People expected that the boxing match between Baste Duterte and Gen. Torre would push through
On Sunday, July 27, 2025, spectators filled the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, as they wanted to watch the “charity boxing match” featuring Davao City acting Mayor Baste Duterte and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Nicolas Torre III.
This issue started when Baste said in a statement that he could beat the PNP Chief in a fistfight. Torre did not let Baste’s statement pass. The head of the PNP indulged and said yes to the challenge imposed by the son of former President Rodrigo Duterte. He said that it would be better to make it a charity boxing match so that the flood victims due to the recent typhoon would benefit.
After the challenge was posted and accepted, both camps were seen preparing for the boxing match. Gen, Torre even had a video showing that his training continued even if it was raining.
Baste Duterte also had his condition. He told Torre to tell President Bongbong Marcos to order all elected officials to undergo a hair follicle drug test.
Two days before the scheduled boxing match, Torre said that the venue was ready. Even though Baste said that he is not available on Sunday and said that the boxing match may just be moved to another day, spectators still filled the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
In another Facebook post from DXDC 621 RMN Davao, it can be seen that General Torre climbs to the ring even though his opponent is not around.
With Baste Duterte’s absence, netizens have various reactions. Here are some comments.
As of this writing, the acting Mayor of Davao City has not released a statement yet regarding the boxing match that did not push through because of his absence.