ALA boxing goes to Luzon

MANILA, Philippines - Prospective boxers from Luzon get to show their talent and skills as the ALA-Cobra Tunay na Lakas Boxing Tour shifts to the country’s largest island starting this Saturday in Mandaluyong.

Confined to the Visayas and Mindanao region the past three years, the ring tour makes its maiden show in Luzon and the National Capital Region over the weekend with a six-fight card headlined by Rene Bestodio against Jonel Alivio.

Appearing in the weekly PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate, ALA Promotions vice-president Dennis Canete said the desire to explore Luzon as the next possible boxing haven prompted the Cebu-based ring stable to bring the yearly tournament up north and not limit it within the confines of the VisMin area.

“Considering its size, Luzon has potential fighters who can become champion someday,” he said.

ALA Promotions events manager Claire Anlukban cited reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) mini-flyweight champion Merlito Sabillo and undefeated world title prospect King Arthur Villanueva as among those who were products of the boxing tour during its staging in the Vis-Min region.

The Luzon tour will be held simultaneously with the VisMin tour, making boxing tournaments in the country on a year-round basis similar to what Mexico does.

“It’s almost the same blueprint which Mexico follows, so there are lots of boxing tournaments where you can really see a lot of talent and potential,” added Canete.

After the Mandaluyong stage, the ALA-Cobra Tunay na Lakas Boxing Tour goes to Laguna next month, followed by Makati in November, Rizal in December, and Cavite City in January 2014.