By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Philippine lightweight champion Fernando Montilla who will be officially stripped of his title after he was tested and found positive for a banned drug and fought in Thailand without a GAB license has been hunting for matchmaker Bong Obero who arranged the bout but hasn’t paid him his purse as yet.
Montilla’s surrender at 1:44 of the second round against WBA No.1 ranked Yodsanan Nanthachai in a bout that was criticized by the Thai media has once again demonstrated the weakness of the GAB in enforcing its rules and regulations which are constantly flouted by unscrupulous individuals who exploit poor fighters. Montilla reportedly hardly trained for the fight against the world No.1 and his defeat came as no surprise.
Promoter Gerry Garcia who works out of the well-known L&M Gym where Montilla trains since he is managed by Lito Mondejar part owner of the gym with veteran boxing man and TV commentator Mot Lainez, told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that Montilla hadn’t received his measly purse of $1,000 and had been hunting for Obrero.
GAB boxing division chief Noli Flores said “if I were him I would file charges against that fellow (Obrero).” When told that legal action would cost money and Montilla who hadn’t even been paid was in no position to engage in a court battle, Flores suggested that Mondejar take legal action on behalf of his fighter.
Asked what action the GAB as the government agency tasked with supervision and control over pro boxing planned to take against Obrero who has had a dubious record Flores replied that he had already written to the Thai Boxing Ccmmission and the Asian Boxing Council Commisson, “not to entertain matchmakers who are not licensed by the GAB.”
Flores indicated he would ask GAB Chairman Eric Buhain “to himself reiterate the request and sign a latter to that effect.”Flores lamented the $1,000 or P51,000 purse for a Philippine champion and said he felt sorry for the fighter.