READY TO HELP. Games and Amusement Board chairman Abraham Kahlil Baham Mitra (left) assures support to former world boxing champion Luisito Espino (right) during the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) forum at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila on Thursday (Jan. 16, 2020). Espinosa sought assistance for some uncollected prize money owed to him by the promoters of his previous title fight in Koronadal, Cotabato. Also in photo are TOPS President Ed Andaya (2nd from left) and former boxing champion Erbito Salavarria. (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)
MANILA -- Remember two-time world boxing champion Luisito Espinosa?
Well, Espinosa, nicknamed “Lindol” during his fighting days, is back in the country for a short vacation.
And while here in Manila, the former champion is meeting with Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra to seek assistance for some uncollected prize money owed to him by the promoters of his previous title fight in Koronadal, Cotabato.
“Walang nangyari. Hindi ako nabayaran. Sana ngayon, may makuha na ako. Yun na lang ang hinihintay ko. Sana makuha ko yung pera para makapag-enjoy naman ako sa sarili ko (I was not paid. I hope this time, I will be able to collect the money so that I can enjoy),” said Espinosa during the 51st “Usapang Sports” by the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila.
Asked about his life away from the country, Espinosa said he is now working as a boxing trainer in a fitness gym in Dalian City, China.
“Nag-train ako ng mga tao sa China. Parang sa fitness gym yun trabaho ko ngayon (I train people in China just like in a fitness gym),” explained Espinosa, who retired with a ring record of 47 wins, including 26 by knockouts, against 13 losses, in a career spanning from 1984 to 2005.
Espinosa is set to return to China on Feb. 1.
Mitra, who appeared with Espinosa and another boxing great Erbito Salavarria and boxing promoter Brico Santig in the weekly sports forum supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Press Club, Pagcor, Community Basketball Association, and HG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drinks, assured GAB’s support to Espinosa.
“Sa GAB, lagi naman kami nakahandang tumulong sa kapakanan ng ating mga boksingero (In GAB, we are always ready to help for the welfare of our boxers). Let’s see what we can do,” said Mitra in his reply to Espinosa.
“Matagal na panahon na yun, pero nakahanda naman kami sa GAB na tumulong (It’s been a long time but GAB is ready to help). We want to see the contract if it’s between the promoter and Espinosa or between the provincial government and Espinosa. It’s an agreement. We will meet with our lawyers na baka pwede habulin (if we can still get it),” added Mitra.
“During President Duterte’s time, wala naman lumaban na hindi naibigay yung premyo. Isa yan sa trabaho namin sa GAB (every boxer who fought was able to get their prize money. That’s our job in GAB). It is a requirement now for the promoters to produce their ITR para malaman kung may capability sila na magbayad (if they can pay),” explained Mitra.
Espinosa rose to prominence by winning the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight title by knocking out Kaokor Galaxy of Thailand in the first round in 1989.
He also captured the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight crown by outpointing Manuel Medina of Mexico in Tokyo in 1995 and defended the title nine times until 1999.
Espinosa retired in 2005 after his knockout loss to Cristobal Cruz and spent some time working odd jobs in Los Angeles and San Francisco. (PR)
