PH Boxing in need of corporate sponsors
Johnriel Casimero proved to the whole world that his victory over Luis Lazarte in Argentina last February to win the interim IBF Junior Flyweight title was no fluke.
Last Sunday, the slugger from Ormoc City beat Pedro Guevarra at the latter’s home town in Mexico to keep his world title.
Casimero won by split decision indicating that he had a very tough fight. But to his credit he stood his ground in spite of the fact that he was fighting in the lion’s den.
His victory though not spectacular as a KO victory was none-the-less outstanding.
It’s no joke to win in Mexico particularly if the opponent hails from the same town where the fight is being held.
First, there is the hometown crowd which can pump up the homeboy and make him perform more than expected.
Then there is the ambiance that only a home turf can produce including the weather, the temperature, the local area altitude, the food and family support.
With his recent victory, Casimero should make hgis next title defense on home soil because Filipino boxing fans deserve to see their new champion in action.
At the rate our champions fight abroad, it would not be a surprise if one of these days they will run into a brick wall and lose their title before they get to showcase their wares to the local fans. And before that happens, at least even for once, these champions should defend their crowns in the Philippines.
But as Casimero promoter Samson Gello-ani said, it would be too difficult to promote a fight in the Philippines. Read: it’s too expensive!
As a pundit from Cebu once said: “Many fans would love to support a fight but economy simply does not always allow that to happen.”
Without a huge fan base to buy tickets, the risks in putting up a promotion are great.
CORPORATE SUPPORT NEEDED
Ideally, it would be nice if the government can help. But it seems our officials are focused on other things (themselves, perhaps?) and national pride is oftentimes set at the back burners.
Therefore, the only hope for a title fight in the country is with corporate support.
That however is easier said than done because corporations understandably must have a reasonable ROI on any venture. No one can fault them for that. After all, they are in business to make money.
To their credit, some of our major corporations are beginning to move towards boxing sponsorships. The Pinoy Pride Series started by ALA Boxing is an example. They have arrangements with ABS-CBN and a few other corporations.
Perhaps it is time for other big corporations to step up. They could use Golden Boy Promotions in LA as a model. GBP puts up regular fight cards with corporate sponsors from beer makers to tool manufacturers and even a phone company.
We have a few large corporations that can step forward. If these corporations can put up large sums of money for basketball, there is no reason why they can’t do it for boxing.
Certainly, Casimero’s victory would help make that happen. /Ed dela Vega of philboxing
