SENATOR COMMENDS IBO CHAMP APOLINARIO

International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight champion Dave “Dobermann” Apolinario received a commendation from the Philippine Senate on Monday, August 8, via a resolution sponsored by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.

Senator Go, who chairs the Senate committee on sports, introduced Resolution No. 84 during the plenary session, commending and congratulating Apolinario for his recent feat.

He also said the 23-year-old boxer, who hails from Sarangani Province, proved to be indomitable as he is currently feted as one of the country’s most promising fighters and is seen to represent the country in more international boxing meets.

In his sponsorship speech, the senator from Davao City, said, “His remarkable win paved the way for claiming his first world title after he captured the IBO Flyweight title and improved his unbeaten boxing record of 17 wins, zero defeat, with 12 knockouts.”

Apolinario scored a first-round knockout win against South African Gideon Buthelezi on July 29 at a time when last July 29, Apolinario knocked out South African Gideon Buthelezi in the first round, ending the string of losses suffered by Filipino boxers this year after Mark Magsayo,  Nonito Donaire, Jerwin Ancajas, and Rene Mark Cuarto lost their world championships. Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement while John Riel Casimero was stripped of his WBO bantamweight championship belt.

Senator Go

Go also said that he would pursue a long-term commitment to promoting and advancing the country’s sports programs.

“Ako po ay kaisa ng bawat Pilipino sa pagsuporta at pagpupugay sa ating mga atleta na nagbigay karangalan sa ating bansa (I am one with every Filipino in supporting and paying tribute to our athletes who brought honor to our country),” he said.

He also assured Filipino athletes that their feats would not go unnoticed as the glory and honor they give the country will forever be etched in the history of Philippine sports.

The senator added, “As you have become pillars of strength and great sources of inspiration to our fellow countrymen that continue to give us hope in the face of adversity. Each and every one of you has proven time and again your undying devotion to our country’s cause.”

Dave Apolinario

Meanwhile, Apolinario was spotted at the Smart Araneta Coliseum ringside on Sunday, August 7, to watch the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals doubleheader pitting TNT against Magnolia and San Miguel Beer against Meralco.

Warm applause welcomed him at the Big Dome after he was acknowledged during Game 3 of TNT-Magnolia’s best-of-seven series.

Apolinario, who was joined by Sanman Promotions CEO Jim Claude Manangquil and manager Mike Pelayo during the game, said he idolizes June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar.

The boxing champion, who brought his IBO belt, showed his dribbling skills, saying that he also plays basketball at times as a form of exercise.

PBA commissioner William Marcial gave him a signed basketball and the latest PBA Annual copy as souvenirs.  Apolinario plans to return home to Sarangani on Wednesday, August 10, hoping to meet his ultimate idol boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao, and take a well-deserved rest.