Pinoy Pride 8 will attempt to break some ground bringing in three Mexican fighters in one event. This is a feat never done before in Philippine boxing.
In the audience was ALA Promotions founder, Antonio L. Aldeguer. While he is no longer handling the business, which he passed to his son Michael, the likable boxing figure remains glued to the sport. This writer, along with Lemuel Maglinte of SunStar Cebu, took the chance to talk to the affable boxing patron about the very ambitious card to take place this Saturday, September 10th at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino here in Cebu City.
“To be honest, I am quite nervous with this card,”Aldeguer said. “Our boys are running out of opposition here in Asia. We can’t just pit them with Indonesians and Thais anymore.”
Aldeguer was specifically referring to undefeated Filipino super bantamweight prospect Genesis Servania, who sports a 14-0 win-loss record, with five wins by knockout. Hailing from Bacolod City, Sevania will have his first clash against a foreigner in Gerson “El Nene” Guerrero.
Guerrero is no ordinary fighter. The Mexico City native is a veteran of 42 bouts, Guerrero owns 34 victories against 8 losses, with 24 wins coming by way of knockout. The Mexican boasts of power, ring guile, experience, and an impressive resume that includes fights against current IBF super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares, former world titleholder Daniel Ponce de Leon, undefeated OPBF super bantamweight titlist Alexander Bahktin, and former world title contender Raul Juarez. Guerrero was once tapped to fight Filipino superstar Nonito Donaire but had to withdraw after failing a medical exam.
“It is a risky fight for Genesis, but one that will catapult him to a higher level and open more opportunities for him, provided he wins.”
Asked about the magnitude of Pinoy Pride 8 and the possible after effects, Aldeguer admits that the putting the card together and bringing in three Mexicans is already a risky financial venture in itself.
“We have to shell a lot of money to bring these guys here and fight in our backyard,” Aldeguer exclaimed.”But if this gamble is successful, my son (Michael) has grander things in mind and will put into motion.”
“It will be a big event I tell you,” Aldeguer told this writer.
For several reasons, this writer will not publish what that grand scheme is, but here’s a hint if Pinoy Pride 8 proves to be a commercial success – think Philippines against another boxing powerhouse nation.
