Closed door boxing return pushed by GAB

GAB is still batting for the resumption of local pro boxing cards, but they may be held in closed door settings. Ivan Saldajeno (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The Games and Amusements Board remains keen on convincing the IATF to allow professional boxing events here despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chairman Baham Mitra said in a statement on Friday night that GAB remains hopeful that the government body overseeing the Philippines' fight against the virus will reconsider its initial decision and finally allow boxing to return as well as the other combat sports.

"Sana ang mga isports gaya ng boxing and other contact sports ay umani din ng katulad na pagpayag ng IATF," the former Palawan governor said.

Mitra revealed to Dugout Philippines on Wednesday night that GAB actually drafted a set of protocols for boxing and submitted it to the IATF's technical working group.

[Related Story: GAB presents basketball, football, boxing protocols to IATF TWG]

However, he also said that the protocols were thumbed down in the TWG level.

In his statement on Friday night, Mitra said that GAB has added some more provisions in hopes that it can finally get the IATF approval.

"Sa kasalukuyan ay may mga inaayos pa na protocols sa pagsasagawa nito gaya ng PCR testing at ng zero audience pansamantala kung kinakailangan upang makaiwas sa pagkalat ng COVID19 basta makita lang natin na umuusad at muling nabubuhay ang kalagayan ng propesyunal na laro sa ating bansa," he stated, implying that the boxing events, once given approval, will be held behind closed doors.

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