Boholano ring icon Czar Amonsot took his defeat in quiet dignity and gave no excuses in his loss to Australian Michael Katsidis in their brutal war two weeks ago saying that no one is to blame for his failed world title bid other than himself.
“There’s no excuse. I lost because of me. I failed to control my temper,” said the soft-spoken Amonsot in a simple welcome bash hosted by his longtime benefactor and ALA Boxing Gym big boss Antonio “Bidoy” L. Aldeguer yesterday at the Krua Thai Restaurant in Banilad Town Center.
Also present were Amonsot’s mother Miguela and girlfriend Kate Tapere and some Paclanders.
Several boxing pundits believe that Amonsot could have beaten Katsidis had he opted to box and target the cuts on Katsidis’ face instead of slugging it out toe-to-toe with the undefeated Australian champ.
“I lost my focus in the match because I was consumed by my temper. I was so mad starting in sixth round that all what’s in my mind was to attack him and finish him off,” said Amonsot. “That wasn’t the right thing to do. I really didn’t play smart,” added the pride of Tagbilaran City in admitting his flaws.
After their epic 12-round contest last July 22 at the Mandalay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Katsidis sustained a busted face with four cuts (three in the area of the right eye and one under the left eye) that needed 21 stitches to close.
However, the Greek Aussie warrior scored two knockdowns (rounds 2 and 10) and great willpower to keep his WBO interim lightweight belt by unanimous decision.
Out of that defeat, Amonsot said he has learned his lessons well and promises to be a better fighter once he is physically fit enough to fight again.
“My defeat to Katsidis taught me some valuable lessons. I must know how to control my temper. I must be patient and have presence of mind everytime I fight,” said Amonsot, who will turn 22 years old on August 30.
Although he’s already been given a clean bill of health, Amonsot needs to rest for six months up to one year before he will be cleared to fight again.
After his bout with Katsidis, Amonsot was sent to the Valley Medical Center after ringside doctor Jeff Davidson suspected that the Filipino warrior suffered a bleed on his brain. All the CT scan tests yielded negative results.
Amonsot was cleared from any serious brain injury after three CT scans and an MRI test. Upon approving Amonsot’s release from the Valley Hospital last Wednesday, neurologist Dr. Debra Nelson told Amonsot: “God is good. Everything turned out well more than I expected. You can still be a world champion someday.”
Amonsot said he will heed the advise of his doctors to rest for six months up to one year, if needed, just to make sure his injury is completely healed. He is refrained from jogging and doing heavy workout in the next three months.
Amonsot is very happy that he’s finally back home safe and sound. “I really thank the Lord and to all those who prayed to keep me away from harm. I’d also like to thank Sir ALA, Sir Mike (Aldeguer) and Sir Sammy (Gello-ani) who did not leave me when I needed them most. They let me feel I’m not just a boxer, but also a special person to them.”
For the months that he will out of competitive action, Amonsot is exploring his options. These include putting up a small business out of his earnings from the Katsidis fight and training amateur and aspiring pro boxers at the ALA Gym in Tagbilaran. He also contemplates to work at the city hall as promised to him by Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Neri Lim.
And if there’s one thing Amonsot should look forward to, that is no less than the assurance of Golden Boy Promotions executives to give him another chance once he’s fit again to see action in the squared arena.
“Once he will be cleared to fight again, Golden Boy is willing to give Amonsot another opportunity,” announced well-known international promoter Sammy Gello-ani.
That is the moment Amonsot can’t wait, for sure.
