In what is considered a major shot in the arm for Philippine boxing, Filipino-American Leon Panoncillo has just been appointed by World Boxing Organization president Paco Valcarcel as its vice-president for the Asia Pacific, said sources from Puerto Rico.
Panoncillo, who used to be the WBO Asia-Pacific chairman, was promoted to his new position owing to his solid performance in spreading the popularity of the WBO in Asia, as well as putting up quality championship bouts in the region.
"The Executive Committee Members of the World Boxing Organization welcome you to your new appointment as WBO Vice-President Asia Pacific region. We know your performance will be an asset to the organization," stated the appointment letter signed by Valcarcel, a lawyer who heads the highly-respected organization.
Panoncillo is one of those credited for discovering the undefeated Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista, whom he had given the chance to vie for the WBO Asia Pacific title. The Fil-Am WBO exec was also instrumental in forging the ties between Oscar De la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions thru Eric Gomez and the ALA Boxing Gym of sportsman Antonio L. Aldeguer.
Other Filipino boxers who have been given opportunities by Panoncillo include WBO Asia-Pacific super-featherweight champ Czar Amonsot and WBO Asia-Pacific flyweight champion Rexon Flores, who is vying for the interim title in France on July 15.
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