Mandaue City moves to build amateur boxing federation for grassroots talent
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines — The city government is pushing forward with plans to establish an amateur boxing federation, a move that could reshape how young fighters from the barangays are trained and developed. The proposal, presented by Mandaue-born boxing trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor, has the backing of Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano and aims to give aspiring boxers a clearer path from the streets to the ring.
Villamor, a former world title challenger who now runs the Villamor Boxing Gym (VBG) in Barangay Pagsabungan, brought two of his most accomplished fighters to the mayor’s office on Tuesday, September 22. Reymart “Cebuano Assassin” Tagacanao, the newly crowned 2026 IBF Asia Super Flyweight champion, and Christian “Punchtian” Balunan, the 2023 WBO Asia Pacific Youth champion, stood with him as living proof of what grassroots boxing can produce.
“Nalipay ug excited kaayo ko sa proposal para sa Amateur Boxing Grassroots Program sa Mandaue City,” Villamor said in Cebuano, expressing his excitement about the initiative.
What will the Mandaue amateur boxing federation do?
Under the proposal, the federation would organize training and exposure opportunities for young boxers from different barangays. The goal is straightforward: help talented youth develop their skills and give them a real chance to test their potential in competitive boxing.
Villamor stressed that many young athletes have the talent but lack the resources to pursue the sport seriously. He thanked the mayor for taking an interest in the program, saying it could be a game-changer for the city’s youth.
“Dako kaayo ang atong pagpasalamat sa interes ug suporta ni Mayor Jonkie Ouano alang sa pagpalambo sa grassroots boxing. Kini nga programa usa ka dakong oportunidad ug tabang alang sa atong mga kabataan, ilabi na sa mga batang adunay talento apan kulang sa resources,” Villamor said.
He also called on the five boxing clubs operating in Mandaue City to unite behind the program. Cooperation, he said, is the only way to build something that lasts.
Why grassroots boxing matters for Mandaue City
For Villamor, this is about more than producing champions. It is about giving young people a reason to stay on the right path. He believes the program can shape not just athletes, but disciplined and responsible citizens.
“Kinahanglan nga magtinabangay ang mga boxing clubs, coaches, ginikanan, ug komunidad,” he said, emphasizing that the support of coaches, parents, and the wider community will be essential to the program’s success.
The mayor has already tasked the Mandaue City Sports Commission Office, led by Dr. Mary Joy Tabal-Jimenez, to coordinate the program’s possible implementation. That means the next steps could come quickly.
Can Mandaue produce future national champions?
Villamor believes the grassroots program can serve as a pipeline for future athletes who will represent Mandaue City in national and international tournaments. He pointed to Tagacanao and Balunan as examples of what local talent can achieve with proper training and support.
“Dinhi sa grassroots magsugod ang atong pagpangita ug paghimo sa mga batang adunay potensyal nga mahimong mga atleta nga mo-representar sa Mandaue City sa mga national ug international tournaments, mga umaabot nga boksingero nga tinuod nga anak ug pride sa Mandaue,” he said.
The city hopes the federation will encourage more young people to take up sports. With the right structure in place, Mandaue could soon become known not just for its factories and malls, but for its fighters too.
Frequently asked questions about the Mandaue amateur boxing federation
When will the amateur boxing federation be established in Mandaue City?
No official timeline has been announced yet. The proposal was presented to Mayor Ouano on September 22, and the Mandaue City Sports Commission Office has been tasked to coordinate on the program’s possible implementation.
Who will benefit from the Mandaue boxing grassroots program?
The program targets young boxers from various barangays in Mandaue City, especially those who have talent but lack resources. It aims to provide organized training, exposure, and opportunities to compete at higher levels.
Which boxing clubs are involved in the Mandaue federation plan?
There are five boxing clubs in Mandaue City. Villamor has called on all of them to work together in supporting the proposed program to ensure a more organized and sustainable grassroots boxing system.
Who are the boxers supporting the Mandaue grassroots boxing proposal?
Reymart “Cebuano Assassin” Tagacanao, the 2026 IBF Asia Super Flyweight champion, and Christian “Punchtian” Balunan, the 2023 WBO Asia Pacific Youth champion, joined Villamor in presenting the proposal to the mayor. Both train at the Villamor Boxing Gym in Barangay Pagsabungan.