Philippines’ ALA Boxing Promotions to shutdown due to COVID-19

Donnie Nietes, the longest reigning Filipino boxing world champion, was the face of ALA Boxing. | Nicole Sarmiento

ALA Boxing produced numerous world champions from the Philippines.

The Philippines’ ALA Boxing Promotions, which has produced numerous champions during its 35-years of operations, has announced on Tuesday that it will be shutting down for good. The organization, which hosted close to 50 events in their “Pinoy Pride” series, also revealed that they will be releasing all the fighters on their stable “so they can look for greener pastures for their respective careers.”

ALA Boxing stated that the decision to cease operations was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the Duterte Government controversially shutting down TV network ABS-CBN, which was their main broadcasting partner.

“After 35 years, ALA Boxing (ALA Promotions and ALA Gym) would like to say farewell and thank you to our supporters from all over the world,” the statement read. “The pandemic and the closure of our long-time broadcast partner ABS-CBN has affected the over-all situation and future of our company.”

Nicole Sarmiento

ALA Boxing’s closure is a huge blow for the beloved combat sports scene in the Philippines.

The Cebu-based promotion’s most notable fighter has been four-division champion and longest ever reigning Filipino champion Donnie Nietes, and their stable has also produced multiple world champions such as Milan Melindo, Merlito Sabillo, and Katsunari Takayama.

Boxing superstar Nonito Donaire also fought for the promotion in the past, as part of their Pinoy Pride series that made Filipino fighters like Mark Magsayo, Albert Pagara, Rey Bautista and AJ Banal household names in the country.