Boxing family mourns death of legendary trainer Jun Ablaca

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu boxing mourns the loss of legendary trainer Juanito “Jun” Ablaca, Jr., who died on Wednesday (October 20) in his home in Liloan, Cebu after a long bout with diabetes complications.

Ablacs, as he is fondly called by his friends, was a former boxer but carved his own niche as a topnotch ring tactician and champion maker.

As one of the pioneering strategists of Cebu’s fabled ALA Gym, Ablaca helped sharpen the skills of two-division world champion Gerry Penalosa, the famous Villamor brothers Edito and Edmund, ex-world titlist Joma Gamboa, four-time world title challenger Andy Tabanas, erstwhile national champions Jun Gorres, Ramie Dumpa, and Jojo Jagdon, former OPBF champ Randy Suico and many past ALA Boys.

“Juanito was one of the pioneer trainers of ALA Boxing Gym. He was instrumental in handling the boxing career of ALA (Edito) Villamor and Andy Tabanas among others. He was smart, dedicated and loyal. Another big loss to boxing. May his soul Rest In Peace,” said Antonio “Bidoy” L. Aldeguer, the father of ALA Boxing which closed shop for good at the height of  pandemic last year.

Likewise,Penalosa and Edito Villamor remembered Ablaca with a grateful heart.

“He was a great influence as my trainer before. He contributed a lot of who I am now today as a boxer and as a trainer. I have a high respect on him and his family,” Edito shared.

“He was a big help to me and my career. It’s a big loss now that Ablaca is no longer in boxing,” said Penalosa.

Sadness also gripped Suico and Ablaca’s fellow trainer Brix Flores upon learning of his demise.

“He was very serious, an amazing trainer. Thank you for making me feel proud of all my achievements as a professional boxer.  Your positive attitude has really kept me going. Thank you Ablacs, may you rest in peace in paradise,” said Suico.

“He did not only produce champions, he also assisted a lot of trainers to work in Japan and boxers as well to fight abroad. It’s truly sad now that he’s gone because he could have helped more people,” added Flores.

A close friend of Manny Pacquiao, Ablaca has forged a strong connection with Japanese promoter and matchmaker Joe Koizumi, who trusted him in arranging fights for Filipino boxers in Japan for a long period of time.

“I feel very sorry to hear that my dearest friend Juanito Ablaca passed away. Juanito and I had many opportunities to collaborate in booking Edito Villamor, Joma Gamboa, Randy Suico, etc. He was a trainer/handler of ability so that he cultivated a lot of excellent prospects out of the legendary ALA gym. I have no words to express my deepest personal sorrow with Ablaca’s passing. May his soul rest in peace,” Koizumi said via e-mail. — EBV