By Ronnie Nathanielsz
 
Newly crowned WBO bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa says he is concerned over the reported arrest warrant issued against Diosdado Gabi whom he is  close to.
 
Penalosa told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that Gabi and his wife who is pregnant had left for Davao City when Penalosa learned the news from Philboxing.com.
 
Penalosa said he was “ concerned and sorry” for Gabi when he learned that a warrant had been issued for the boxer’s arrest.  Diosdado “Prince” Gabi won the opening bout in last Sunday’s World Cup of boxing and sparked a smashing 5-1 win over defending champions Mexico at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California which was highlighted by Penalosa' stunning KO win over WBO bantamweight champion Jhonny Gonzales.
 
Sun Star Davao in a story by Ben Tesiorna said the warrant was issued for alleged violation of a managerial contract with former North Cotabato governor Manny Pinol who is the current vice governor by judge Antonina Escovilla of the Municipal Trial Court.
 
The report said Pinol was asking for P4.8 million after Gabi allegedly duped him and reneged on their contract. Pinol also claimed he had paid Gabi’s former trainer Roger Sumampong P150,000 to get the promising young boxer in 2002.
 
Pinol said he spent P4.8 million in managing and promoting the career of Gabi who was lined up for a fight against the No. 5 ranked WBC flyweight Rosendo Alvarez and allegedly asked Pinol for and received P150,000, reportedly for his family.
 
Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today is aware that Gabi , with the help of Michael Koncz, left the country and stayed in Koncz’s home in Orange County. Koncz was able to arrange a couple of fights for Gabi including an IBF title fight against Vic Darchinyan who knocked out the Filipino in eight rounds. Gabi who was allegedly maltreated by Koncz was eventually rescued by trainer Freddie Roach and journalist Winchell Campos. Roach currently handles the affairs of Gabi.
 
Penalosa said Gabi had told him he left Pinol because he was not being paid his proper purse due on his fights for Pinol and blamed Pinol’s brother , Soc Pinol , for this.