CEBU CITY, Philippines — For many years, the name Lorenzo “Chao” Sy has been synonymous with boxing in Cebu. As a veteran promoter, he played a key role in establishing the city as a major hub for boxing in Asia. In the 1980s, Sy was among the pioneers who brought high-profile fights to Cebu, featuring top-tier boxers instead of mismatched opponents. His dedication to quality boxing events earned him the loyalty of local fans and helped transform the historic Cebu Coliseum into one of the country’s most respected venues.
Now 73 years old, Sy is still very much involved in the sport. After the closure of ALA Boxing Promotions during the pandemic, he has taken it upon himself to revive Cebu’s boxing scene. With the sport slowly gaining momentum again, Sy is working to bring another world title fight back to the province. The last world championship bout held in Cebu was in 2017, when Milan Melindo faced Hekkie Budler in a unification match for the IBF and IBO junior flyweight titles.
Blockbuster debut in the 1980s
Sy recently gained renewed attention after the success of “Fist of Fury 10: The Eliminator” on May 9 at the Cebu Coliseum. This event took place in the same venue where he once staged some of his most memorable fights during the 1980s. Returning to the iconic arena brought back memories of the golden era of Cebu boxing.
“I remember starting to promote boxing in the 1980s. It was already professional, and matches were held every month at the Cebu Coliseum,” Sy recalled.
“The famous boxers I promoted included Rolando Navarrete and Bernabe Villacampo. Crowds would overflow from the Coliseum when they fought each other. Navarrete was entrusted to me, and I received a contract every month.”
To the U.S. and back to Cebu’s grassroots
Sy's boxing career in Cebu was briefly interrupted in 1988 when his mother sent him to the United States to help manage their family business, which is now known as La Fortuna Bakeshop. The business has branches in Cebu and West Covina, California.
After building a life and raising a family in the U.S., Sy considered retirement and returning to Cebu. While his wife preferred to stay abroad, Sy could not shake off his passion for boxing promotion.
In 2010, he returned to Cebu and started organizing small barangay-level boxing events. This eventually led to the creation of Chao Sy International Promotions, which staged its first major event on May 9.
“I returned in 2010 after retiring in the U.S. I told my wife that we should go home and turn over our business to our child. But she did not agree, so she stayed there.”
“This is my passion in which I take joy. I was even asked by my child why I would not quit when I was already famous in Cebu, not only in boxing but also in basketball. I said: Do you want me to die early doing nothing? So our child told me: Okay. Go ahead and do whatever you want.”
Global matches, his own boxing brand
Four years ago, Sy officially expanded his boxing promotion venture beyond small local events after being encouraged to pursue international-level promotions.
“It is hefty and expensive from officials’ fares to boxers’ and sanction fees, but I did it.”
Aside from promoting fights, Sy also manages his own stable of boxers under Chao Sy International Promotions. Over the years, he has learned to deal with the different personalities and attitudes of fighters under his care.
“I ask my boxers whether they really want to be champions. I tell them: If you do, I will help you. Otherwise, the door is open and you may leave because I do not like those who have no ambition. Take advantage of those who want to help you.”
“I am like a mother who has children with different personalities, like our fingers that have different lengths. Some boxers are sneaky. I tell them: Your allowance is for training. No training, no allowance; no fight, no advance.”
Through the years, Sy has also become known for something beyond his promotions and fighters: his mindset toward the business itself. He finds satisfaction in staging a successful fight card, regardless of whether it generates profit. For him, the value lies in keeping boxing alive and giving fighters a platform.
Acclaim from Cebuanos, vision for sports
Sy’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, he received the Sportsman of the Year award during the 40th Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC)-San Miguel Brewery Sports Awards, further cementing his growing influence in Cebu sports.
Adding fuel to his ambitions is his recent partnership with China-based FISTCO Boxing Promotions, which shares his vision of reviving high-level boxing events in Cebu.
“I will do my best to bring home a world title event. Even better, I hope the winning boxer will be from my own stable.”
Beyond boxing, Sy also hopes to organize basketball and volleyball events in the future, as well as fun runs, blending his passion for sports with his entrepreneurial mindset.
As he approaches his 74th birthday on June 2, Sy remains committed to bringing quality boxing events back to Cebu.
“While I still draw breath, we will continually promote boxing.”
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