Cebuano boxer to file raps against promoter

A Cebuano boxer sought legal assistance from the national government after he accused his Fil-Australian promoter of exploiting him and other boxers.

Allan Jay Tuñacao said he and three other boxers were promised lucrative fights by Fil-Australian promoter Dido Bohol in Australia but they ended up as helpers in his home instead.

Former Ala boxer Czar Amonsot, and boxers Jack Asis, and Flash Villacora joined Tuñacao in accepting Bohol’s invitation to fight in Australia.

But in a Skype interview, Tuñacao spoke of how they were exploited by Bohol and his family.

“On arriving there we had to endure sleeping in the cold confines of a garage. We were made helpers in Bohol’s house, serving them, washing their dishes, doing their laundry, cleaning their house,” Tuñacao said in Cebuano.

For his first fight in Australia, Tuñacao won Australian $300,000. But he claimed that Bohol only gave him $400.

He said Bohol told him that he should refund him for all the expenses he shouldered during his stay in Australia.

Tuñacao ran away nd sought the help of the Australian government which gave him a special visa. He said he’s now working on the case he will file against Bohol.

His mother Virginia Tuñacao said she is afraid for their safety, claiming that they’ve been threatened by Bohol.

Bohol’s close friend, trainer Christopher Tempora, defended Bohol saying that he treats his boxers well.

“I was there a few months ago. There were boxers in his place. Two boxers. They were doing well, I don’t think they were maltreated,” Tempora said.

Despite Tuñacao’s plight, some Pinoy boxers like International Boxing Federation champion John Riel Casimero still pursue fights abroad.

“I want to go abroad, I believe I will be a world champion there,” said Philippine Boxing Federation champion, Virgilio Silvano.

Local boxing analyst Rene Bonsubre Jr. said a lot of Filipino boxers only want a better life for their families in risking to fight abroad.

Due to the dangers they face, Bonsubre said boxers must learn to value their money.

“How many boxers actually last for more than eight years? Because once you go pass 30 years old, your boxing career is already over, so what will you do?” Bonsubre said. /Carine M. Asutilla, Correspondent