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GAB to give free medical exams to boxers

Hundreds of boxers, which included former world champion Sonny Boy Jaro, attended a dialogue with GAB, and most of them were either applying or renewing their license to fight. Ivan Saldajeno
By Ivan Saldajeno

MAKATI—To ensure safety and good health, GAB is offering free medical examination for boxers who want to obtain a professional license.

As per a memorandum of agreement with the DOH last month, GAB began endorsing pugs who are either entering the pros or renewing their licenses for medical examinations in designated partner hospitals.

But in a meeting with boxers and boxing trainers at its office on Tuesday, GAB's medical team led by Dr. Radentor Viernes explained how this will work out.

Boxers need to apply for a letter of endorsement to GAB to undertake certain medical exams like ECG, drug test, neurological tests, and either CT scan or MRI depending on whether the boxer was knocked out at least once within the last 12 months or not.

The said team bared that they contemplated on not requiring boxers to undergo ECG, but they eventually ruled in favor of adding it to assure that they are clear of heart problems even if they are still young.

Also in the said meeting, certain amendments to the GAB Boxer's Relief Fund was also discussed.

GAB chief administrative officer Ofelia Artugue announced that the welfare fund will now be given to current and retired boxers who are in distress while increasing burial funds to pugs who died due to injuries suffered in a bout to PHP25,000 from PHP15,000.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno