I had read this article on PDN a month or so ago. Understanding your involvement with the sport and with GBC under the late Jimmy Ferrante, it is good to see that you still in one way or another stay involve. I together with Jimmy Ferrante started the “new” GBC in 1995 after I had decided to hang up the gloves after 14 years of boxing. I was there when TJ and Chris Fernandez did their promotions, but unfortunately, I had to step from the commission to concentrate on my personal career and to direct organize the 1999 amateur boxing championships here on Guam. Nontheless, Mr. Ferrante had always called on me for help and believe or not, advise. After training in Puerto Rico and New York’s Bobby Gleason gym for over 4 years with world champions and professionals in the early, representing Guam at SPGs 4 times, being accepted into the Airforce boxing team, and after successfully directing the boxing championships during the 1999 SPG. I fully how this newly appointed commission needs to move forward and work hand in hand with the MMA group.

The main issue is that the currently the GBC law (14-13) was written in 1977, meaning is it obviously outdate inclusiv of it’s outline for professional boxing. Unfortunately, Mr. Ferrante did not have true support from the government to help him change the law during this time, but always saw the need for it. Mr. Ferrante did great things on Guam for all full contact sports. His legacy today is that he took the bull by the horn and worked with the MMA sport that was up and coming in the late 90′ and help it grow. But, he ruled that commission with an iron fist and we all thank him for doing so. As a matter of fact, next year Guam will see it’s first Amateur Boxing Golden Gloves Championship, “The Jimmy Ferrante Memorial”.

My point here is that from all the newly apointed board members, I am the only one with fight, coaching and promoting experience during the past 17 year here on Guam alone, I can see the picture. And although somethings in the new proposed bill 313 may not be suitable for Guam, it is a good thing and it is now when we all must come together and make it workable for all stakeholders. Many of the older folks, without trying to be disrespectful, have not evolved from the old days of their most beloved boxing fights, and this creates an issue for the dislike of MMA. Myself, I am just getting acquainted with MMA rules, and have a better appreciation for the sport. However, there is a need for new GBC to push for the update the law, so MMA is included, regulated by law and inscribe it’s evolvement. We need each other’s support and input as well as all other MMA promoters, coaches, fighters and other stakeholders so the new GBC has teeth in regulating and further growing not only MMA, but professional boxing as well that has been dormant for some time now.

At anyrate, you have done alot for your sport here on Guam and I always read you column on PDN which I find it to be a great read.

God bless you!

Can I ask though – how did you get this picked up and into google news?

Very impressive, is it something that is just up to Google or you actively created?

Obviously this is a popular blog with great data so well done on your seo success..