ALA Promotions launches ‘IDOL’ boxing TV series

CEBU, Philippines - Buoyed by their ardent desire to make the Philippines as the next boxing mecca of the world, ALA Promotions yesterday launched a new boxing TV series dubbed as ‘IDOL’ featuring the new generation of ring stars who will showcase their talents anchored on a common goal of becoming the country's next world champions.

“We felt that there has to be a foundation from the start and a grassroots program like what my father (Antonio Aldeguer) has started years ago wherein we can showcase young talents,” said ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer in a press conference yesterday at the Alpa City Suites.

“This will be more than just a reality show because this will take over the Philippine boxing scene as Pinoy Pride goes worldwide. This will carry the torch of Pinoy Pride,” he added.

The 'IDOL' series that will be shown on Saturdays over broadcast giant ABS-CBN will be following the format of the highly-successful Pinoy Pride series as the latter will now be more of an international event that will feature Pinoy world champions and contenders.

“We are planning to do a Pinoy Pride in Dubai and we are also preparing our US tour that is why we need this (IDOL) to continue what we established here in the Philippines,” said Aldeguer.   

Some of the fighters who will show their stuff in the IDOL series are the undefeated super bantamweight prospect ‘Prince’ Albert Pagara (17-0, 12KOs), Melvin Gumban (14-0, 6KOs), Mark Vincent Bernaldez (10-0, 6KOs), Ralph Lulu (8-0, 3KOs) and former Boholano amateur standout Jessel Magsayo (2-0, 2KOs).

Aside from showing their bouts, 'IDOL' will also touch on the boxers' humble beginnings in their respective provinces wher they began their dreams of being a boxer.

“With this IDOL, fans can now follow and watch their chosen boxer as they quest for a world title in their future,” said Aldeguer.

The ALA boxers will face Pinoy and Asian opponents within the series and they will also fight for regional titles.

The first IDOL event will be held on August 24 in Escalante City headlined by Gumban and Bernaldez.  (FREEMAN)