By Rey Danseco
While most Filipino managers are working with Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank Inc, one of the Philippine's most well known boxing promoters Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr., and American promoter Don King, are trying to renew their ties.
Their aim: join forces to make more Filipino world champions.
King invited Elorde in his office in the hot state of Florida on Thursday, a day after Elorde and his wife Arlene arrived from Los Angeles, California. They met for the first time since late 1990s when they agreed in a promotional deal, involving one-time challenger of the legendary Erik Morales, Reynante and his younger brother Eric Jamili (former WBO minimumweight champion) and two-time IBF title challenger Carmelo Caceres.
The 77-year old King – who has gained prominence in the Philippines when he promoted the Thrilla in Manila in 1975 – offered at least a five year contract but Elorde wants an initial three-year deal for each of his top Filipino fighters.
King and Elorde will resume their two-day meeting to seal a possible promotional agreement on Friday before the couple catches an evening six-hour flight going back to Los Angeles. On Sunday, Bebot and Arlene will fly to New York to visit their relatives and talk to other boxing personalities in the Big Apple.
Elorde handles newly crowned WBC International super flyweight champ Sylvester Lopez, WPBF flyweight boss Ronquillo Salvador, veteran light flyweight and WBC No. 3 Juanito Rubillar and young prospects BJ Dolorosa (flyweight), brothers Raymond and Ryan Sermona (super bantamweights).
Elorde also eyes to include RP featherweight titlist Vinvin Rufino and world rated light flyweight Ryan Bito – who are both under the guidance of his brothers Johnny and Marty Elorde, respectively.
