So much was said about former junior flyweight champion Hugo Cazares and his ability to dispose of Puerto Rican rivals prior to his fight with new champion Ivan Calderon. Over and over and over and over I heard about how Cazares traveled to Puerto Rico on three occasions and defeated three Puerto Ricans in championship bouts.
All along, it was rarely brought up or noted that Ivan Calderon had a record of 14-0 (15-0 after disposing of Cazares) against Mexicans, and now has a 5-0 mark against the Aztec warriors in championship bouts.
Seems as if Filipinos fancy that their rivalry with Mexico is the hottest sport and that their icon Manny Pacquiao is the ultimate destroyer of Mexico’s pugilists.
Not so fast Pinoys.
The record of Calderon against Mexican’s is the only proof this pudding lover needs to take away Pacquiao’s crown as the most lethal Mexi-cutioner in the sport. Yet I will also tread in dangerous waters by stating that the rivalry between Mexico and the Philippines is at the very least secondary to that of Mexico and Puerto Rico’s.
First of all the rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico is much deeper, due to the length of time these countries have been battling in the ring, the classic bouts the fistic beef has produced, and the cultural similarities between both countries. And if my Filipino friends scratch their heads and say, “De La Hoya vs. Trinidad was not that good and tagalog is similar to Spanish,” you have exposed yourself as ignorant student of the sport and of world cultures.
Golden Boy’s World Cup of Boxing between Mexico and the Philippines was cute and all, but real boxing fans that the emotions would have boiled higher and crowds would have been larger if you pit Mexico vs. Puerto Rico against each other for the Ice Link trophy awarded to the victorious country.
I am sure I will receive angry e-mails from Pinoys all over the globe, but before you even hit those keys and click send, tell me ONE fight between a Mexican and a Filipino that matches the intensity and entertainment of Wilfredo Gomez vs. Lupe Pintor.
