THE man that brought Manny Pacquiao to the upper echelons of boxing, Bob Arum, now wants to work with Cebu-based ALA Promotions to promote fight cards in the Philippines in the future.
The Top Rank big boss met with ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer last week in Manila to talk about its plans for world-class boxing events with the local promotional company.
Aside from that meeting, Arum also went to Manila to observe Pacquiao’s final week of training in Baguio City for his fight with Antonio Margarito.
“He (Arum) sees the potential of the Filipinos and he wants to hold big promotions in the Philippines,” Aldeguer said in
an interview with Sun.Star Cebu. “We are open to it.”Aldeguer said Arum was interested in Cebu City because of its roster of talents.
“He is looking at the Philippines as the next Mecca of boxing in the world. That’s what we at ALA Promotions are trying to do,” he said. “If they have Las Vegas that is a boxing capital in the US, then Cebu can be that.”
Prospects
Aside from staging top-billed promotions in the Philippines, Top Rank and ALA Promotions will also be working together in fights in the US and Mexico.
ALA Promotions will also be providing Top Rank with talented prospects who can be showcased in its fight cards.
One of the boxers who caught Arum’s eye is Cebu City’s AJ Banal, who will be fighting this Saturday night at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino against two-division world champion Luis Perez.
Aldeguer said Banal was mentioned to Arum by his reknowned matchmaker, Bruce Tampler.
“If he does well this Saturday then he might fight in the undercard of the Nonito Donaire Jr. vs. Fernando Montiel fight. AJ is one of the best prospects and best talents in the Philippines. We haven’t formally talked about it but he singled out AJ
a bit,” Aldeguer said.
a bit,” Aldeguer said.
Banal (22-1, 18 KOs) fought for a world title in 2008 but lost in 10 rounds to Panamanian Rafael Concepcion. Since that loss, Banal has won his last five fights, four by knockouts
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