LOS ANGELES—UNKNOWN TO his fans, Manny Pacquiao is quietly involved in the repackaging of a talented Filipino fighter who, after two miserable tries at a world crown, has been hurriedly enrolled at the Wild Card gym here.
A vibrant Rodel Mayol, 25, yesterday appeared ready and raring for a third world title try three weeks after suffering a surprise stoppage against IBF light flyweight king Ulises Solis of Mexico in Chicago on Aug. 4.
Mayol lost by decision in Tokyo May of last year against WBC minimumweight champion Eagle Kyowa whom he had dominated in the first half of the title match before he rapidly faded starting in the 7th round.
After his last setback against Solis, who pulled out of a scheduled Sept. 16 title fight against RP’s Bert Batawang allegedly due to a shoulder injury, Mayol licked his wounds for a week before resurfacing at the Boxing World Cup in Sacramento.
He was however barely recognized by his countrymen, including this reporter, as he appeared dark, washed out and malnourished, a far cry from the top title hope who had remained unbeaten until his first title try in Japan.
Mayol has, however, undergone a splendid makeover, looking fresh and sharp—brilliant eyes, ruddy cheeks—when he reported for gym work here Thursday.
In fact, his new handlers claimed Mayol could have easily manhandled Solis in their Chicago title duel if he were in his current condition.
As proof, Mayol cut Batawang on the eyebrow when he connected with a whamming left cross to the heavily covered head of his sparring partner.
“Sayang wala talaga ako sa kundisyon duon sa dalawang subok ko sa korona (It’s a pity I was not at peak form in my two world title tries),” Mayol confided to the Inquirer.
Mayol refused to comment and pass the blame, but it was obvious he had been poorly trained and poorly motivated.
He would not, however, hide how he feels reborn, brand new, now that Pacquiao, deep in training in Cebu City, has taken him under his wings.
With Pacquiao away from Wild Card, it’s easy to suspect he is managing Mayol only by remote control.
But the resurgent Mayol was quick to assure that it’s a warm, hands-on concern and care he has been receiving from his famous patron.
Mayol stays with the remaining Team Pacquiao staff at their gated Palazzio residence here, and is being trained by Nonoy Neri, a trusted assistant of Freddie Roach.
He said Pacquiao has also told him he would be among the Filipino boxers to be featured in the Pacman’s rematch against Marco Antonio Barrera in Las Vegas on Oct. 6.
There’s no rush now, but Mayol said he feels certain of making it in his third try at a world crown.
He claimed this is the first time in his career that he’s getting professional care and training.
In his first bid at a world crown, he bared he came many hours short in proper road work and gym duties.
In Chicago the last time, he said he was underfed and improperly trained.
Mayol could only shake his head as he related how Michael Koncz, his business manager, suddenly disappeared after leaving him only $8,000 of his original $35,000 purse.
There, indeed, had been more than enough villains to ruin his career, but Mayol is certain he will not fail under Pacquiao’s heroic handling.
