ALA signs up new protegé Hosaka

ALA Promotions has signed up Fil-Japanese amateur champion Go Hosaka in its deep roster of fighters that includes the likes of world champions Donnie Nietes and Milan Melindo.

“He was introduced to us through his trainer Dante Garcia, who showed us a video of his sparring and his credentials. He was looking for a promoter,” ALA Gym head coach Edito Villamor told SunStar Cebu on how they discovered the 21-year-old Hosaka.

“He’s a southpaw, has very good skills and also has power. He is very good and has huge potential,” described Villamor.

Hosaka, who has a background in karate, started his amateur career at 14 years old. Hosaka, born to a Filipina mother and Japanese father, captured bronze medals in the Asian Boxing Championship in Thailand and the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championship in Bulgaria. He finished fourth fourth place in the Summer Youth Olympics held in Nanjing, China. He has an impressive amateur record 5510 in the lightweight division.

Villamor describes Hosaka’s style as that of a Filipino and his toughness that of a Japanese.

“I’m impressed by his ability and his courage. You know the Japanese, they are very brave and never give up,” he said.

Hosaka is eager to prove himself in the pro stage and hopes to become one of the superstars in the sport.

“I see a lot of strong fighters from ALA, and I hope to become one of them. Boxing is my passion and one day I want to be a formidable world champion like my idols Manny Pacquiao and Vasyl Lomachenko. My family and I believe I could achieve my goals through ALA,” said Hosaka in a statement.

ALA Promotions inked Cebuano amateur star Junrel Jimenez earlier this year. The Cebu-based boxing promotional outfit has signed some Japanese fighters in the past, decorated former world champion Katsunari Takayama and two-time world title challenger Ryo Akaho.

“It has always been ALA Promotions’ thrust to elevate Philippine Boxing through showcasing local talent in the international stage, and we want to continue doing just that, help these young talents reach their dreams,” said ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer. /

He’s a southpaw, has very good skills and also has power. He is very good and has huge potential. EDITO VILLAMOR ALA Gym head coach on Fil-Japanese amateur champ Go Hosaka