Unbeaten Cataraja still seeks Aldeguer’s fatherly advice

Unbeaten Cebuano boxer Kevin Jake “KJ” Cataraja. | photo from Cataraja’s Facebook page

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Like a good and trusting son, unbeaten Cebuano boxer Kevin Jake “KJ” Cataraja still seeks wisdom and guidance from his former manager and renowned boxing patron Antonio Lopez Aldeguer.

Aldeguer owns the world-famous ALA Boxing Gym which launched the boxing careers of hundreds of young boxers who later on became world and regional champions.

In an interview with CDN Digital, the 26-year old pride Cataraja of Tabuelan town, north Cebu revealed that he messaged Aldeguer after his most recent fight to, as usual, ask for the latter’s assessment.

Cataraja remains unbeaten in 13 bouts with 11 knockouts. His latest victim was compatriot Filipino Cris Alfante last July 16 where he won via a technical knockout at the Tabunok Sports Complex in Talisay City, south Cebu.

According to Cataraja Aldeguer told him that his boxing style has matured a lot and he has improved as well.

“As what sir ALA’s (Aldeguer) comment, nag mature na daw akong dinulaan,” Cataraja said. “Nag message ko niya after sa fight, ni tan-aw daw sad siya sa YouTube video sa akong fight.”

ALA Boxing Gym was once the spawning ground of the country’s top ring warriors. However, in August 2020, the gym and its promotional arm, the ALA Boxing Promotions, closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the connection between former ALA boxers like Cataraja and Aldeguer remained strong.

According to Cataraja, he considers Aldeguer as his second father.

“Dili na siya active pero akong respect niya as a promoter naa gihapon. Mura na sad nako siya ug amahan kay diha ko gikan niya mao always gihapon ko mo connect niya bahala dili na siya akong manager,” said Cataraja who is now promoted and managed by Zip Sanman Promotions.

Cataraja and other former ALA Boxing Gym standouts like former world title challengers Jeo Santisima and Melvin Jerusalem are now under Zip Sanman Promotions’ fold. Also, Michael Domingo, former ALA Boxing Gym trainer is with them.

Much has changed after the ALA Boxing Gym closed down. Its matchmaker and chief trainer Edito Villamor and his brother Edmund now own a boxing gym in Mandaue City that is named after them. It is where four-division world champion Donnie Nietes currently trains.

“Dako kaayo na siya (Aldeguer) ug papel sa akong boxing career. Dili ko maabot diri ug dili tungod niya mao na siya gihapon akong sumbungan ug duolan sa akong mga problema sa boxing ug sa personal nako nga kinabuhi,” added Cataraja.

Cataraja was molded by the ALA Boxing Gym to follow the footsteps of its world champions before the gym closed down.

Cataraja in fact once headlined a boxing event promoted by ALA Promotions in his hometown in Tabuelan in 2018.

He revealed that Aldeguer’s best advice to him is to always aim high to reach his dreams.

“Usa sa nakat-unan nako niya hangtod karon is to always look back to where you started unya aim for your dreams and always be matured,” added Cataraja.

“Nag joke sad siya nako nga kung dili daw ko makaabot ug America sa boxing maypa mo work na lang daw ko ug dili na nako kab-uton. Mao gyud na akong gi look forward sa akong career. Let’s trust the process,” Cataraja said.

Cataraja, the former WBO Youth super flyweight champion is currently ranked No. 4 in the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super flyweight division.

If he is to choose what his next steps would be, he said he wants to fight for an OPBF title first and ultimately contend for the WBC world super flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada.    /rcg

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