PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III was declared the victor in his highly anticipated charity boxing match against acting Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte.
The match, held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, July 27, 2025, drew a crowd of over 2,000 spectators eager to witness the clash.
However, Duterte’s absence resulted in a default victory for Torre after a tense 10-second countdown.
The Bureau of Immigration later confirmed Duterte had departed for Singapore days prior to the event, leaving thousands disappointed but contributing significantly to a worthy cause.
The no-show by Duterte sparked a wave of reactions. While some expressed disappointment, many understood the circumstances and praised the large turnout that still managed to raise significant funds.
The event successfully collected over ₱300,000 from entrance fees alone, with corporate donations exceeding ₱16 million. These funds will be directed towards assisting Filipinos impacted by the recent southwest monsoon and other weather-related calamities.
The unexpected turn of events highlighted the generosity of the Filipino people and their commitment to supporting those in need, even amidst the disappointment of a cancelled match.
Despite the anticlimactic ending, the event’s success in raising substantial funds for charity underscores the positive impact of such events.
