Philippines, 26 Mar 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


PANONCILLO BREAKS SILENCE, RESPONDS TO ISSUES HURLED AGAINST WBO


PhilBoxing.com




WBO Asia-Pacific Chairman Leon Panoncillo lead the WBO DRUG FREE YOUTH outreach program held in my hometown of Mabolo, Cebu City. Together with Promoter Sammy Gello-ani and Mabolo Barangay Captain Rey Ompoc, they gave bags and school supplies to children and teenagers of the barangay.

Mr. Panoncillo had a conversation with this writer before the event and opened up about the series of controversies and intrigues written about him and the World Boxing Organization (WBO).

?It was never our intention to manipulate our ratings so Ciso Morales would get a title shot against Fernando Montiel. Morales or any WBO world rated fighter can fight in another weight division as long as he can make the weight.? He said. ?Morales deserved a ranking and a shot at the world title for successfully defending his super bantamweight Oriental title. Remember when he fought in Canada at 122 lbs against Mexican Miguel Gonzales Piedras? Morales was small compared to his opponent. So, it was decided by Sammy Gello-ani and trainer Nonito Donaire that he will have to fight at 118.?

?The plan to have Morales campaign at 118 was made even before Z Gorres was injured. The Montiel camp turned down Michael Domingo as a substitute for Gorres, which was their prerogative, and chose Morales.?

?Many boxers fight in two different weights, Sergio Martinez fought at 154 and 160. To use as an example, Manuel Vargas fought at 105 but was allowed by the WBA to fight at 115 against Nonito,Jr.? Panoncillo added. ?I also talked with Morales? manager Kenneth Rontal regarding the article that his boxer fought and lost against Las Pinas in his first fight. That was an exhibition bout. Morales was not licensed at that time and this was an exhibition fight between an amateur and a pro.?

?And even if he did lose, even if he wasn?t undefeated? does one loss disqualify you from a title shot later on in your career??

Mr. Panoncillo also talked about Johnriel Casimero?s title shot against Ivan Calderon which got canceled. ?The WBO rules do require that they fight each other. But Sampson Lewkowicz, who promotes Casimero, and Ivan Rivera who represents Calderon, decided that it would be to the financial benefit of the two boxers if they defend their titles first before fighting each other.?

?Both boxers are undefeated. Casimero already has the interim title. If he beats Garcia Hirales and Calderon decides to move up in weight, then he will be the champion.?

With his regards to the write-up about his presence in the Montiel ? Hasegawa match, Panoncillo provided the following information:

The Montiel bout with Hasegawa was officially sanctioned accordingly as a defense for Montiel, it was not meant for a unification, as indicated on Mr. Luis Batista-Salas? Championship Committee letter to Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions, that states, ?Dear Mr. Beltran, the World Boxing Organization?s Championship Committee sanctions the above referenced bout between Fernando Montiel and Hozumi Hasegawa to be held on April 30, 2010 in Tokyo, Japan with three provisions that:

(1) If Fernando Montiel wins, he faces within 90 days of the bout, the winner of the bout between Eric Morel vs. Jorge Arce to be held on April 24th in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico; and,

(2) If Fernando Montiel loses, the WBO Bantamweight title becomes vacant; furthermore,

(3) Mr. Hozumi Hasagawa is NOT fighting for the WBO title; therefore, if Mr. Hasegawa wins he will not become the WBO Bantamweight title holder.

The assigned supervisor WBO Asia Pacific Chairman Leon Panoncillo, Jr. will supervise the defense of Fernando Montiel and was officially appointed by WBO President Francisco Valcarcel, Esq.

?All I want is fair and balanced coverage and a chance to air our side.? Mr. Panoncillo concluded.

Top photo: WBO Vice President Leon Panoncillo, Jr (right, back row) and SGG Promotions President Sammy Gello-ani (left, back row) pose with less privileged students during WBO's outreach program held at the Mabolo Sports Gymnasium in Cebu City Friday afternoon.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • “Lucky Boy" Alicaba Ready for Action Friday in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Mar 2026
  • WBO & WBA World Champion René “El Chulo” Santiago Hosts Open Media Workout Ahead of April 3 Title Defense in Tokyo
    , Thu, 26 Mar 2026
  • Former WBA FEDELATIN President Panamanian Aurelio Fiengo passes away
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Mar 2026
  • The 19th edition of the Kamatyas Rapid Open and Kiddies Chess Tournament on March 28, 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 26 Mar 2026
  • WIG-WHAM! MILLER PLANS ‘OLD SCHOOL’ BEATING OF PERO IN LAS VEGAS
    , Thu, 26 Mar 2026
  • ProBoxTV Bringing a Storm of Flying Leather to Thunder Studios This Saturday, March 28, as Bryan Acosta Collides with Ronny Rios in Crossroads Bantamweight Slugfest
    , Thu, 26 Mar 2026
  • Vito Mielnicki Jr. Training Camp Quotes
    , Thu, 26 Mar 2026
  • Remembering Mr. Elorde: Still the Gold Standard
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • House of Representatives say yes to the Boxing Revitalization Act and it is now sent to the Senate
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • Ryan ‘The Polish Prince’ Kielczweski To return after 4-year layoff to fight at home on Granite Chin’s ‘Rumble at the Rink II’ card
    , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • Ellaine Summer Abanco wins silver medal on tiebreak
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • Catubig, McDowell win in DC Athletic 4
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • Team Juna wins first competition in IRONMAN 70.3 Davao
    By Kim delos Reyes-Teves, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • Round 12: Without Promoters there is no Boxing
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • Mexican female IBF Champion Irma Garcia to defend on April 5 in England
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • 14-0 super middleweight prospect Tommy ‘The Governor’ Hyde to headline April 18th at home in Cork, Ireland
    , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • MMA legend Jon Jones joins IBA Bare Knuckle as global ambassador
    , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • GOLDEN BOY SIGNS NEW EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP EXTENSION WITH DAZN
    , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • “The Takeover” Teofimo Lopez Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • Boxlab Promotions Fighters Shine with Statement Victories in Orlando
    , Tue, 24 Mar 2026
  • Red Owl Boxing Presents Box Fest XVII on Friday, April 3rd at The Archer Music Hall in Allentown, PA and LIVE on DAZN
    , Tue, 24 Mar 2026
  • Boxing world fans waiting Isis Sio prompty recovery; Team Isis Sio statement
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 24 Mar 2026
  • National Master Nika Juris Nicolas rules National Youth & Schools Chess Championships
    , Tue, 24 Mar 2026
  • SD FIGHT NIGHT: FAMILY BUSINESS DOUBLE MAIN EVENTS SET AS JULIUS “JUJU” BALLO SQAURES OFF AGAINST ROMAN REYES AT FRONTWAVE ARENA ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026
    , Mon, 23 Mar 2026
  • "I'M A MAN OF MY WORD": GEORGE LIDDARD COMPLETES MATCHROOM BRENTWOOD HALF MARATHON FOR CHARITY – HOURS AFTER DENNY WIN
    , Mon, 23 Mar 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.