MANILA, Philippines — July 27, 2025
Cheers erupted at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Sunday as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III was declared the winner by default after his opponent, Davao City acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, failed to show up for their highly anticipated charity boxing match.
General Torre, who appeared alone in the ring, was met with explosive applause for honoring the bout. In a brief but spirited display, Torre sparred with his head coach, Police Senior Master Sergeant Tomacino Maglangit, giving the crowd a glimpse of the fight that might have been.
The match, which was meant to raise funds for charity, had generated widespread attention after both parties exchanged public challenges in recent weeks.
However, Duterte was not in the country, having flown to Singapore on Friday, July 25. He had earlier requested that the fight be rescheduled to July 29 or 30, but organizers went ahead with the original date, citing prior commitments and event logistics.
While the match did not proceed as intended, Torre’s appearance and commitment were celebrated by supporters and spectators. Organizers have yet to confirm whether the charity bout will be rescheduled or canceled altogether.
