MANILA, Philippines — A charity boxing match between Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III and acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte is scheduled to take place this Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
General Torre confirmed the event during an ambush interview while undergoing training. According to him, preparations are already in place, including the setup of the boxing ring at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
“Kung ready sila sa venue, I can show up. Pero naka-set na actually ang Rizal Memorial Coliseum. A ring has already been set up there para sa Sunday,” Torre said.
He also mentioned that he has been actively training in preparation for the match, indicating his readiness to face Duterte in the ring.
The proposed boxing match was triggered by a vlog uploaded by Duterte, where he called out Torre and challenged him to a fistfight. “Kasi matapang ka lang naman you have the position. Pero kung suntukan tayo, alam kong makaya kita. But then you’re a coward,” Duterte said.
The public feud escalated following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte—Baste’s father—on March 11. General Torre led the operation as authorities served a warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with alleged crimes against humanity related to the previous administration’s drug war.
In response to a social media post suggesting that a resort-casino executive offered a venue for the fight, Torre reiterated that the Rizal Memorial venue is confirmed and ready.
As of this writing, Duterte has yet to respond publicly regarding his participation in the boxing event.
Torre added that regardless of whether the match proceeds with both parties present, the event will still push through in another form. Several sponsors have already pledged to donate assistance for victims of recent typhoons and floods.
“Whether he shows up or not, may mga sponsors na may nagsabi na magdo-donate na lang ng mga ayuda sa ating mga kababayan na nasalanta ng bagyo at baha,” he said. “Kung wala naman siya, magdi-distribute na lang kami ng ayuda.”
The Sunday bout aims to raise not just fists, but also resources to help affected communities—highlighting a mix of public drama and humanitarian effort.
