Torrecampo, the only Filipino who dealt Pacquiao’s first loss as a professional boxer is staging a comeback before the year ends. Rustico Torrecampo, (14, 8, 5) who packs a heavy left hook arsenal could stir the imagination of boxing promoters to stage an exciting rematch against another southpaw like Pacquiao. Though still a long way to go for Torrecampo, anything is possible. After 38 years Torrecampo has resurrected with the Philippine’s Games and Amusement Board (GAB) about to issue his professional boxing license. Torrecampo would just need to comply with GAB’s requirements and at his age of 30, he needs to undergo series of medical checkup including a CT-Scan. If he is clear on that aspect, the GAB’s medical section could give him the go-signal to train and possibly fight. The GAB’s advice though is for him to fight under 10 rounds, his progress to be closely monitored. In 1996, Pacquiao suffered a third round knock out from the hands of Torrecampo. Several factors had been the cause of Pacquiao’s first loss including the weight of the gloves, 8-ounce used by Pacquiao and 6-ounce used by Torrecampo during the fight, and the poor conditioning of Manny Pacquiao who came in into fight way over the weight limit. Since then Torrecampo’s boxing career had plummeted due to personal circumstances. He was involved in a vehicular accident and a bout with the law enforcement. In contrast with Pacquiao’s sterling performance both inside and outside the ring, Torrecampo is yet to make a name for himself. On his path to recovery though Torrecampo carries with him the credential as the only Filipino who knocked down the seven-division title holder, Manny Pacquiao. Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao and his team will leave Baguio today after a gruelling two-weeks training then resume their Manila training before flying to the US on Saturday for the final preparation of Pacquiao’s training at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. Pacquiao is aiming for his unprecedented eight world title against Antonio Margarito of Mexico.
