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By Ryan Christopher Bartolome
LUISITO ESPINOSA is still hoping that he would get his purse for a
world title fight against Argentina’s Carlos Rios at the South
Cotabato Stadium in Koronadal City more than 10 years ago.
The two-time world boxing champion appeared at
the PSA Forum on Tuesday to underline his readiness to pursue the
case.
“I’m hopeful that reopening the case would
lead to better results,” said Espinosa, who was accompanied to the
public forum by Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain.
Espinosa, now 40, defeated Rios inside six
rounds to keep his WBC featherweight belt but up to now has yet to
receive the balance of a $150,000 purse despite an overdrawn court
case against the fight promoters.
Based on records, Espinosa is going after the
balance of $130,000 that was not given him after a big snafu
regarding the television coverage and the revenues that were
supposed to be raised.
Espinosa stayed in the US after that fight, and
is back in the country, aided by some friends, to pursue the case.
In fact, the boxer said he was asked to appear
before the Manila Regional Trial Court on Thursday so he could
establish that he is still pursuing the case that has dragged on and
on.
On the other end of the line are promoters Rod
Nazario and Lito Mondejar, and former South Cotabato Gov. Hilario de
Pedro.
“Luisito is trying to pick up the pieces and
rebuild his life after settling down in the US and going through a
lot. But he lives a decent life. He is here to get what he truly
deserves,” said Buhain.
Buhain accompanied Espinosa to Malacañang last
Friday to look for new avenues on how he could pursue the case.
Atty. Ramon Maranilla is the one helping the former world champion.
“There may be some light at the end of the
tunnel,” said Buhain.
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