Sorry to disappoint, but no supposedly “Fight of the Century” is going to take place because one of the protagonists has reportedly flown to Singapore and probably would not be back for Sunday’s bout at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
This as preparations for the unlikely match was in full swing, witha boxing ring being set up under the supervision of a sports buffs and members of the Philippine National Police. (PNP).
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed that acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte flew to Singapore aboard Scoot Airlines flight T 369 that took off from the Davao City International Airport.
Photos of Duterte at the Changi Airport were even posted online by some Filipino passengers who were on the same flight with him.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s supposed opponent, PNP chief Gen. NicolasTorre III, did some workouts at the PNP Gym in anticipation of the projected battle of ages.
Torre, 55, admitted though that Father Time and stamina might not be on his side, as opposed to Duterte who must be still in his prime at 37.
The PNP chief has said however, that if his ring date with Baste, son of former President Rodrigo Duterte who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court in in The Hague, Netherlands would fizzle out, his alternative was to pursue relief efforts for victims of the tropical storms and the southwest monsoon that buffeted the country over the past week.
Torre earned the ire of the Dutertes for having led the arrest of the former leader upon orders by the ICC in connection with crimes against humanity filed before the international tribunal.
In a social media post, Baste challenged Torre to a boxing match saying he could beat the country’s top policeman if only for the sheer age gap between them.
Torre accepted the challenge which in all likelihood may now be all water under the bridge.
