GAB AGREES TO LOWER REST PERIOD OF BOXERS IN PH

GAB officials led by Chairman Baham Mitra (9th from right, standing) with ring officials, promoters and manager during their 2nd Dialogue held at the Makati office.

THE Games and Amusements Board (GAB) has agreed to lower down the number of days of rest period of professional boxers after their fight upon the request of the boxing promoters and managers during their recent meeting held at the Makati office.

“The period may be reduced but not less than 30 days, provided, the boxer has presented: a) result of CT scan, b) medical clearance, c) favourable recommendation of GAB physician, d) and post bout report signed by GAB physician, boxer, trainer, manager and match maker,” said GAB Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra.

The general rule still mandates “there shall be observed a 45 days mandatory rest period for all boxers after their respective last fights.”

Also resolved during the second dialogue among GAB officials, boxing ring officials, promoters, managers, boxers and trainers last Jan. 31 were as follows:

2. Sparring boxers shall observe 15 days rest period before they can be allowed to engage in professional fight, provided that they will ubmit a medical clearance.

3. Only boxers who are rated 1-15 by GAB and have won at least two of the last three fights may be authorized to fight abroad.

4. Boxers who are not rated can fight abroad based on their number of rounds and record of the opponent.

5. Boxers who are not rated can be allowed to fight abroad, particularly in japan, provided:

a) They have the same class level of age with the opponent;

b) Only six rounder boxer shall be allowed;

c) Only one weight division difference (higher or lower) is allowed;

d) Equally pitted opponent with reference to their ring record shall be the basis;

e) Has not lost by KO/TKO in the last fight and has fought in boxing in the last six months.

6. Regional (rated) contenders in the four major organizations (WBC/WBA/WBO/IBF) will be permitted but shall have to comply with letter (E) provision above.

7. There shall be collected a fixed rate of P1,000 (one thousand pesos) from boxers who will fight abroad for the account of the Boxers Welfare Fund.

Aside from Chairman Mitra, also present during the dialogue were GAB Commissioners Matthew Gaston (Administrative and Finance) and Eduard Trinidad (Operations) and Boxing Division Head Dr. Nasser Cruz.

Also present were Philippine Promoters and Managers Association (PPMA) president Dante Almario, international boxing promoter-manager-matchmaker Brico Santig of Highlands Promotions, former world champion-turned promoter Gerry Penalosa Association of Philippine Professional Boxing Ring Officials (APPBRO) president Ferdinand Estrella.