FROM its inception, I have always maintained that this column is a boxing fan?s column for the boxing fan. Their legitimate concerns are always paramount and so I strive to write about topics that appeal to them. Along the way, I give praise to the sport?s personalities when it is deserved and criticize when it is warranted, always with the perspective of a boxing fan.
True to my mantra, I give the floor today to Last Rounder Roel Tariman who has a very legitimate concern regarding our WBO champion Donnie Nietes (26-1, 15KOs).
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By way of backgrounder, Nietes is set to defend his title this weekend in Sinaloa, Mexico against Mexican challenger Mario Rodriguez who sports a record of 10-5, 7KOs.
This will be the third time for Donnie to defend his title in Mexico. Roel is miffed that Donnie is constantly being sent abroad for his defenses while stablemate Rey ?Boom-boom? Bautista will be headlining a card here in Cebu City later this month. Here?s Roel:
?I can?t fathom why ALA can stage a big non-title fight with an unknown opponent for Bautista here in Cebu but cannot do it for his only world champion, Donnie Nietes. Why is ALA continuously allowing Donnie to fight in a hostile territory?
Actually, I no longer buy the idea that Donnie cannot attract a huge crowd but ?Boom-Boom? can. Boxing fans have already known who Donnie is and many are impressed by his skills and toughnes.?
Thanks Roel. I share your opinion as I am fearful that Nietes might go the way of Rodel Mayol who was on the losing end of a decision in a closely fought bout, which transpired in Mexican Omar Nino Romero?s turf.
But I think it?s best to hear it straight from the ALA Promotions guys to give us their thoughts on this matter. I will allot column space this Sunday in time for Donnie?s fight.
SILVA SURVIVES. In the buildup prior to UFC 117, I thought Chael Sonnen was a bit on the loony side when he pontificated on how he would destroy middleweight champion Anderson Silva as he was supposedly ?the best.?
But last Sunday, he unbelievably manhandled the unassailable Silva for four and a half rounds, and only a magnificent escape act by the latter saved the day and the crown.
Dictating a frenetic pace from the get-go, this former candidate for Oregon?s legislative assembly took it right to Silva and fearlessly engaged him in a striking match.
Probably lulled into a false sense of complacency based on his superiority in boxing prowess over previous opponents Forrest Griffin and Demian Maia, the talented Brazilian once again boxed with his hands down.
But this time around, Sonnen made him pay.
He got tagged on numerous occasions, and apparently, Sonnen hit hard enough to make Silva wary. To make matters worse, Sonnen proceeded to toss him around the octagon like a rag doll and took him down almost at will.
To his credit, Silva defended well and fought back brilliantly from the guard position, scoring with nasty elbows and short, sneaky punches.
MIXING IT UP. Sonnen found success in his unique version of ground and pound by mixing up his blows, which ranged from wallops, short punches to smashing his hands together on Silva?s ears.
Yes, you guessed it right?Fernando Poe Jr. style.
Luckily for Silva, Sonnen began to tire and became careless. At around the three-minute mark in the final round, the defending champion suddenly clamped on a triangle choke on the unsuspecting Sonnen who was on top and madly focused on his offense.
Sonnen tried to counter by stretching his legs, but in the process left his left arm vulnerable, giving Silva added leverage. A quick tap from the challenger ended his dreams of scoring one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.
Silva has finally been tested up to the breaking point, but he demonstrated why he is the sport?s reigning pound-for-pound king.
But it would be a travesty to deny Sonnen a rematch.
LAST ROUND. It?s on future lawyer Viktor Andrei Gingoyon who celebrates his birthday this week. Cheers!
