Bago City knocks out other LGUs at Gov. Cup Provincial Boxing Tourney Finals

Boxing fans certainly felt the excitement as the Governor’s Cup Provincial Boxing Tournament held its final bouts at the Municipal Covered Court in Don Salvador Benedicto on December 10, Saturday. And amongst the participating LGUs, Bago City won the most gold medals in the tournament.

Bago City was indeed the Boxing capital in the Province of Negros Occidental as it continuously produces many great homegrown boxing talents.

Proof of that feat was the latest medal tally of the city in the recently concluded ABANSE NEGRENSE-organized boxing competition. Overall, the Bago City boxers earned five gold, two silver, and five bronze medals.

Following Bago City in the ranks was the host venue of the tournament, Don Salvador Benedicto. The municipality nabbed four golds, one silver, and four bronze.

In third place was the City of Bacolod, clinching four gold, one silver, and three bronze medals.

For the special awards, young boxer Ezekiel Jake Arabe of Bacolod City won the Best Boxer Award in the Kids category. Jerome Lopez of Silay City also got the Best Boxer Award in the School Boys category.

In the Youth category, Kenshin Jake Arellano of Bacolod City received the Best Boxer recognition.

As for Best Bout, it was awarded to Kenneth Delo Santos of Bago City and Noli Benitin of Don Salvador Benedicto.

The Governor’s Cup Provincial Boxing Tournament awarding ceremony was led by Don Salvador Benedicto Mayor Lawrence Marxlen J. Dela Cruz, Vice Mayor Nehemiah Joe J. Dela Cruz, Municipal Sports Coordinator Wilson Real, and Provincial Sports Office Staff Coach Leo Romitman.

Adding to the excitement of the final bouts was the presence of Four Division World Champion and Longest Reining Filipino World Champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, who delivered an inspirational message.

Meanwhile, the Governor’s Cup Provincial Boxing Tournament is one of the programs in the ABANSE NEGRENSE Grassroots Sports Development initiative spearheaded by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson. As one of the priority sports of the province, Gov. Bong Lacson hopes to establish more and better sports programs that could help mold the Negrense youth to be stronger and more resilient athletes in the future.* (PSO)