FREDDIE ROACH, on whose shoulders rest the outcome of the much-awaited Mexico versus Philippines boxing showdown on Aug. 11 in Sacramento, California, was upbeat about the chances of the seven-man Filipino crew.
“They’re all doing great,” said Roach yesterday in a long-distance call from the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California.
But Roach made special mention of superbantamweight Rey ‘Boom Boom’ Bautista and bantam Gerry Pe?alosa, whose fights are the highlights of the seven fight card that takes place at the Arco Arena, the home of the Sacramento Kings of the NBA.
“Boom Boom is in great shape, while Pe?alosa is doing well in sparring,” said Roach, who also trains Manny Pacquiao, Oscar Dela Hoya and Bernard Hopkins.
Bautista tries to knock the World Boxing Organization (WBO) 122-lb crown off Daniel Ponce De Leon’s head in the top main event, while Pe?alosa locks horns with WBO bantam champion Jhonny Gonzalez.
In an International Boxing Federation super-fly title eliminator, Z Gorres faces Gerson Guerrero.
Other matches pit Bert Batawang against Gerardo Verde in another IBF title eliminator in the light-fly class, while Diosdado Gabi meets Jose Angel Beranza in an eight-round fly tussle.
Superbantam Michael Domingo collides with Miguel Roman and super-fly AJ Banal tangles with Eric Ortiz.
Tickets for the Mexico-Philippines showdown are pegged at 5, 0, , and .
Assisting in the training of the Filipinos are Edito ‘Ala’ Villamor and Jeremiah Quijano, while Michael Aldeguer, son of ALA big boss Tony Aldeguer, takes care of all their needs in Los Angeles.
Sammy Gello-ani, Aldeguer’s right-hand man, will return to the US five days before the fight to assist the boxers.
