WBC aids Pinoy ex-champs

MANILA, Philippines — The World Boxing Council (WBC) has provided financial assistance to former champions Rene Barrientos, Luisito Espinosa and Erbito Salavarria in the total amount of $17,500 or the equivalent of P875,000 through the WBC Jose Sulaiman Boxers Fund Grant.

The aid is available to former WBC world, regional, national or minor champions who are in dire financial straits. Non-champions may also qualify but their contributions towards “the glory of the sport” must be “significant” as determined by the Fund Selection Committee. Grants are given up to $10,000 over a 12-month period but may be increased to $12,000 because of hardship stemming from a catastrophic event such as a natural disaster. Examples of qualifying hardship cases are disability, inability to work, illness, insufficient income, abandoned by family, undergoing foreclosure and homelessness. 

“This is a regular WBC program not connected to COVID-19,” said GAB chairman Baham Mitra who serves as WBC international secretary and board member. “The WBC has already given $10,000 to Salavarria, $5,000 to Espinosa and $2,500 to Barrientos. The money was coursed through WBC Asia directly to the boxers’ bank accounts. Salavarria received his grant some two months ago but the others just last week. Salavarria’s daughter called relaying her father’s gratitude as they were able to get a check-up and prepare well for the crisis by buying two months’ supply of medicine. I asked our staff to see (Rolando) Navarrete but no contact yet. There are no pending requests.” Mitra said the assistance is given only to qualified former boxers who are still alive.

Salavarria, 74, submitted his application to the WBC through his son Emiliano. The application included a certification from GAB medical chief Dr. Radentor Viernes that Salavarria suffered a stroke in 2005 and his condition continues to be monitored by neurologist Dr. Emmanuel Eduardo at Capitol Medical Center. He has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Salavarria reigned as WBC flyweight champion in 1970 and retired in 1978. Espinosa, 52, applied for assistance to pay for treatment of hypertension, an enlarged heart and prostate enlargement. He was WBC featherweight titleholder in 1995-99 and retired in 2005. Barrientos, 76, requested aid for a cataract operation through his granddaughter Tiffany Yamut.  He was WBC superfeatherweight titlist in 1969-70 and hung up his gloves in 1978.

The list of Filipino former WBC world champions – Manny Pacquiao (flyweight 1998-99, superfeatherweight 2008, lightweight 2008-09, superwelterweight 2010), Pedro Adigue (superlightweight 1968-70), Flash Elorde (superfeatherweight 1963-67), Barrientos, Navarrete (superfeatherweight 1981-82), Espinosa, Nonito Donaire, Jr. (bantamweight 2011), Gerry Penalosa (superflyweight 1997-98), Salavarria, Frank Cedeno (flyweight 1983-84), Malcolm Tunacao (flyweight 2000-01), Sonny Boy Jaro (flyweight 2012), Rolando Pascua (lightflyweight 1990-91), Brian Viloria (lightflyweight 2005-06) and Rodel Mayol (lightflyweight 2009-10).