According to Senator Manny Pacquiao, there have been a lot of cases of boxing deaths in the Philippines, which is one of the very reasons why he is filing a bill aiming to form a Philippine Boxing Commission (PBC) that is separate from the Games and Amusement Board (GAB).
Professional boxing has been under the care of the GAB and Pacquiao, claiming that boxing sport “is not given proper and appropriate attention it deserves.” now wants it separated from the agency with different set of officials and budget.
So, how many boxers have died really in local boxing supposedly under the watchful eyes of the GAB?
“During the time of President Duterte and upon my assumption of office, there was none,” said GAB chairman Baham Mitra, during an interview with the Manila Standard Talk.
WATCH: Video Clip
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The last time a ring-related of death incident happened in 2012 during a local promotion in Caloocan City.
Flyweight Karlo Maquinto died five days after he fell into coma at a hospital following a four-round bout that ended in a majority draw.
He was supposedly fit to fight but the punishment during that bout was too much to bear for the Ilonggo, leading to his demise. Reports said there was no oxygen tank on standby during the promotion.
Oxygen is now compulsory for promoters to have during a promotion.
The previous ring-related incident was in 2008.
WATCH: Full Video of Manila Standard Talk