I VISITED newly crowned WBC light flyweight champion Rodel Mayol last Saturday in Alang-alang, Mandaue City to attend the birthday party of his paternal grandfather.
Lolo Domingo was obviously ecstatic and very proud of his “apo” and so were my companions, first cousins Rodrigo and Jesus Mayol Jr., the latter quite effusive at the prospect of a photo-op with a boxing world champion carrying his surname.
We attempted to trace the origins of the Mayol genomes coursing through our bodies, but we didn’t get very far. Apparently, Mayols are scattered all over Mandaue and northern Cebu.
Over a delicious buffet of bam-i, Pork Pata Tim, and Kaldereta, the world champ dined with us and the topic quickly shifted to boxing.
In his self-effacing manner, Rodel gamely opened up on several subjects, but the impression that I got was that “Batang Mandaue” is indeed a true student of the game.
Loving husband to lovely wife Lira and doting dad to two boys, his eyes glimmered and his face lit up like a kid whenever we shifted to the technical and tactical aspects of the Sweet Science. Here’s an excerpt of our tete-a-tete:
How did you develop an interest in boxing?
I was very fond of basketball, but when I was 13 years old, I got into a fight and wanted to exact revenge over my playmate and that’s when I turned to boxing.
What is your educational attainment?
Third year college level.
If you had not been a boxer, what profession would you have wanted to pursue?
Accountancy because that’s the course that I took up before I stopped going to school.
How does if feel to finally become a world champion?
I feel quite different because people respect you more than regular boxers. They treat you like they idolize you. Most importantly I am very, very happy because I have finally reached this point every athlete and every boxer desires.
Who was your most difficult opponent?
I think it was Ivan Calderon. Because it was difficult to catch and hit him.
What should a fighter do in order to be the best that he can be in the ring?
You should be 100 % ready, mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. If you are able to have all of these qualities; you have nothing to be afraid of, whatever will happen in the ring.
If you were to fight Ivan Calderon again, what would you change in your strategy?
I would make it a point to pressure him all the time-and never give him a chance to win any round by throwing more combinations.
Do you see yourself moving up in weight to annex titles in different weight classes like your idol Manny Pacquiao?
I am very comfortable at 108 lbs. I am sure I can handle the other champions in my weight division. But if I move up, maybe only up to flyweight or super flyweight.
Who are your favorite boxers?
Ricardo Lopez and Manny Pacquiao.
How did you sign up with Jinkee Pacquiao’s promotional outfit and who was instrumental in it?
Manny Pacquiao himself.
Any advice for aspiring boxers out there?
Have patience, perseverance- and a heart to be a champion. Believe in your dreams. If you dream to become somebody great, it is never impossible, with the help of God.
You’re on The Last Round, so I have to ask: Do you drink?
No. (Grinning)
THE LAST ROUND. It’s on Kenvi Suan of Microtel Mactan who was kind enough to accommodate this writer so I could email this piece. Cheers!
