THE 1st Annual Box CNMI at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium in Susupe on Saturday night provided local fans a taste of what is to come in the near future for the sport of boxing.
Hosted by Al Cabael Production Company, the event featured four exhibition bouts between Saipan and Guam fighters, along with boxing exercise demonstrations by former world boxing champion and Mauler Boxing Club trainer Miguel Arrozal.
The boxing matches were between Saipan’s Joseph Saltin and Guam’s Jeran Tudela, Saipan’s Jelma Dadios and Guam’s Hurao Acfalle, Saipan’s Slade Adelbai and Guam’s Alvin Ok, and Saipan’s Jamaal Mresbang and Guam’s Matt Mariano.
“It was a nice, friendly, first event between Guam and Saipan,” Cabael said. Unfortunately, he added, “the turnout wasn’t that great — there were too many other activities going on that evening. But for those who were there, I’m sure they totally enjoyed the event.”
Cabael praised the boxers from Saipan, especially 14-year-old Joseph Saltin, who displayed offensive and defensive skills.
“Congratulations and thank you to those who participated and made this event possible,” Cabael said.
He said the exhibition event aimed to showcase what the CNMI has to offer in the sport of boxing.
“My interest as the producer is to bring boxing to the CNMI. Boxing is huge everywhere including Japan and China. We’re a U.S. Commonwealth, and we have a great opportunity to play a key role in making boxing popular across the Micronesian region,” he said.
According to Cabael, “Everyone can now see the results of what is really possible in the CNMI in terms of boxing.”
In addition, he said he now has a clearer understanding of how to host future boxing events. “I learned a lot from this experience,” he added.
Cabael is already looking forward to host another boxing event in the near future. He said it will be a real competition rather than an exhibition, and he intends to work with Guam and other Micronesian islands.
Cabael at the same time recognized the support of the Northern Marianas Sports Association. He said NMSA provided invaluable support in organizing the event.
“We’re really grateful to NMSA President Jerry Tan and his staff for allowing us to do this,” Cabael said.
Also providing assistance were members of the Saipan Legends Lion Club.
Cabael, who is the club president, donated part of the funds raised on Saturday to cancer patients and other individuals with medical issues in the Philippines.
The event sponsors were 103.9 KZMI, Alamo Rent A Car, Paradiso Resort & Spa and Power 99.
Saipan’s Jelma Dadios and Guam’s Hurao Acfalle exchange blows during an exhibition bout of the 1st Annual Box CNMI hosted by Al Cabael Production Company at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium in Susupe on Saturday.
Joseph Saltin connects a jab against Guam’s Jeran Tudela during an exhibition bout of the 1st Annual Box CNMI hosted by Al Cabael Production Company at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium in Susupe on Saturday.
Master boxer Barry Wicksman and former world boxing champion Miguel Arrozal demonstrate a boxing exercise during the 1st Annual Box CNMI hosted by Al Cabael Production Company at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium in Susupe on Saturday.
Announcer Al Cabael introduces the fighters during the 1st Annual Box CNMI hosted by his production company at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium in Susupe on Saturday.
