Davao pug dies after retaining title

MANILA, Philippines - Ermelito “Jog” Alim Jr., a professional boxer from Davao City, died last Thursday or two days after he retained his Mindanao Professional Boxing Association (Minproba) super-bantamweight title in Rosario, Agusan del Sur.

Alim collapsed inside the ring after the referee declared him the winner of a unanimous decision over his challenger, Al Grumo, in their 10-round bantamweight contest.

It was Alim’s first defense of the title he won with a third-round knockout of Ruben Santillanosa at the Rizal Park in Davao City last March 17. It turned out to be his last bout.

Alim is the third Filipino boxer to die this year due to injuries sustained inside the ring.

Last February, undefeated Karlo Maquinto, who was only 21, died a few days after a fight against Mark Joseph Costa in boxing card in Caloocan City.