?FLASH? AWARDS BANQUET TICKETS WERE SCALPED!
Manila, PI-There is nothing that can describe the ?boxing mania? that currently engulfs the 7,000+ islands that make up the Philippines. Of course, the icon, Manny Pacquiao, his fans have been in a seemingly non-stop mode of celebration since his dismantling of Erik Morales in January. But as Pacman fans party, they also realize the talents and abilities of WBC 108 lb. champion, Brian Viloria. Considered one of, if not the best American fighter going into the 2000 Olympics, Viloria, or “Super V? as I like to call him, didn?t net a medal.
BRIAN IN GOOD SPOT AS ?PACMAN? FEVER RUNS WILD!
Over the weekend, both Pacquiao, considered by some the best fighter ?pound for pound? in the world, and the undefeated Viloria were honored at the annual “Flash” Elorde Awards Banquet. An equivalent event here in the United States might be the Boxing Writers of America Assn., or the dinners at either the World Boxing Hall of Fame, or International Boxing Hall of Fame. For the record, Pacquiao is 41-4, and Viloria is 19-0. Viloria fights in the Philippines May 6th vs. Juanito Rubillar. Pacquiao goes in his homeland in late June or early July in the Arenata Arena, the same venue that housed ?The Thrilla? In Manila,? Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier III in 1975, most likely against Oscar Larios.
?FLASH? ELORDE WAS UNDISPUTED WORLD CHAMPION!
This anual banquet, named after the great champion Gabriel ?Flash? Elorde, who was born in 1935, and died before his 50th birthday in 1985. Like Pacquiao, Elorde was a southpaw. In 1960, Flash beat Harold Gomes for the World 130 lb. championship. He would defeat Gomes in a rematch, and then in between World title fights, engage in regional championship fights like the OBPF lightweight (135 lbs) title. In fact, Elorde lost an OBPF bout, albeit a split decision in Japan against Teruo Kawasaka, all the while remaining World 130 lb. king.
FAILED AT 135 LBS. AGAINST “GREAT’ ORTIZ
While champion at 130, Elorde moved to 135 and was halted by lightweight champion Carlos Ortiz in February 1964. With a ?work? fight in between, five months later Flash was defending the World 130 lb. crown against Teruo Kawasaka (TKO 12) in Japan. Defending the 130 lb. diadem eight times, Elorde moved to 135, and again Ortiz beat him in November 1966. Also on Flash?s list of victims, was the great ex-champion Ismael Laguna. After almost a seven-year championship run, Elorde dropped the title in 1967, to Japan?s Yoshiaki Numata on points. Going 7-5 from that point forward, the original Philippine boxing icon Gabriel ?Flash? Elorde, he would retire in 1971. His final record was 87-27-2, with 33 KO?s.
VILORIA ON ?RING TALK RADIO? NEXT WEEK!
Scheduled to return to Los Angeles Tuesday, WBC champion Brian ?Super V? Viloria has agreed to be part of the ?Ring Talk Radio? mix next Sunday night at 10 PM PST.
TEN GLOVE FINALISTS ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY!
It was awful hard to pick a single winner from the tons of people wanting this autographed Manny Pacquiao glove. That being the case, we will announce the ten finalists on Tuesday. Have you entered yet? In case you missed it, here it is.
