By Ronnie Nathanielsz
International promoter Murad Muhammad has added another world-rated Filipino boxer, Diosdado "Prince" Gabi to his stable of fighters under promotional contracts, highlighted by Ring Magazine feaherweight champion Manny Pacquiao.
South Cotabato Governor Manny Pinol who manages Gabi told Viva Sports/Manila Standard today that he had reached an agreement with Murad Muhammad to promote Gabi after what Pinol said was "a very fruitful and frank discussion." Pinol, a former journalist and TV boxing commentator said he was "looking forward to a very good
relationship" with Murad Muhammad even as he expressed confidence in his fighter's ability to win a world title given the opportunity and said he believed Murad Muhammad could help Gabi get to the top. The hard-hitting Gabi is rated No. 6 by the World Boxing Council and No. 2 by the World Boxing Foundation.
Pinol said he didn't forsee any problems working with Murad Muhammad despite some criticism levelled against him over the pay-per-view income in the March 19 Manny Pacquiao-Erik Morales fight. The Governor said "everything will be in black and white" to prevent any misunderstanding.
Murad Muhammad had earlier been given the sole authority to represent WBC featherweight champion Injin Chi in the purse bid in Mexico City for the mandatory title defense of the South Korean champion against No. 1 contender Rocky Juarez who is managed by Shell Finkel, the new manager of Pacquiao.
Murad Muhammad won the purse bid handily over Main Events which bid a mere $400,000 as against Murad Muhammad's $700,000. The bid last April 15 in Mexico City elated WBC president Jose Sulaiman who referred to Murad Muhammad as "our good friend."
Pinol had earlier stated that as long as Top Rank's Bob Arum as lead promoter and Murad Muhammad kept their commitment to pay Pacquiao a purse of $1.75 million it was a settled issue, adding that"boxing is business" and if the promoters made money it was part of the game because they took the risks. Arum himself said "we were lucky the PPV did so well but that's free enterprise. That's capitalism."
Murad is also serving as promoter for flashy Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation No. 1 super flyweight Z "The Dream" Gorres who scored a sensational first round TKO against Glen Donaire in the curtain raiser at the Pacquiao-Morales fight and former WBC super flyweight champion Gerry Penalosa.
Both Gorres and Penalosa are currently training under 2002 "Trainer of the Year" and former two-division world champion Buddy McGirt at his gym in Orlando, Florida.
