WHILE the entire country awaits who really is next for Manny Pacquiao, other Filipinos are fighting this January and February and will be worth the boxiung fans’ attention.
Brian Viloria
The “Hawaiian Punch” Brian Viloria opens up the year by defending his International Boxing Federation light-flyweight belt right on Philippine soil.
Viloria captured the belt from Ulyses Solis last year at the Araneta Coliseum. This time, he will defend this title for the second time at the Cuneta Astrodome against Carlos Tamara, a 26-year-old Columbian who boasts of 20 wins and only four loses.
Viloria is at the peak of his career and should be physically and mentally prepared for the January 23 fight.
Donnie Nietes
Donnie Nietes, the current World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimum-weight champion, stakes his belt again against Jesus Silvestre of Mexico in the Viloria undercard.
Nietes has defended his belt three times before, all against formidable opponents. His record of 25 wins, one loss and three draws is a testament to his skill level and determination.
Jesus “El Negrito” Silvestre boasts of a 15-1 win-loss slate. He has 12 knockouts.
Nonito Donaire Jr.
He has been seen more often appearing on talk shows, reality programs and singing contests, creating the impression that he might be turning his back on boxing and starting a new career.
But Nonito Donaire Jr. will be back atop the ring on February 13 against Gerson Guerrero for the interim World Boxing Association world superflyweight title.
Geron Guerrero is a 32-year-old veteran with a record of 34 wins and eight losses—with 26 knockouts.
Ciso Morales
Eden Sonsona, the young Filipino turk who barged into the limelight by being the youngest Filipino to win a world title last October was reportedly scheduled to challenge Fernando Montiel in February as part of the Donaire undercard.
But he has been replaced by a virtual unknown but hard-punching Filipino, 21-year-old Ciso Morales (14-8).
Gerry Pe?alosa
Gerry Pe?alosa is going for, as he says, his one last run, as he accepted to fight against Eric Morel in a WBO bantamweight eliminator match.
Gerry, 37, with a record of 54 wins with seven losses and two draws, stressed he has what it takes to beat the Mexican. Morel is 34 with a record of 41 wins (21 by knockout ) and with only two losses.
