ALA Boxing has made the gut-wrenching decision to throw in the towel due to the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Cebu-based promotion, owned by Tony Aldeguer and his son Michael, is now closing its doors permanently after 35 years.
In a statement ion Tuesday, ALA Boxing cited the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of television partner ABS-CBN as some of the reasons behind its closure.
“The pandemic and the closure of our long time broadcast network partner ABS-CBN has affected the overall situation and future of the company,” it read.
ALA Boxing has been home to former world champions, such as Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and Milan “El Metodico” Melindo.
Other world-class fighters under the famed promoter are Jonas Sultan, Arthur Villaneva, Jason and Albert Pagara, to name a few.
Besides this, ALA also held some of the biggest boxing events the country has ever seen, including Pinoy Pride 30 — headlined by Nietes and Nonito Donaire, and a co-promoted event with Top Rank in Cebu back in 2016.
The last event promoted by ALA was back in December 14, 2019, at the Bogo City (Celestino Martinez Sr.) Sports & Cultural Complex in Cebu.
Regarding their boxers, ALA said that they would let them go and allow them to look for “greener pastures” for their careers.
“All our fighters will be released so they can look for greener pastures for their careers.”
For all the memories created, ALA will forever be grateful to everyone who made it possible.
“We would like to thank you all very much from the bottom of our hearts for all your support for the last 35 years. We cannot ask for more.”
