Masbate looms as boxing hub

Masbate has long been known for its beautiful beaches, rodeo festival, rich mineral resources and tourist spots like the Buntud Reef Sanctuary and Sandbar, Mount Mayong Payong, Pawa Mangrove Park, lighthouses and waterfalls. Now, Masbate Gov. Antonio Kho wants to add another feature to the province’s attractions. He’s hoping to make Masbate a boxing hub.

Gov. Kho’s chief of staff Ansbert Son said Masbate’s history in boxing dates back to when the late local hero Pedro Adigue reigned as WBC superlightweight champion in 1968-69. Another former WBC superlightweight titlist Morris East was born in Olongapo but grew up in Masbate then moved to Cebu at 15 to pursue a boxing career. Ex-PBA guard Rensy Bajar, now a coach, also traces his roots to Masbate.

“Since the pandemic, Masbate has been on the rise,” said Son. “We invested in vessels and shipping has become a major industry with the opening of more ports. Mining remains a big source of investment. In the past, big names like Danding Cojuangco, Monching Mitra, Joker Arroyo, Ninoy Aquino and the Yulos set up ranches in Masbate which became known as the country’s ranch capital. We are now enjoying political peace and Gov. Kho has brought the province closer together.” Son said with the recent success of Filipino world boxing champions, there is renewed interest in the sport among the youth and Gov. Kho is laying out a pathway for outstanding amateurs to level up.

“We’ve noticed a lot of backyard boxing so Gov. Kho transformed a cockpit into a gym up in the mountains, bought two rings and has set up amateur boxing programs in our municipalities,” said Son. “We’re inspired by Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who used to visit Masbate when he was into cockfighting. Now, we’re hoping Sen. Pacquiao comes back and brings his ‘Blow By Blow’ show to Masbate.”

Last month, Masbate hosted the first of its “Bakbakan” pro boxing series and headlined one-time world title challenger Robert Paradero who scored a fourth round knockout over Charlie Malupangue. On June 22, the second “Bakbakan” will take place at the Masbate Lagoon in Matayum, Cataingan with a 10-fight, 82-round card showcasing five title bouts.

Son said GAB chairman Richard