IT’S not exactly the 1960s, a golden era in Philippine boxing, when Gabriel “Flash” Elorde reigned as world champion at 130 pounds for seven years, but nonetheless, the current wave of interest generated by the new crop of Filipino bangers makes it a good time to be a boxing fan.
Manny Pacquiao is hovering near the top of Ring magazine’s pound-for-pound list. And make no mistake about it, the most popular Pinoy today does not host luncheons at the Malaca?ang Palace.
He has a hammer for a left hand, breeds fighting cocks and plays pool. And no my dear Keanna, I am not referring to “Bata” Reyes.
If you have been hiding under a rock for the past year or so, then you must think “Boom Boom” Bautista is a hip-hop artist. If so, please allow this last-rounder to give you an abbreviated take on why it is a good time to be a boxing fan. In legal parlance, we might refer to it as a lawyer’s brief (And no, Keanna not that kind of brief, but I like the way you think).
Aside from the Pacman, we have several world-class boxers hovering near the upper echelons of their respective divisions. In the undercard of the Pacquiao-Morales fight, Brian Villoria is set to reclaim his WBC belt in a rematch with Omar Nino.
Ray “Boom Boom” Bautista is fast friends with boxing’s Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya and is being given all the support and exposure he needs. Gerry Penalosa is on a five- fight-winning tear and is poised to reclaim lost boxing glory.
Manny’s younger brother Bobby recently upset former world champs Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez and Kevin “Flushing Flash” Kelley. Several more are receiving title shots for regional belts or less prestigious alphabet trinkets.
Diosdado “ Prince” Gabi, Glen Donaire, Randy Suico, Rodel Mayol and others came up short when asked to step up, but nonetheless, the opportunities made available to them arguably demonstrates that indeed, the Filipino boxer is once again respected and labeled as an opponent worthy of swapping leather with the world ‘s best.
Boxing gyms are mushrooming all over. Boxing classes are the craze. Boxing fights are regularly shown on TV for free (at least for now anyway). And once again, live boxing promotions are attracting fans in droves.
And speaking of boxing promotions, this writer found himself back at the Mandaue Sports Complex last Saturday. Accompanied by Union Bank’s savvy legal mogul and my fraternity brod Atty. Fillmore Gomos and good friend and expert Balintawak fighter Eddy Basa, we were on hand to check out Z Gorres and teenage sensation AJ Banal battle top-rated Indonesian foes.
The featured protagonists did not disappoint. Banal is a smart pug for his tender fighting age. After failing to put down his valiant, heavily tattooed Indonesian foe with headshots, he shifted to a vicious body attack, which took the fight out of his opponent. This kid has a bright future. Anybody who goes to the body with such single-minded ferocity will go places.
Z Gorres was also a revelation. Admittedly a feather-fisted, stylish boxer, this time he sat more on his punches and so they carried more pop. To this writer however, Sony Manakane’s corner threw in the towel way too early but nonetheless, their fighter was definitely outclassed and outfought. No complaints there.
It was another good night for Philippine boxing and the fans left happy and satisfied. Indeed, we are probably seeing a resurgence of interest in boxing unseen in decades. So I invite you to join the boxing ring wagon and I’m eager to bump into you, dear reader, in any one of the local boxing promotions. If you think you are not a boxing fan, don’t look now, if you are reading this column, you probably already are.
Spotted. Seen checking out the ring girls, este.. ring action were my companeros Attys. Owen Algoso and Charter Tayurang. Also on hand were MTC judges Veronico Sardoncillo and Francisco Seville (again!)
LAST ROUND. This week’s last round is on Atty. Lynley Ocampo, who used to punch bags and mitts way before it became fashionable. Here’s hoping you come out of your premature retirement. Cheers!
