Boxing matchmakers can be compared to the tightrope walkers at any big circus.
Some specialize is being mismatchmakers, usually following the commandment of a paying promoter who just wants to build a gaudy but synthetic ring resume for some local yokel.
But the matchmakers who can walk the wire–who can make good, competitive fights and still generally have the “home team” (red corner in most locales) emerging victorious–are few and far between.
Filipino-American and Queens, New York, reesident Joe Quiambao, whose baby face belies his 36 years, is one of the more talented and rising fast matchmakers.
He has branded himself as one such specialist to watch.
I came to that conclusion based on one match on the July 10 Lou DiBella Entertainment show held at the spacious Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn.
You had the usual buildup bouts, popular but lighthitting Gabriel Bracero (now 17-0 but a mere three KOs) against some 8-6 journeyman from Key West, and amazing Irish ticketseller Seanie Monaghan not surpisingly extending his record to 8-0 with a stoppage over punch absorber Brian Bernard of St. Joseph, Mo.
Folks, they don’t import opponents from Key West and St. Joseph with the idea that they will beat the hometown heroes. All a promoter like DiBella hopes for is that the chosen foes are reasonably competitive.
Which is where Joe Q’s talent, growing progressively since he began with Volcanic Lou in February of 2005 after a middling ring career as a 106 pound New York Golden Gloves competitor, comes into play.
In terms of give and take, the best fight on the club show was the most unlikely, one put together by and between ex-DBE matchmaker Mike Marchionte and Quiambao.
Let Joe Q, whose signed Manny Pacquiao bobblehead doll on his desk was nodding agreement as he spoke when I visited the DBE offices in the shadow of Madison Square Garden Tuesday afternoon.
“We just signed this good prospect, a kid named Jonathan Cepeda from West Palm,” Quiambao said. “He was 10-0, with nine KOs, and I wanted someone to test him. At one point, I had 10 bouts on the show, we wound up with six for various reasons.
