Historic ‘Duel in Dubai’ a blockbuster hit

DUBAI— The historic 'Duel in Dubai' boxing extravaganza was such a big hit that the men behind the international debut of the highly-successful Pinoy Pride series already contemplate on putting up another show of such magnitude in the Middle East most likely in the first quarter of 2015.

"It was more than what we expected," said ALA Promotions International President and CEO Michael P. Aldeguer regarding their maide promotional voyage on foreign waters that drew a sell-out crowd of nearly 3,000 at the Dubai World Trade Center. "We thanked the people of Dubai especially the Filipinos here for supporting our first international event."

"I am overwhelmed by the support. It encouraged us to do something bigger because we feel that is the best for boxing here in Dubai and in other parts of the Middle East. I hope we could bring in a world championship fight here or in a bigger venue. That would be something different," added Aldeguer.

Aside from Dubai, Aldeguer is considering Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia as probable venues for their next major fightcard here in the Middle East.

"Let's just wait and see what's up next. You know, we also have a license to promote in California in the United States and that would be one of our options," said Aldeguer. "It entails a load of hardwork and extensive planning, but anything is possible."

It took ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports one year to put up the multi-million Pinoy Pride card in Dubai.

But it's all worth it as they are now reaping the fruits of their hard labor.

"We're very happy with the turnout. You know our next plan would depend on the result of our first international event and obviously we're very happy so we're doing it again here, if not in the United States," said  ABS-CBN Sports Head Peter Musni.

"Hindi namin ini-expect na ganito ang reception ng first Pinoy Pride here in Dubai. Masayang masaya  talaga kami sa TFC to bring this event in the Middle East at makikita naman natin na grabe ang ibinigay na suporta ng ating mga kababayan dito. It only goes to show that we at ABS-CBN is not only for entertainment, but also for sports," said Ann Francis Maribel Hernaez, TFC Regional Head of ABS-CBN Middle East.

Whatever their next move would be, everything points to one direction - the Pinoy Pride, which traces its humble beginnings back in Cebu four years ago, is ready to go global. EBV (FREEMAN)