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Philippines, 26 Apr 2024 |
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THE REAL 'ROCKY' IS IN JAPAN NOT IN MACAU By Ronnie Nathanielsz PhilBoxing.com Fri, 21 Nov 2014  While the media continues to hype undefeated WBO light welterweight champion Chris Algieri as a modern day "Rocky", the movie character played by Sylvester Stallone, the real 'Rocky" is in Japan, ready to go against Nicaragua's outstanding World Boxing Council flyweight champion Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez in Kagawa, Japan on Saturday. Rocky Fuentes, christened "The Road Warrior" because of his many title fights in Japan, is the former Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation champion with a record of 35-7-2 with 20 knockouts and is popular in that country. During a public work out ahead of his world title bout with unbeaten Nicaraguan who has an impressive record of 40-0 with 34 knockouts, Asian Boxing Scene reported that Fuentes who is 6-0 in Japan, "seemed to be brimming full of confidence despite the fact many fans have written him off going into the fight against the sensational Chocolatito." Fuentes mentioned that he had previously sparred with Gonzalez and would be using that to his advantage, pointing out that he had more than just video to base his game plan around. Asian Boxing Scene said that "at the training sessions the Filipino looked ready to go in what will be the biggest fight of his career. He looked strong and powerful, as he always does, and looked very much a man on a mission. Not only did he look ready for combat but he also sounded ready and stated that the media would be reporting an upset from Yokohama. The Fuentes - Gonzalez bout is one of two world title bouts. It will be featured along with the WBC Super Featherweight title bout between defending champion Takashi Miura (27-2-2, 20) and Mexican challenger Edgar Puerta (23-4-1, 19). Asian Boxing Scene said "both of these bouts promise to be exciting for as long as they last with all 4 men being explosive fighters with an aggressive mentality." Although he is a huge underdog in his second attempt at winning a world flyweight title ALA Gym head trainer Edito ?Ala? Villamor told the Manila Standard/Viva Sports that Fuentes ?is in good condition after great preparation and has a 50-50 chance against a great champion.? He said Gonzalez is an aggressive fighter ?who goes in which gives Rocky a big chance for solid counter punches unlike WBO champion Amnat Ruenroeng who kept running.? Another advantage cited by Villamor is that Fuentes had sparred with Gonzalez when the Nicaraguan was preparing for his title fight against Akira Yaegashi in what Asian Boxing Scene described as ?a fantastic performance? last September. But Fuentes who has been sparring with WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes, former flyweight title challenger Milan Melindo and undefeated super bantamweight Genesis Servania, isn?t awed by the reputation of Gonzalez. Strength and conditioning coach Nick Curson said ?Rocky is in excellent shape, has great stamina and power and excellent reaction? although Curson admits Gonzalez is a formidable opponent. ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said Fuentes ?is upbeat and Japan is like his home? since he has fought there many times in winning and defending his OPBF title. He conceded that Fuentes ?is up against the best but this is the best time for Rocky.? Photo: WBC champion Roman Gonzalez (L) and challenger Rocky Fuentes pose during Friday's weighin in Japan. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.  |
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