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Slams event as overly theatrical, questions motives
Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte publicly withdrew from the charity boxing match against Philippine National Police chief Police Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Sunday and criticized the event as overly theatrical and questioned its motives.
Speaking at the Basta Dabawenyo Episode 2 podcast released on his Facebook page on Saturday evening, July 26, Duterte said he will not attend the scheduled charity boxing match against Torre, citing personal commitments.
Duterte said he had other priorities and described Sundays as family day. He proposed that the bout be held on a weekday and suggested Tuesday or Wednesday.
Despite the proposed reschedule, Torre was declared the winner by default in front of a sizeable crowd after a 10-second countdown. Torre was already inside the ring by 10:30 a.m., waiting for Duterte, who was expected not to arrive.
The National Bureau of Investigation said that Duterte left for Singapore last week. The Bureau of Immigration said his family accompanied him on a Friday commercial flight from Davao International Airport around 7 a.m.
The highly publicized face-off was initially pitched as a 12-round charity boxing event by Torre after Duterte publicly expressed a desire to confront the top cop who he accused of being bold only because of his position.
Torre accepted what he believed was a challenge and set the bout for 9 a.m. at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, with proceeds to benefit victims of flooding in Metro Manila.
However, Duterte expressed skepticism over framing the event as a charity initiative and called it “suspicious.” He clarified that he had never issued an official challenge against Torre.
“I’m glad that Torre is now training. However, here’s the thing — if it’s just a fistfight you want, why do you need to involve charity? Why do you have to use the flooding in Manila for it?” Duterte said.
Duterte took a jab at Torre’s training technique. He said giving Torre more time to train before their match would be best. “When you throw your jab, your hand immediately drops. You should keep your guard up. Just a little advice: Keep training.”
Duterte clarified that he did not challenge Torre but just wants to punch him. He criticized the media for misinterpreting and sensationalizing his words. He labeled the event as a smokescreen and a diversionary tactic by mainstream media.
“Hindi kita hinamon, tanga! You are just as stupid as the journalist that asked you (I did not challenge you, idiot! You are just as stupid as the journalist who asked you),” Duterte said.
He challenged Torre directly, suggesting a private and unpublicized fight. “If you want to do this, I will come to you. No cameras, no gloves, just a straight-up fight. Why all the drama? You’re acting too showbiz.”
Duterte complicated the match by adding a condition to his participation that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and other elected officials undergo hair follicle drug testing before the match.
Torre confirmed in a media interview on Thursday that the Rizal Memorial Coliseum was ready for the match, with sponsors already lined up to support flood victims regardless of the bout’s outcome.
Torre said it was Duterte’s call if he does now show up.
Sponsors are committed and donations will push through, Torre said.
As of Saturday night, the event has raised P15 million in cash donations and the amount does not yet include goods and essential supplies from supporters.
Torre has not responded directly to Duterte’s comments, and there is no official word if the match will be rescheduled.
