Duterte Declines Sunday Boxing Match with Torre, Cites “Suspicious” Charity Framing

Davao City – Acting Mayor Sebastian “baste” Duterte has stated he will not participate in a boxing match with PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III on Sunday, as originally proposed. duterte, ⁤speaking in a pre-taped podcast aired Saturday night, expressed suspicion about the charity ⁣aspect of⁣ the ⁣proposed event, questioning the necessity of linking a fight to flood victim aid.

“If ⁣you really just⁢ want a fight, why do you⁤ even‍ need the floods for charity?” Duterte remarked, suggesting the charity framing was a “smokescreen” or “diversionary issue” orchestrated by mainstream media.The exchange began when duterte reportedly challenged Torre to a boxing match. Torre accepted the challenge ‍on July 21,but‍ elevated it to a ⁣12-round charity ⁢boxing event aimed at raising aid for victims of Metro Manila floods. Torre had proposed the Rizal Memorial Coliseum as the venue for the match, scheduled for 9 a.m. on July‍ 27.

However,Duterte clarified his initial statement,asserting he “did not challenge Torre” but rather “just wanted to punch Torre.” He ⁣elaborated, “If⁢ you are a man, we are going to hit you. I didn’t challenge you, I really said ⁣that ⁢we would hit, I would beat you, I didn’t challenge you to (If you’re a man, ⁣let’s fight. I am ⁢not⁣ challenging ‍you, stupid). You’re just‍ as stupid as the journalist that asked you,”⁣ the acting mayor, who is the youngest son of former President Rodrigo duterte, stated.Adding another condition to the potential bout,duterte had previously stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other⁣ elected officials would need to undergo a hair follicle drug test before he would agree ‍to the match.

In⁤ his podcast,Duterte addressed⁣ Torre directly,saying,”Tuesday,Wednesday,but not Sunday. Tuesday, Wednesday, or any other day. I think it’s better for you as you still have time to practice,” he added in Cebuano.

Meanwhile, Torre confirmed in a media interview on Thursday morning that the Rizal Memorial Coliseum was prepared to host the boxing match on Sunday. ‍When asked about the potential consequences of Duterte’s absence,Torre‍ responded,”That’s his call.Either way, we already ⁢have sponsors lined up who pledged to donate relief goods for‍ communities affected by recent heavy ⁣rains and flooding.”