‘ALA Boys’ shocked, sad by gym’s closing time

CEBU, Philippines —  ALA boxers are struck with mixed feelings upon hearing the news that the world-renowned ALA gym has folded up.

In an official statement last Tuesday night,  ALA Gym announced it is closing shop after 35 years of action, citing the reasons of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the closure of its longtime TV partner ABS-CBN.

“I am deeply saddened not much because ALA Gym is a huge part of me but because of those young boxers who are dreaming big but are now left without ALA Gym to guide them,” said former WBC flyweight champion Malcolm “Eagle Eye” Tunacao, whose career started with Cebu’s fabled sweat shop founded the Antonio “Bidoy” L. Aldeguer in 1985.

“I am very thankful to sir ALA (Aldeguer) whom we all consider as our second father. Had it not been for his help and guidance, I would not be here where I am today. I will never forget my good times with the ALA Gym , something that I am forever grateful,” added Tunacao, who is now working as a garbage collector and a part time fitness trainer in Kobe, Japan.

Like Tunacao, four-division world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes former Philippine light flyweight champion Wyndel “Braveheart” Janiola was rocked by ALA’s unexpected end in boxing circle.

“I’m grateful still to ALA Promotions because if not for them, I won’t be a four times world champion,” said Nietes.

“I am shocked and sad at the same time,” shared Janiola, who once vied for the world 108-pound title but lost to South African Monelisi Myekeni on February 15, 2003 at the Meropa Sun Casino in Polokwane, South Africa.  “I am one of the original ALA Boys. I grew up and make a name for myself with them. I became a better boxer because of the ALA Gym. That feeling of missing my ALA family now starts to sink in.”

WBC No.1 minimumweight contender Melvin “El Gringo” Jerusalem shared the sentiments of his ALA predecessors.

“I have many things to thank ALA gym for. I will never forger being part of ALA Boxing and I am forever indebted to it for helping mold me what I am now today. To sir ALA, thank you so much for everything, for being a second father not only to me but to all boxers under your care. We will never forget you. Thank you also to my coaches and fellow boxers, I will miss you all.”

On their part, former WBC flyweight Rodel “Batang Mandaue” Mayol and trainer Crisologo “Brix” Flores are both hoping that ALA is just taking a timeout and will be back in the boxing scene when things get back to normal someday.

“I am saddened that ALA Boxing is now gone because they have helped a lot of kids who are very poor and nowhere to go. ALA Stable is a big loss to Philippine boxing because they are the most active and always provides a highly entertaining shows because of their very good boxers and world-class promotions,” said Mayol.

“I know that many are sad especially the fans of ALA Boys. I just hope that ALA will return to boxing one day so that their state-of-the-art facility and vast experience in shaping world champions won’t be put to waste.”

Flores, an ALA standout during his heyday, has the same line of thinking.

“It really sad that ALA Promotions closed shop. They’re the biggest boxing promotions in the Philippines because of their excellent management skills. They very organized,” said Flores, a Philippine champion and Asian Games bronze medalist during his prime.

“ALA has helped a lot of kids. We also see that they have produced a lot of world-class boxers and champion. It may be sad but we have to respect their decision. I hope that ALA just relaxed for a while and might come back in boxing in the future,” added Flores with his fingers crossed. — EBV