Boxing enthusiasts gathered at Fight League Ortigas in Pasig City for the Boxing Solidarity Day, an event that combined boxing activities with an advocacy for safer communities.
Held under the theme “Fight for Safer Communities,” the free event featured fitness activities, amateur boxing and appearances by former two-division world champions Luisito Espinosa and Gerry Peñalosa.
The program opened with an interactive hybrid boxing challenge, where participants competed in teams through a series of stations ranging from light exercises to more demanding boxing drills.
Team Orange emerged victorious over Team Green in the team-based competition.
For participant Grace Fabon, the activity provided an opportunity to experience hybrid boxing in a fun and accessible setting.
“This one, it’s my first time to participate hybrid boxing challenge and It was so fun. Kasi nga, the stations are very easy. And at the same time, you’re able to do it na may coach ka rin and at the end of the day, you’re just doing fun with the activity,” Fabon said.
The event also brought together boxing veterans and aspiring fighters, with Peñalosa highlighting the importance of accessible training facilities for athletes who are looking to pursue the sport.
“Big help itong [Boxing Solidarity Day], sa mga boksingerong nag-aambisyon. So dito sa ganitong gym sa Fight League, na open sa mga aspiring boxers na nahihirapan maghanap ng gym na pwedeng pag-ensayuhan, ito, malaking bagay,” he said.
Following the fitness challenge, amateur boxers took to the ring for six bouts across different weight classes. Each fighter competed in three-round contests as part of the grassroots showcase.
Fight League owner Atty. Nilo Divina said events of this kind can provide opportunities for young boxers to be discovered and developed.
“Lahat ng ating mga former world champions came from the grassroots. So if we can find and develop the likes of future Manny Pacquiao, future [Luisito] Espinosa, future [Gerry] Peñalosa, why not, right?” Divina said.
The Boxing Solidarity Day concluded with capability awards and recognition for participants, emphasizing the event’s focus on discipline, sportsmanship and community involvement alongside boxing. (Adrian Co)
