THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED boxing match between Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Nicolas Torre III failed to materialize on Sunday, July 27, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum as the former is enjoying a family vacation overseas.
The acting mayor, the youngest son of former President Rodrigo Duterte, instead proposed to reschedule the fight for “Tuesday or Wednesday or any weekday” this coming week.
He conveyed his availability in a pre-taped podcast aired Saturday night, where he also clarified his initial intent.
“Kung lalaki ka talaga, suntukan tayo. Di naman kita hinamon, sinabi ko talaga na suntukan tayo, mabubugbog kita, hindi kita hinamon tanga (If you’re a man, let’s fight. I am not really challenging you, stupid. I just said that if we were to fight, I might beat you up. You’re just as stupid as the journalist who asked you),” Duterte said.
The boxing saga began when Duterte publicly expressed a desire to “punch Torre,” a sentiment which Torre accepted on July 21.
Torre, however, elevated the proposed confrontation into a 12-round charity boxing event aimed at raising aid for victims of Metro Manila floods, and suggested the Rizal Memorial Coliseum as the venue for a 9 a.m. match on Sunday, July 27.
Duterte, in his podcast, voiced skepticism about the charity framing. “If you really just want a fight, why do you even need the floods for charity?” he questioned, dismissing the boxing match as a “smokescreen” or “diversionary issue” orchestrated by mainstream media.
Adding another layer to the developing spectacle, Duterte had previously stated a condition for the fight: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other elected officials must first undergo a hair follicle drug test.
Despite Duterte’s no-show, individuals began to arrive at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, anticipating the event. When asked about Duterte’s potential absence, Torre remained unperturbed, stating, “That’s his call. Either way, we already have sponsors lined up who pledged to donate relief goods for communities affected by recent heavy rains and flooding.”
Duterte, maintaining his stance on a weekday bout, extended an offer to Torre in Cebuano during his podcast: “Tuesday, Wednesday, but not Sunday. Tuesday, Wednesday, or any other day. I think it’s better for you because you still have time to practice.”
