July 27, 2025
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Nicolas Torre III was declared the winner of a highly anticipated charity boxing match on Sunday after acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte failed to appear at the event.
The match, held at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, was part of the “Boxing for a Cause: Laban Para sa Nasalanta” fundraiser. Organized to support communities affected by recent calamities, the event aimed to gather donations and raise awareness through a series of exhibition fights, with Torre vs. Duterte being the main attraction.
General Torre confidently stepped into the ring amid cheers from the crowd. However, the atmosphere quickly shifted as organizers began a 10-count, a boxing rule to determine if an opponent will appear. After the count, with no sign of Mayor Duterte, the referee officially declared Torre the winner by default.
In a brief speech following the announcement, Torre thanked the organizers, supporters, and donors who attended the event, emphasizing that the true victory lies in helping those in need.
“This event is not about winning or losing in the ring. It’s about showing solidarity with our fellow Filipinos who continue to suffer from the effects of natural disasters,” Torre said.
Fans and spectators expressed mixed reactions—some disappointed by the no-show, while others praised Torre’s commitment to the cause.
As of writing, no explanation has been given by Mayor Duterte or his office regarding his absence from the event.
Despite the incomplete main event, “Boxing for a Cause” continued with undercard matches and entertainment segments, managing to fulfill its mission of bringing people together for a charitable purpose.
