The risks of training to become the next Filipino boxing champion

Boxing, like all other contact sports, is dangerous. Apart from bruises and broken bones, there are more serious things that athletes risk like suffering concussions, falling into coma, and even death.

"Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho" on Sunday showed just how dangerous and perilous such sports can be. The show told the story of Dodong, an aspiring boxer who is now in a coma, following a surgery that removed a blood clot that was discovered during a sparring session.

Thanks to his older brother who is also a professional boxer, Dodong has always been fascinated with the sport. He started training early, doing drills in the farmlands and practicing in their bahay kubo.

According to his Kuya Jelmar, Dodong has a strong fist, and a stronger sense of determination. He wanted to become a world champion, just like Manny Pacquiao.

Dodong wasn’t deterred even when his Kuya Jelmar was advised by doctors to stop boxing. Instead, he went to Sindangan in Zamboanga del Norte, the boxing capital of the province.

He was going to train with the Unified Sindangan Athletics Association (USAA) for amateur boxing. After all the USAA provides their athletes food and lodging, apart from opportunities to fight in countries like US and Japan.

After eight months of sparring sessions, Dodong was given the opportunity to fight in a sparring exhibition.

But on Round One alone, it became evident that Dodong was off. After Round 3, he was rushed to the hospital. According to the doctors, Dodong had a blood clot in his brain. They performed surgery on him but instead of getting better, Dodong fell into a coma.

To this day, he is unable to speak, and unable to move his fists. Dodong’s hospital bill has breached the P1M mark.

Dodong’s parents are blaming the USAA, accusing the organization of abusing their athletes and not feeding them right.

While the incident has reached the Games and Amusements Board, the governing body says the amateur fight is not in their jurisdiction.

USAA, on the other hand, took defense and reiterated that the match was only a sparring session, where no money was involved. They also said they did not force Dodong to spar.

According to Dodong’s coach, the aspiring boxer stepped into the ring of his own accord. He also belied accusations that they do not give their players enough food. He said this is the first time an accident happened in their many years of training young boxers.

To this day, many are helping Dodong and his family.

Sindangan Mayor Nilo Florentino Sy has escalated the matter to the office of the governor.  They are making sure Dodong will get a free medical assistance from the hospital.

The sports committee has also extended help in Dodong’s hospitalization bill.

For those who want to help him, you may deposit to:

Metrobank Dipolog City Branch
Account Name: Julita B. Gotual
Account Number: 124-3-124-37479-1

— LA, GMA News