PBF sees bright future for Philippine boxing as ArenaPlus backs Bakbakan sa Putatan

For the Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF), the biggest victory came in seeing yet another showcase of the country’s growing pool of boxing talent.

PBF vice president Glenford Rafa had this to say after the successful staging of “Bakbakan sa Putatan” at the DRT Gymnasium in Muntinlupa, where Rodelyn Perez outclassed Eman Bacosa Pacquiao via a majority decision to capture the PBF lightweight title on June 21.

Perez scored three knockdowns over Pacquiao on his way to avenging his majority-decision defeat to the son of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in 2024. The victory also snapped the younger Pacquiao’s eight-fight winning streak.

But beyond that, Rafa believes the event reaffirmed one thing: Philippine boxing has a bright future.

“Maganda ang future ng boxing ngayon. Napakaraming organizations ngayon na lumalabas at napakalaking tulong nito sa mga boksingerong Pilipino,” said Rafa.

“Bakbakan sa Putatan” forms part of the federation’s continuing efforts to discover new talent while providing both amateur and professional boxers with opportunities to develop through regular competition.

According to Rafa, the PBF plans to stage similar events every other month as it continues its grassroots program aimed at producing the country’s next generation of champions.

He also encouraged aspiring boxers to continue chasing their dreams, saying the opportunities available today are greater than ever.

“Sa mga future boxers, sa mga gusto mag-boxing, huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ituloy ninyo ang mga pangarap ninyo. Lalo ngayon, napakaganda ng hinaharap ng Philippine boxing. Maraming venue, maraming opportunities,” Rafa said.

“Alam natin minsan dala lang ng kahirapan kaya pinapasok ito. Pero more than that, hilig talaga ito ng mga Pilipino. Dito tayo nakilala. Sa sport na ito, hindi tayo dehado. Kaya kung may sport kayong pipiliin, boxing talaga dahil tested tayo rito. Ito ang sport para sa mga Pilipino at sa mga kabataang nangangarap maging champion one day.”

Helping make those opportunities possible is ArenaPlus, the major sponsor of “Bakbakan sa Putatan” and the No. 1 PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook in the Philippines.

Through its partnership with the PBF, ArenaPlus supports the federation’s mission of strengthening grassroots boxing, developing young talent, and helping elevate Philippine boxing to greater heights.

Rafa expressed his gratitude to ArenaPlus for supporting the event and its long-term vision for the sport.

“Maraming, maraming salamat sa ArenaPlus dahil pinagbigyan nila kami dito sa event na ito. Napakaganda ng presentation natin,” he said.

“Looking forward na makasama naming muli ang ArenaPlus sa ganito kagandang event. Hopefully magtagal ang partnership ng PBF at ArenaPlus.”

With more grassroots tournaments lined up in the coming months, the PBF hopes more Filipino boxers will have the chance to showcase their skills—and perhaps become the country’s next world champion.

“Philippine boxing has never lacked talent. What young boxers need are more opportunities to compete,” said Erick Su, Head of ArenaPlus.

“That is why we’re proud to support initiatives like ‘Bakbakan sa Putatan.’ Seeing fighters seize opportunities like this gives us confidence that the future of Philippine boxing is in good hands, and ArenaPlus is committed to helping create more platforms where the next generation of champions can emerge.”