Boxing impresarios are vigorously pushing for the appointment of veteran broadcaster Chino Trinidad as head of the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), believing he has what it takes to bring the sport back on its feet.
Multiple sources bared that the former commissioner of the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) is being eyed to lead the government’s regulatory body for professional sports which was headed before by Abraham Mitra.
Sought for comment, Trinidad, son of well-loved sports columnist Recah Trinidad, said he has already expressed his willingness to take the challenge after he was asked if he was interested to lead the agency.
Liza Elorde, daughter-in-law of the great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, said boxing will be in good hands in the event Trinidad will be appointed.
“I know boxing will be in good hands because you understand the sport,” said Elorde in her text message to Trinidad.
Cebu’s Tony Aldeguer of the ALA Boxing readily agreed, saying: “If there is anyone who knows boxing and has the managerial capabilities to head boxing, it’s Chino. He has my blessing.”
Having seen the rise of Pacquiao and the tragedies that truck the sport, including of Eugene Barutag and Z Gorres in Las Vegas, Trinidad has great things in mind on how to revive the sport and protect the welfare of boxers.
In 1996, Trinidad gallantly fought for the presence of ambulance in every boxing event and he succeeded.
The centennial celebration next year of the country’s first boxing champion – Pancho Villa – is foremost in the mind of Trinidad if ever he be named as GAB chief.
Former boxing champions like Donie Nietes, Johnriel Casimero and Jerwin Ancajas have also added their voices for Trinidad’s appointment as GAB chief.
If he gets the blessing of President Marcos, Trinidad intends to go all-out in helping Filipino boxers become consistent world title contenders.
