MANILA – The Cebu-based boxing stable that produced the likes of Negrense boxers Donnie Nietes and Geronimo “Gerry” Peñalosa has ceased operations after 35 years due to effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
In a statement on late Tuesday afternoon, ALA Boxing announced its closure citing the pandemic situation in the country as well as the failed bid of its broadcast partner ABS-CBN to secure a fresh legislative franchise.
“After 35 years, ALA Boxing would like to say farewell and thank you our sponsors all over the world,” it said. “All our fighters will be released so they can look for greener pastures,” it added.
Murcia, Negros Occidental-native Nietes was the most successful among its boxers winning three world championships in three different divisions. San Carlos City-native Peñalosa, on the other hand, was a two-division world champion.
Toboso, Negros Occidental-native Merlito Sabillo was also a former one-time world champion, while Bacolod City-native Genesis Servania was a former world championship challenger.
Other Western Visayas-based boxers who previously punched for ALA Boxing stable were brothers Mark Jason and Mark Gil Melligen of Bacolod City and Bago City-native Arthur Villanueva.
Established in Cebu City in 1985 by Tony Aldeguer, ALA Boxing was at the forefront up until 2015 on the strength of its enormously popular Pinoy Pride series shown on ABS-CBN./PN
