FILIPINO Ernesto Saulong is finally reaping the fruits of his sacrifice of fighting for token prize money in his last outing as he will now shoot for the World Boxing Council World Silver bantamweight title when he takes on defending champion Qui Xiao Jun of China on Sept. 7 in Shanghai, China.
Saulong earned the crack at Qui following a unanimous-decision win over compatriot Ali Laurel in their WBC International Bantamweight class last May 8 in Kunming, China.
Saulong and Laurel, taking advantage of the opportunity at hand, agreed to push through with the fight that was in danger of slipping away and agreed to a measly purse of US$500 each.
For his losing effort, Ali received an additional incentive of US$1,000 from noted Chinese promoter Liu Gang, while Saulong, who improved his fight record to 18 wins (7 KOs), 1 loss and 1 draw, is now looking at a big money fight, also courtesy of Liu.
“It was one of those strategies that we call one step backward and two steps forward. We had to see the bigger picture. Our sacrifices have paid off,” said matchmaker Brico Santig.
Initially, the token purse of the boxers became a subject of intrigue when an internet blogger pursued the case with great interest and came out with a series of tirades on his website.
When WBC President received a detailed explanation from Santig, he even offered the sanction fee for the fight to be shared with boxers Saulong and Laurel.
“As I agreed with WBC International chairman (Mauro Betti), the WBC wishes to have the sanction fees collected for such bout to be distributed between the two fighters. I kindly ask Mauro to proceed with such as it will be a good aid to the boxers,” said Sulaiman in his emailed message to matchmaker Santig.
Copies of the emailed message were also sent to Betti and WBC Asia secretary-general Patrick Cusick and Games and Amusement Board’s boxing division chief Dr. Nasser Cruz.
The decision was in reply by Sulaiman to the email message of Santig, who explained in detail the recent event where Laurel and Saulong reportedly agreed to receive a measly purse for their fight that was accommodated in the last-minute by promoter Liu.
Santig said he made a plea to Liu to include the Laurel-Saulong title fight in his promotion because the fight had to happen, otherwise the right for the title fight will be forfeited and awarded to other boxers.
The Laurel and Saulong fight was originally scheduled in the Philippines, but conflict in schedule and a last-minute withdrawal of a major sponsor caused the fight to be cancelled.
Not wanting to let the big opportunity slip away, Santig suggested to both camps to proceed with the fight despite the lack of funds, offering that they all must work together in raising the needed sanction fees and token individual prize money of US$500 for each boxers.
Liu even came to the rescue and provided for their plane tickets, food and hotel accommodation.
“In a situation like this, you rely on open-minded people and big-hearted friends. Mr. Liu Gang came to help. The handlers of the boxers helped shape up the fight, the boxers understood and yes, we went on with the fight. And me as matchmaker didn’t even have to earn from it. I also shelled out personal funds to make it all happen,” said Santig.
After having read the full explanation on the matter, Sulaiman understood and gave his thumbs-up.
“Thank you very much for your kind consideration and thorough explanation of the facts concerning this matter. It is very clear and I find sufficient explanation about the reason to have had such as low purse for a WBC title,” said Sulaiman in his email.
Then, he came up with the decision to donate the sanction fees to the two boxers.
“We really thank the WBC for the opportunity to our Filipino boxers and understanding. We appreciate Mr. Sulaiman and Mr. Betti for their wholehearted support and helping hand,” said Santig.