Quibors Boxing Stable manager and promoter Gerry Balmes said they already gained the approval of Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Baham Mitra to stage a fight card in Bacoor, Cavite.
For this to happen, Balmes said they need to secure the go signal from City Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla as local government units have the final say as part of the protocol due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We already got the clearance from GAB, and ang kasunod siempre is the LGU – kaialangan approved ng city where we’ll stage the fight,” said Balmes in an interview Friday with Manila Bulletin.
Mitra said the decision of Quibors officials to stage the event is a welcome development.
“We are happy that another boxing event is being promoted by Quibors Boxing Promotion,” said Mitra. “We at GAB have conditionally approved it provided that they get the nod of Mayor Lani Revilla and the local government unit.”
“This once again shows that boxing has restarted after the first event in Cebu by Omega boxing stables last Oct 17. We are awaiting Final submission of another one in General Santos by JC Manangquil of Sanman Promotions also this November,” added Mitra.
Balmes, together with his partners, fellow manager/promoter Joseph Quibral and manager Orlan Bircelango, said they are hoping to set a meeting with the mayor for them to present the proposed fight card.
According to Balmes, the city is now under the Modified General Community Quarantine or MGCQ, where events like boxing matches for professionals are now allowed under the guidelines of the IATF.
Cebu, which is also on MGCQ level, staged a successful four-card fight early this month via the Omega Boxing Promotions that was sanctioned by GAB. The said outfit is planning for a second event similar to the previous one either December or January 2021.
Several key factors in the Cebu restart served as model for local pro boxing, such as the "bubble" facility Omega Boxing Promotions used, plus the regular swab test for the boxers, trainers and officials, and the 40-percent capacity of individuals inside the gym.
Balmes said that they would do the same thing with regards to the health protocols.
“Pinag-aralan ko mabuti kung ano yung ginawa nila sa Cebu, and halos ganoon naman din ang gagawin namin because all the health protocols are under the GAB and the guidelines of the JAO (Joint Administrative Order). So susundin lang namin ang guideline,” said Balmas
He said that they are still keeping it under wraps until after the approval of Mercado-Revilla.
However, he said it would definitely feature one of best boxers among their bets, the reigning World Boxing Foundation minimum champion Ar-Ar Andales, who sports a ring record of 11 wins and two defeats.
“Tune up fight lang naman muna for Ar-Ar, possible preparation niya ito for a championship fight. Kami naman nagaantay lang ng hamon for a world title match,” said Balmes.
“That’s why kami, sabi ko nga, we’re ready for the restart of boxing in Luzon. Nagawa na nila sa Visayas, so kami ready na to stage the fight-card and we’re hoping to get the approval.”