ALA Boxing Promotions, nagsara; mga boxer, napaiyak

Matapos ang 35 taon na pagpo-produce ng sikat na Pinoy Pride boxing series, tuluyan nang ibinato ng ALA Boxing Promotions ang towel at nagsara dahil sa epekto ng coronavirus pandemic at pagkasara ng ABS-CBN.

Isinara ng ALA ang kanilang promotional outfit maging ang kanilang boxing gym, na lumikha ng sikat na boksingero ng bansa gaya nina Donnie Nietes, Albert Pagara, Z Gorres, Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista at Milan Melindo.

“ALA Boxing (ALA Promotions and ALA Gym) would like to say farewell and thank you to our supporters from all over the world,” wika nito sa inilabas na statement.

“The pandemic and the closure of our longtime broadcast network partner ABS-CBN, has affected the overall situation and future of the company.”

Itinayo ang ALA Boxing ni Cebu boxing patron Antonio L. Aldeguer noong 1985 at pinatakbo ng anak nitong si Michael noong 2006.

Itinatag din nito ang sikat na Pinoy Pride series at naging unang Asian promoter na nagsagawa ng events sa United States matapos ang matagumpay na promotions nito sa Middle East.

“Local boxing just took a direct hit on the chin. ALA was not just about boxing, it was about keeping kids off the streets and giving them a path, a goal in life,” ayon sa isang boxing analyst.

“Saving a prayer for the boxers, staff and everyone in ALA. I hope that this is just a knockdown and that they will be able to beat the count.”

Halos mapaiyak naman ang ilang boksingerong nagsasanay at hawak ng ALA Promotions dahil sa sinapit na kapalaran at pagsasara nito.