Normally, when I get a chance to go to Cebu for work, I take the opportunity to see relatives and enjoy the stay for a day or two longer.
Last weekend, I did the Z Gorres fight for Solar Sports but was unable to extend my stay because we were scheduled to do the Barangay Ginebra-Red Bull game the following day. And since it was the first of a double-header, broadcast partner Quinito Henson and I had to return early Sunday morning.
But the short stay was no less fruitful.
“One More Time” as the ALA promotion was billed (aired by Solar Sports Sunday afternoon on RPN-9), was successful and Z Gorres is one step closer to getting another world title crack, beating Nick Otieno of Kenya via a 10-round unanimous decision.
Otieno proved to be a tough cookie, but Gorres was clearly the dominant fighter and all three judges saw it as a shutout. Some were dismayed at the Mandaue native?s failure to take out the game African, but Gorres told me in Cebuano: “That guy could withstand pain and I know I inflicted quite a bit.”
The soft-spoken 115-pounder is hoping this would pave the way for another championship fight, after his controversial split decision loss to world champion Fernando Montiel last year and a like-wise messy draw against former champion Vic Darchinyan last February.
His manager Michael Aldeguer, scion of ALA owner Tony, although optimistic, was also cautious about Gorres? prospects, saying it will all depend on how the IBF sees it after the fight between champion Dimitri Kirilov and Darchinyan this August. Another option he says, is a rematch with WBO title-holder Montiel.
Malcolm Tunacao, fresh from a 16-month hiatus, put away Tanzanian Rashid Ally right in the first round, behind a hard left hook after which Ally claimed he hurt his right arm. Tunacao kept urging the African to fight some more, but the latter elected to cower in his corner, screaming for his handlers to take him away from there.
Jason Pagara, whom we saw last October in Cagayan de Oro, bounced back from his first loss last December, to win via a spectacular 3rd round stoppage over Indonesian Heri Andriyanto. We predict good things for this lad, who turns all of 16 this July. He already has a sterling record of 14-1-0, with 8 KO?s.
Also saw the professional impressive professional debut of Juan Miguel Elorde, grandson of boxing legend Gabriel, winning by unanimous decision against Racem Laud.
* * * * *
Another highlight of the trip was the long conversation we had with boxing promoter/manager and Manny Pacquiao confidante Rex “Wakee” Salud. Asked about Manny?s preparations, the Cebuano businessman went on a long dissertation of the transformation of Manny Pacquiao.
“It seems as if he underwent an awakening after that last Marquez fight. I spent over a month with him, and believe it or not, what Jinky (Pacquiao?s wife) said that Manny is a changed man might even be an understatement.”
“Absolutely no more vices and distractions. No more gambling, drinking or late nights. Aside from his heavy training now, he is into music, chess, darts and the Bible. I kid you not. Pacquiao has never been more disciplined and straight. I just talked to him the other day and he assured me he is still as focused and clean. Diaz better work doubly hard.”
As to Salud?s promotional plans, Quinito and I almost fell out of our chairs when he revealed he has suggested to Manny that they promote Bobby Pacquiao in Cebu against?hold your breath?Michael Katsidis.
Reacting to our startled looks, Wakee pointed out that Bobby had sparred with Katsidis several times at the Wild Card Gym, and while he acknowledged that sparring is light years removed from the real thing, he says that BobPac feels he can beat the former interim lightweight title-holder.
Wakee says Manny had earlier advised Bobby to retire, but his younger brother asked to be given another chance. So what does Manny think about Bobby vs Katsidis?
Wakee said Manny told him to talk to him about it “saka na!” (later).
* * * * *
Yesterday I promised listeners of my radio program on Sports Radio I would answer some of their inquiries in this column since I had no more time in the program.
So here…I spoke to Solar Sports? Ralph Roy and Jude Torquato and they told me the Gorres fight was to have been replayed last night on RPN9 and again on Wednesday at 4 p.m. on the Solar Sports channel.
Also, they will indeed cover the Kelly Pavlik-Gary Lockett match this Sunday at 10 a.m. also on Solar. They are still arranging for a simulcast on RPN-9.
