THE Last Round is disheartened by the news that the World Cup of boxing might not be held here in our shores, but in Sacramento, USA due to financial difficulties.
Patterned after the original World Cup, this tournament was meant to showcase some of the best boxers from two countries, pitted against each other. It seeks to crown a nation as a champion, with the winner set to defend the Cup the following year against another country. Should it push through, defending champion Mexico will be facing the Philippines.
A few years back, on October 29, 2005 to be exact, the first world cup of boxing was held at the Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, Arizona. The tournament, which is the brainchild of Golden Boy Promotions, featured an actual Boxing World Cup created and designed by IceLink Watch. The priceless, one-of-a-kind, 15-pound, 18-karat gold Cup was set with more 15,000 diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and other precious stones.
In that event, Mexico beat Thailand, and some of the hombres who participated in that event are now familiar names to Pinoy boxing fans as they are currently division rivals of some of our very best boxers.
Fernando Montiel, who recently edged out our very own Z Gorres beat Pramuansak Prosuwan by decision. Daniel Ponce de Leon, who recently defeated Gerry Pe?alosa, won by decision over Sod Looknyongyangtoy. Jhonny Gonzales, who is now penciled to meet Gerry should the World Cup materialize, beat Thai legend Ratanachai Sor Vorapin by TKO in round 7.
IceLink Watch was a major sponsor of that event. If you recall, in an earlier column, I wrote about Homer Sayson’s chance encounter with Bernard Hopkins and his IceLink watch in an elevator.
It is estimated that at least $2 million is needed to stage the prestigious event here in our shores. But I haven’t lost hope. My good friend Sammy Gello-ani is still hard at work trying to find sponsors and there’s no better guy at the helm than Mr. Gello-ani.
THE BUZZ. The Last Round is calling out kind-hearted philanthropists out there who might want to save Cebu’s chance of hosting the event.
Television network giant ABS –CBN has been very supportive of boxing lately. Should it heed the call and foot the bill, I promise to religiously watch every episode of The Buzz without snickering. In addition, I promise to exhibit more patience with one of its flagship stars, Kris Aquino. She should be given more leeway for histrionics and theatrical antics after what she’s been through. I mean, James dude, how could you?
UPPERCUTS. I beg to digress a little and talk about the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), most specifically the sickening uppercuts that newcomer Houston Alexander unleashed on Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine in their light heavyweight battle. They were so vicious that they must have brought proud tears to the eyes of Iron Mike Tyson, owner of one of the most vicious uppercuts in boxing history.
Contrary to popular opinion, I have always believed the uppercut and not the left hook, to be the most devastating punch in boxing. A well-placed uppercut stops you in your tracks, fries your brain and makes you wobble like a drunk in the middle of storm signal no. 4. Ask Keith “I Don’t Think You’re That Mean” Jardine.
LAST ROUND. Today’s last round is on my singing cousins Mark and Phil Phua and Roy Sencio who all lament the dearth of piano bars and the rise of that darn contraption called the videoke. Cheers!
