Wednesday, August 22, 2007 Gabi arrested; Japan, Argentina eyes RP’s World Cup
DIOSDADO “Prince” Gabi returned home a hero after his exploits in the Philippine’s victory over Mexico in the Boxing World Cup held last Aug. 12 in Sacramento, California.
However, instead of a red carpet welcome, he was arrested for breach of managerial contract filed by then Cotabato governor Manny Piñol in 2005. The warrant of arrest was issued by Judge Antonina Escovilla.
However, TV Patrol reported that Gabi immediately posted bail for his temporary release and was given a week to file his counter affidavit for the lawsuit that also asked the fighter for P4.8 million, which Piñol said Gabi had reneged from him.
Apology
Before Gabi’s arrest Piñol, who is now the vice governor of Cotabato, said he doesn’t want to have his former ward jailed but only asked for a sincere public apology,
Meanwhile, the Golden Boy Promotions has announced that there are two countries interested to challenge the Philippines for the $500,000 world cup.
Eric Gomez, vice president and matchmaker, revealed that GBP already has queries from Japan and Argentina to challenge the Philippines.
According to Gomez, Japan’s bigtime boxing promoter Akihiko Honda of the Teiken Gym and Argentina’s Mario Arano are now offering to challenge the newly-crowned World Cup champion.
But Gomez is inclined to have Japan as the Philippines challenger as it has a lot of best fighters that could match the best Filipino fighters.
Japan also has five world champions—WBA bantamweight Hozumi Hasegawa, WBA flyweight champion Takefumi Sakata, WBC flyweight champion Daisuki Naito, WBA minimum weight Yutaka Niida and WBC minimum weight Eagle Kyowa.
GBP’s inclination is strong towards Japan as Honda has a mutual understanding with Oscar dela Hoya.
However, GBP is not going to do the decision alone as they will still discuss the plans with Cebuano promoter Sammy Gello-ani to weigh the best options. (RCM)
