Australia’s greatest trainer Johnny Lewis has heaped praise on Filipino fighters following their recent wins over top opposition in Australia.
“I have the greatest respect for Filipino boxers,” said Lewis, who has trained five world champs including all-time greats Jeff Fenech and Kostya Tszyu.
“I remember the great Flash Elorde, who overcame all the odds to be one of the best fighters ever,” Lewis said.
“In more recent times Manny Pacquiao has proved himself to be one of the most exciting fighters boxing has seen. And Nonito Donairee scored a stunning win over Vic Darchinyan for the world flyweight title.
“I was in Ranee Ganoy’s corner when he stopped Australia’s former world champ Robbie Peden. Ranee has the power to knock out anyone and he is a definite threat to the world lightweight champions.
“Angelo di Carlo is doing a great job promoting him and with the right breaks Ranee could be the next world champ from the Philippines.
“Last week Junmar Dulog, a 20-year-old cab driver from Liverpool in Sydney’s west, scored a stunning upset over previously unbeaten hotshot Heath Ellis in Melbourne.
“Heath is the nephew of former IBF super featherweight champion Lester Ellis and had scored seven consecutive wins after a brilliant amateur career.
“Junmar had lost his last six fights going into the bout.
“But Filipinos are very proud and tough fighters and are never vto be underestimated..
“Junmar carried the attack to Heath from the opening bell and two of the three judges had him the winner 78-75 and 77-75 while a third judge scored it a 76-76 draw.
“Congratulations to both Junmar and Ranee.
“Australian crowds love the way you fight.”
