel of the ALA Boxing Gym.