“According to legend, the first Filipino to fight publicly wearing gloves was Churchill’s driver, Leoncio Bernabe, in 1916…”
“Twice during the early stages of the fight, fans clinging to rafters became so excited that they lost their grip and tumbled directly into the ring, delaying the fight momentarily. But it was only for a moment, for they were instantly thrust out, without even pause to see if they were injured.”
…
“Many of them didn’t have enough money to buy an outfit of ring togs, so we always kept a supply of trunks, shoes, etc., available for them. Lots of ‘em wouldn’t use shoes. They were accustomed to going barefoot and shoes cramped their style.”
ESPN has a great look on the history of boxing in the Philippines.
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