Mike Miguel

A new combat sports venue in the Metro is about to give others a run for their money.

Last December, Manila Arena formally opened its doors to fight fans. Boasting a modern design, air-conditioning, and a giant LED screen, the newly-renovated site can hold up to at least five thousand capacity. And for the first time, it hosted its maiden boxing event, bannered by the likes of Pinoy prospect Carl Jammes Martin as well as the Philippine boxing title fight between Carlo Magali and Al Toyogon.

And for businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, this venture enables him to merge two of his interests: sports and giving back to his fellow Manilenos.

“Etong Manila Arena, kasi taga rito ako Sta. Ana at Mandaluyong – diyan ako. So naisip ko na mahilig ako sa sports, nagbo-boxing din ako araw-araw tapos sabong at basketball, so naisip ko na magpagawa dito para makatulong ako sa mga Manileño,” Ang, a self-confessed sports aficionado shares in an interview with RealFight PH.

What may seem the Manila Arena lack in size, it makes up for the amenities inside, giving it a world-class yet intimate feel. Not to mention spacious dugout rooms for the athletes as well as organizers. With this, Ang believes this suits best for combat sporting events in the country.

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“Noong naayos ito at naidaos itong boxing, at least nakita na nila yung design kasi ang Araneta (Colosseum), sobrang laki tsaka mga MOA (Arena).” He sasy, “Ito ang pinakamaganda para sa boxing kasi 5000-capacity. Ngayon nakita ko na actual na hosting, natutuwa ako na tama yung ginawa ko.”

He adds, “Hindi ko lang ito pinapagamit para sa sports, pinagagamit ko din ito kanila Yorme (Manila Mayor Isko Moreno).”

With the place serving as a potential host for future bouts, Ang is happy to contribute with the 3000-square meter of land that he has. And who knows? A world title bout may happen there in the near future.

“Well, of course proud ako at kung ang sabong napasikat ko, gagawa ako ng paraan na ang boxing matulungan ko din this year, pangako ko yan.” Ang shares of the possibility, “Pinag-uusapan na namin ni Chairman Baham (Mitra) yan na mag-host ng championship fight dito.”