Boxing, one of the popular sports among Filipinos, is slowly getting back on its feet with the staging of the first fight card under the "new normal" in Cebu.
Cebu-based Omega Sports Promotions will spearhead the boxing card in a "bubble" on Oct. 7 in the International Pharmaceuticals Inc. compound in Mandaue City, Cebu.
Omega Sports Promotions chief Jerome Calatrava said the pro ring event has the blessing of the Games and Amusements Board and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
"We're doing this for the care of our boxers because for the longest time, I think for six months, they don't have any income. We're at least giving a few boxers an opportunity to earn money," Calatrava said during the virtual Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.
Calatrava added that all boxers, crew, and other people involved in the fight card have all entered the "bubble" and underwent rapid tests. They will again be subjected to a swab test two days before fight day.
Only GAB officials will watch the actual fights and fans can catch the four bouts through the boxing stable's official Facebook page.
"All the boxers are excited and itching to fight. The excitement cannot be described, including the opponents of our boxers," Calatrava stated.
Two light-flyweight matches, both set for 10 rounds, will banner the fight card. Reigning World Boxing Association South light-flyweight champion Ronnie Vecilles of Omega battles Junel Lacar of Baguio, while another Omega fighter Christian Araneta takes on Bohol's Richard Rosales.
Omega's Penitente Apolinar tackles Cagayan de Oro's Jetro Pabustan in a featherweight bout good for 10 rounds, while stable partner Carlo Bacaro tangles with fellow Cebuano Jeffrey Stella in a light-welterweight encounter set for six rounds.
Holding professional boxing and combat sports was allowed by the IATF-MEID in areas under modified general community quarantine, under the strict supervision of GAB in following the health and safety protocols for COVID-19 transmission prevention.
This article first appeared on CNN Philippines.
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