In a poignant mix of feelings, Josephine “Joy” Ouano of Stonewall Boxing Gym and Promotions announced yesterday that they released their most prized possession – reigning Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation minimumweight champion Rodel “Batang Mandaue” Mayol – to Japanese boxing patron Yasuo “Machang” Matsuoka. The official turn over of managerial rights was sealed through the contract signing between Ouano and Matsuoka the other night at Cafe Uno of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel.
Ouano said letting go of Mayol is a tough decision to make, but they have to let it happen because what they’re after is the career advancement and betterment of Mayol’s future.
“I’m both sad and happy. Sad because we’re letting go of someone who’s dear to us. We treasured him so much and nurtured his career and I’m pained that we’ve come to this point. But I’m also happy because what we’re doing is for his own good and for the betterment of his future,” said Ouano.
Ouano candidly admitted that Matsuoka can do something they can’t for Mayol and that they believe in the capability of the Japanese boxingman to fulfill what they’ve been dreaming for the Mandaue City-native punisher – to become a world champion someday.
“We know Machang. We trust him that he can take good care of Mayol. He (Matsuoka) can do something for Mayol that we can’t. I just hope that he will carry on our dream to make Mayol a world champion someday,” said Ouano.
Ouano firmly believes that it would be easier for Mayol to fight for world championship under the aegis of Matsuoka because the Japanese impresario has strong connections in the international boxing circle.
One of the country’s most exciting fighters equipped with heart, strength and discipline, there is no doubt that Mayol is a world champion in the making.
However, the opportunity to figure in a world title bout becomes elusive for the dynamite-fisted Mayol after Ouano and his estranged Japanese business manager Joe Koizumi became at odds with each other.
In December 2001, Koizumi and Akihiko Honda inked a two-year pact with Mayol to serve as the latter’s business managers.
But Koizumi’s failure to arrange successive fights for Mayol in Japan and comply with what is mandated in the contract drew the ire of Ouano, prompting her to abruptly cut off their ties with Koizumi.
That stoked the animosity between the two camps, with Mayol being caught in the crossfire.
As an offshoot of that, Ouano fired Mayol’s trainer Jun Ablaca, who is closely associated with Koizumi.
On the other end, the chance became evasive for Mayol to earn a shot at a world crown even if he holds lofty ratings being ranked WBO No.1, WBC No.2, and No.5 both in the WBA and IBF 105 pounds division. The reason is quite obvious – Koizumi and Honda are powerful and influential personalities in Asia and even in the entire world boxing fraternity.
Tired with the politics that freely flows in the boxing world, Ouano decided to release Mayol and transfer the Cebuano knockout artist at the hands of Matsuoka, whom they feel could bridge Mayol’s road to a brighter tomorrow.
“If you love someone, you set him free. I just wish Rodel all the best and continued success in his career,” said Ouano, adding that they will still be around everytime Mayol fights as what promised to them by Matsuoka.
Mayol, in a separate interview, said parting ways with Ouano melted his heart away, even as he also thanked her manager for the solid and wonderful relationship they built out of respect and understanding in the past four years.
“Sakit kaayo para nako nga magkabulag mi kay maayo kaayo ang among relasyon. Daku kaayo akong pasalamat sa akong manedyer kay gitabangan ko niya nga maka-away ko para sa world title. Nagtan-aw gyud siya unsa ang maayong ugma alang nako,” said Mayol.
This latest twist of event reunites Mayol with his erstwhile trainer Brix Flores and former ALA Boxing Club stablemate Malcolm “Eagle Eye” Tu?acao, who is now also under the wings of Matsuoka.
“Lipay kaayo ko nga ako na sab ang mo-train niya. Dinhi sab gud na siya nagsugod sa among gym,” said Flores, the chief trainer of the modest Flores Gym in Alang-alang, Mandaue City where the likes of Mayol and Tu?acao train together with a bunch of aspiring pugilists.
The 22-year-old Mayol currently holds a sparkling 21-0 win-loss record, with 16 wins by knockout. There’s no word yet with regards to his first ring appearance under the stewardship of Matsuoka.
