The family and close friends of boxer Junjesie “Tornado” Ibgos are seeking donations to help fund his medication for a rare autoimmune disease that has derailed his boxing activities.
The 29-year-old Ibgos, who hails from Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, and is battling neuromyelitis optica (NMO), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that affects the optic nerves and spinal cord.
According to his friend, Edmond Lapitan Dellosa, Ibgos may be bedridden for life.
Dellosa shared a heartfelt plea on social media, accompanied by photos of Ibgos lying in a hospital bed, saying, “We are once again appealing to your hearts to help our brother in the boxing industry.”
“He can no longer walk and is bedridden. We hope we can help him,” added Dellosa, who is a licensed matchmaker with the Games and Amusement Board.
Ibgos last entered the ring on October 23, 2022, where he suffered a first-round technical knockout loss to Weljon Mindoro in a non-title, eight-round middleweight bout at the Elorde Sports Complex in Parañaque City.
Throughout his career, Ibgos fought in 20 professional bouts, securing 13 wins, 11 of them by knockout. He suffered seven losses, five of which were by stoppage.
Due to mounting hospital expenses, Ibgos has been brought home as his family can no longer afford his medical bills.
Among those who have pledged support is Philippine Boxing Federation president Dante Almario, according to Dellosa.
Anyone willing to help can send donations to Ibgos’ niece, Larrah Mae Siao, via her GCASH account: 09531524476.
