WITH hopes of finding another boxing superstar in the country, Mt. Province is set to have a program on boxing, and it is tapping no less than the pound-for-pound king to set up the program.
Mt. Province Representative Maximo Dalog said the local government is keen on promoting the sport considering the landlocked province has produced numerous fighters who are world class caliber.
"We have been thinking of that idea, and we're thinking of tapping Manny Pacquiao to help us out in this program if it would materialize," said Dalog.
The idea spurred after an Ambagiw native of Besao town became a world champion in his young career, and they expect Dayer Gabutan, the current WBO oriental bantamweight champion, to help them in the boxing program.
Gabutan successfully defended his title in two tries last year after winning the crown way back in 2010 when he defeated Jilo Merlin via a unanimous decision (116-113 twice and 115-113) in their 12-round minor title in Angeles City, Pampanga.
In his second title defense, Gabutan floored Thai challenger Meechai Kiatpracha once in the third round with 1:23 remaining and it was all it took for the 22-year-old boxer. He also scored a technical knockout against compatriot Pol Apolinario, also in 2010.
Although the congressman expressed his full support for the Besao fighter, he said there are also other fighters from the province who are waiting to be discovered and be given a break.
But according to Dalog, this will be done in the grassroots program and with the help of experts manning the training.
"Of course, we will tap Pacquiao as one of our advisor because there's no other resource person to think off when it comes to boxing than the seven time champion," added Dalog.
The lone district representative also added that the local government is convincing the Sarangani representative to train in the Mountain Province owing to the cooler climate and probably lesser distraction.
Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 16, 2011.
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