Conditioning will be the key if Filipino challenger Czar Amonsot wants to wind up successful in his world-title quest this weekend.
In an overseas interview with BusinessMirror yesterday, Amonsot’s Filipino trainer Edito Villamor said it is imperative for his boxer to be in tip-top shape to at least stand a chance again at giving the country glory.
The 21-year-old Amonsot is set to challenge defending champion Michael Katsidis of Australia in a 12-round World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight title fight this Sunday at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Two weeks ago, the country basked in glory after minimumweight Florante Condes and flyweight Nonito Donaire Jr. won the International Boxing Federation (IBF) crowns of their respective divisions.
“We’re prepared for the fight. We’ve studied Katsidis’s moves and we feel good about our chances,” said Villamor.
Villamor believes the southpaw Amonsot has the upper hand when it comes to skills but admits that Katsidis has the advantage in power.
“That’s why kailangang nasa magandang kondisyon si Czar because he needs to use his skills and talent para makontrol niya agad ang laban,” added Villamor.
This is Amonsot’s first shot at a title since he turned pro in 2004.
Amonsot (18-2-1, 10 KOs), a native of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, reaped reviews during the early part of his career because of his admirable boxing fundamentals.
Those praises later on became censures after he lost his WBO Asia-Pacific crown via a first-round knockout to Indon Simson Butar-Butar right in front of a hometown crowd last September.
Experts felt success went to Amonsot’s head early when it was reported that he was kicked out of the swanky ALA Boxing Gym in Cebu after being caught drinking liquor a few days before his bout with Butar-Butar. Amonsot also has already been reinstated with the ALA Boxing Gym by chief backer Tony Aldeguer.
Villamor insisted the incident is a thing of the past, and Amonsot has been consistent in stating his eagerness to rebound from that ugly chapter of his career.
“Desidido na siya ngayon at alam niya na talagang maraming sakripisyo ang kailangan para makabawi siya. Ito na siguro ang laban para bumalik uli ’yung tiwala na nakuha niya noong nag-uumpisa pa siya,” added Villamor.
Proof of that is the support being given by Amonsot’s longtime benefactor Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim who flew to Las Vegas last weekend to personally check on the fighter’s well-being. Lim, however, will not be able to watch the fight at the Mandalay Bay as he needs to be back in Tagbilaran this weekend for the annual Sandugo Festival.
Katsidis, 26, from Toowoomba, Australia has a menacing record of 22-0, with 20 knockouts. He won the WBO title February of this year in London from British Graham Earl via fifth-round TKO win in a bout where the Australian recovered from a second-round knockdown.
