Gumban faces acid test against Indonesian foe

CEBU, Philippines - Undefeated super flyweight prospect Melvin "Topgun" Gumban (14-0, 6KOs) is the latest addition to the elite roster of talented boxers under the aegis of ALA Promotions.

Trained and under the tutelage of ALA patriarch Antonio "Bidoy" L. Aldeguer, there is no question that the youthful Gumban's promising career is underway. His hardwork and commitment to the sport earned him the respect among his peers and the relentless support of his mentors.

ALA Promotions, thus, is happy to welcome Gumban to its fast-growing stable of future champions and this could be the beginning of a bright future for the gifted fighter.

At the moment, Gumban is in deep training for a major fight against Indonesian John Bajawa in his hometown Escalante City in Negros Occidental.

With an expected soldout bout for the ALA Promotions-presented 'IDOL 1 Philippines vs. Indonesia" fightcard on August 24, the fighting pride of Escalante is beyond thrilled as he gears up for his third match before his hometown fans.

The notion is exciting to Gumban and although he hasn’t exactly been without local support in his previous fights in Escalante where he knocked out Lowie Bantigue and Philip Parcon, he understands that this is his most exciting and biggest fight to date.

There was never any doubt Gumban would become a boxer. Perhaps environmental persuasion or just plain love of the sport, he knew this is the path he wanted to take. He grew up with the trappings of the sport all around him, watching fights of Rey “Boom-boom” Bautista, wishing that one day, just like Boom-boom, his name will be chanted in boxing arenas.

As early as nine years old, Gumban learned to love the give and take of this ancient sport. His determination quickly turned the natural skills he possessed into more refined tools, winning old medals in regional competitions.

“I'm not nervous at all. This is my first fight against a foreign opponent and it is in my hometown but I am prepared and I don't want to disappoint," said Gumban when asked during the promotional contract signing with ALA Promotions. “I have been training hard with ALA boxing for years now and I am very honored to be chosen to fight for this big project," he added.

He has put in his time and work. All those hard work and training, year after year as a youngster and then as a young man, are paying off.

And Gumban will try to prove his worth when he battles Bajawa in what would be his first acid test against a foreign foe. (FREEMAN)