Davao pug who won vs Mexican faces arrest

Sun.Star:The Davao City boxer who made the Philippines proud atop the ring just over a week ago could end up in jail anytime. Diosdado "Prince" Gabi, a farmer's son from Barangay Lasang, faces this predicament after a warrant of arrest was issued against him in connection with the case filed by North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Piñol. Piñol filed the case against Gabi back in 2005 for violation of managerial contract and a warrant of arrest had been issued by Judge Antonina Escovilla of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 2 to this effect. Piñol is asking for P4.8 million from Gabi whom, the politician claimed, duped him and reneged from their contract. When news of the court order broke out, the boxing community led by World Boxing Organization (WBO) was alarmed by the situation facing Gabi, whose victory over Jose Angel Beranza set the tone for the Philippines' emphatic 5-1 victory over Mexico in the Boxing World Cup last August 11 in Sacramento, California. Gabi and Peñalosa arrived in the country Thursday last week and were accorded a warm welcome at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by Filipino fight fans and officials. The day before that, the four other members of the RP team--Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista, Z Gorres, AJ Banal and Michael Domingo--planed in also to a heroe's welcome. When Gorres went home to his hometown, the city government of Mandaue led by Mayor Jonas Cortes, let out a red carpet welcome to its conquering hero highlighted by a ticker tape parade. It's a completely different story for Gabi, whose wife Joy is six months pregnant to their second child. Peñalosa, in a news item at the Philboxing.com website, said he is concerned on the possible arrest facing Gabi, his close friend who once fought in a world title clash but lost to then International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan via an eight round technical knockout. The Davao City Police Office could not give any development when Sun.Star Davao tried to get an update on the arrest warrant against Gabi Monday afternoon. Piñol, in a text message to this writer, said: "That (warrant of arrest) was issued in 2005. He (Gabi) will have to ask his lawyers to answer the charges and post bail." - Sun.Star