The Games and Amusements Board will soon allow non-rated Filipino players to fight overseas.
After a recent consultation meeting with boxing stakeholders, the GAB has decided to resume issuing a letter of authority to Filipino fighters with lesser credentials, but only after a thorough evaluation of their conditions and opponents.
Although the GAB has made the interim guidelines stricter to help ensure the safety of boxers, it also has incorporated stakeholder inputs designed to allow Philippine boxing to thrive both locally and internationally.
Putting a premium on health and safety, the previous GAB leadership has temporarily halted sending boxers abroad following heavy losses suffered by Filipinos.
There were a few successes like that of Rey Loreto and Dave Apolinario, who despite their inferior cards, captured division titles in the International Boxing Organization.
But for economic reasons, Filipino boxers should fight abroad to earn more decent cash purses. The GAB is now looking to balance economic and safety issues.
“The sport is rapidly evolving, we cannot hope to grow in a vacuum just sitting on our past gains, techniques, and practices. Through these consultations we can formulate policies that will deliver world-class professional athletes,” said GAB Officer-in-Charge.