FROM the Big Dome to Rizal Memorial?
That seems to be the case for the proposed charity boxing match between Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III and Davao City acting mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte on Sunday.
Torre confirmed the move on Thursday, a day after he accepted the challenge of the son of former President Rodrigo Duterte, and said that it’s all systems go for a match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
READ Big Dome the site of historic fights. Will this one measure up?
“It will be at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum at 9 a.m. A ring is already being set up there. There are already sponsors who committed to giving ayuda to those affected by the typhoon,” he told beat reporters after his boxing practice at the PNP Gym.
It’s been almost a decade since the Rizal Memorial Coliseum hosted a boxing match. The last was during the 2014 Philippine National Games when national boxers Aira Villegas, Irish Magno, and Josie Gabuco all came out victorious.
Basketball and volleyball events were hosted more in the said venue, and it was also here where Carlos Yulo won two gold and five silver medals during the gymnastics competitions of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Ninoy Aquino Stadium was the more frequented choice for boxing events inside the Rizal Memorial Complex, with its last card seeing Eumir Marcial score a fourth-round knockout win over Thai foe Thoesak Sinam back in March 23, 2024, one which served as his final fight before the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Torre, who was a member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Boxing Corps Squad, said that the ball is now on Duterte’s court.
Torre is 55 years old; Duterte is 37.
“Nasa kanya na yon. Anytime, I am ready,” he quipped, noting that whatever happens, fight or no fight, the outreach for those in need will still move forward. “Whether he shows up or not, may mga sponsors na nagsabing magdo-donate ng pang-ayuda sa ating mga kababayan na nasalanta ng bagyo at ng baha.”
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