CEBU, Philippines - ALA Promotions further strengthened its hold as the premier boxing outfit in the country after tying up with Asia Brewery Inc. buoyed by the common goal of promoting world-class Filipino boxing.
As their initial venture, the 'ALA-Cobra Tunay na Lakas' boxing series will kick off tonight at Block 11 in Asiatown I.T. Park in Brgy. Apas, this city. Three of the top local amateurs are scheduled to debut in the undercards of the first installment of the synergized partnership.
“ALA and Cobra will have this partnership for two years and with this, we will be expecting more fighters fighting for our country in the future,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer during a press conference yesterday at the Sports Exchange Bar and Grill. “This will be the foundation of Philippine boxing.”
Boyce Sultan, Michael Romarate and bemedalled amateur sensation Albert Pagara will be testing the waters of the professional ranks as freshmen of the developmental boxing series of ALA Promotions and Cobra Energy Drink.
Setting the pace for these professional debutants is Albert Pagara. The former amateur standout has won multiple national gold medals since 2006 from 48 to 52 kgs. divisions and his latest being the 2010 54-kilogram national champion.
Pagara is set to join his older brother Jason in the pros where the more senior of the Pagara brood is slowly making a name for himself with impressive and tactical wins. He will go up against Sandy Cajil of Futalan Stable.
Also to enlist in the more powerful pro level is amateur standout Boyce Sultan, who won the 2010 Tinga Cup silver medal for the 54 kgs. division in Manila and the 2010 Visayas Regional Amateur Boxing Championships bronze medal.
Completing the cast of this trio is the charismatic Michael Romarate. This former amateur notable will be campaigning in the flyweight division where his speed will be an asset in helping him win bouts. Romarate is the 2010 52 kgs. Visayas regional champion.
Sultan will exchange blows with Justin Gacos of DDP Stable, while Romarate will take on Rando Espeleta.
The ALA-Cobra Energy Drink Tunay na Lakas Boxing series is the corporate dynamic duos developmental boxing series which serves as the venue to help aspiring professionals in and outside of the Philippines.
The other bouts pit James Bacon vs. Jake Verano of Cagayan De Oro, Rolando Magbanua of Brave Heart Stable vs. the Negros Oriental-native Jason Egera, Jomar Cordinillo of Tagbilaran City vs. Marlou Talili of Jagna, Bohol and Cebuano Richard Barrios vs. Crispin Salvador of Futalan Stable. (FREEMAN)