Davao’s Acting Mayor Baste Duterte Rejects Sunday Fight, Dares Torre to Private Brawl
BASTE DUTERTE – Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has challenged the intentions behind the proposed charity boxing event and now wants the match rescheduled to a more convenient time.
Baste Duterte has requested a change in the date of his scheduled charity boxing match with Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III. Originally planned for Sunday, July 26, Duterte cited scheduling conflicts as the reason for his proposed postponement.
In a video posted on Facebook on Saturday, Duterte explained his absence, stating, “I cannot be there on Sunday. I have other things to do. But Tuesday, I’m available. Tuesday, Wednesday, but not Sunday.” He emphasized his availability on alternative dates by saying, “Tuesday, Wednesday, or any other day.”
Along with suggesting a new schedule, Duterte offered some boxing pointers to Torre, critiquing his technique. “So, I think, it’s better for you because you still have time to practice. Because your punching is a bit… when you jab, you immediately lower your hand. You need to defend your face. When you jab, you immediately return to your face. So, just a little advice, practice.”
The match was introduced by Torre as a charity bout aimed at raising funds for victims of recent typhoons and flooding in Metro Manila and nearby regions. However, Duterte cast doubt on the sincerity behind the charity angle, questioning, “If you really just want a fight, why do you need charity? Why do you need the, do you need to use what’s happening right now with the floods in Metro Manila?”
Duterte further escalated tensions by proposing a bare-knuckle fight without cameras or boxing gloves. “If you want, I’ll come to you, no cameras. Let’s fight, no gloves. Why do you need anything? Are you serious about showbiz?” He added, “So if you really want it, it’s just the two of you. Either I’ll come to you, just the two of us, just bring your bodyguard with you so that if something happens to you, at least someone will be there to pick you through the hospital.”
In addition, Duterte laid out a condition before proceeding with the fight: he wants President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and all elected officials to undergo a hair follicle drug test.
Despite Duterte’s remarks, Torre remains committed to pushing forward with the boxing match for charitable purposes.
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