Not a few local fight fans applauded the decision of ALA Boxing Promotions to change the venue for Nonito Donaire, Jr.’s April 23 defense of the WBO (World Boxing Organization) junior featherweight (122 pounds) championship. Originally pencilled to take place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, the 12-round fight has been moved to the Cebu City Sports Complex.
Cebu, of course, happens to be the hotbed of Philippine boxing. This was the place where Bogo native Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde started his pro career in the early 1950s and eventually embarked on a seven-year reign (1960-67) as world junior lightweight (130 pounds) champion. Boxing cards held in Cebu, particularly the Pinoy Pride series of ALA Boxing Promotions and ABS-CBN, are often staged before sellout crowds.
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