DR. BEN CALDERON, calling from Las Vegas, said they’ve successfully operated and restored “the cap” on the head of the injured Z Gorres, who should be up and about soon.
Dr. Ben has also started raising funds for Gorres and has, in fact, been trying to find links in Manila to sustain the drive for the popular international campaigner.
That’s one big shot for RP boxing from Dr. Ben Calderon.
Anyway, not too far from Las Vegas, boxing scholar Hermie Rivera, busy piecing together his book on Manny Pacquiao, took time out from his writing chores to offer a handsome proposal for our top amateur boxing officials.
* * *
He says: Since Ricky Vargas et al are looking for a hotshot for the London Olympics, maybe Da Keed is the answer.
His name is Julian Chua.
Hermie has started a hard drive to have Chua qualify for the London Olympics.
“I’ve already alerted Freddie Roach on the boy’s existence and we will be seeing him for that crucial evaluation within the month,” Hermie adds.
* * *
Hermie hopes Chua, 18, picks up the Roach techniques which could transform the 5-foot-9 aspirant into a perfect light middleweight.
Chua is big-hearted, a born fighter (bomba at kawag nang kawag) and industrious, “vital attributes promoters salivate for, particularly the late lamented Joe Cantada.”
“You can access his brief showing against the Indiana Golden Gloves champion on YouTube.com—then search for Julian Chua so you’ll have an idea on his moves.”
Sounds great, indeed.
* * *
Anyway, for a clearer picture on Hermie’s proposal, allow me to reprint this communication from Ronette Santos Chua which he attached to his message:
My God! Thank you for the very prompt reply!
How do I call you? Hermie? Mr. Rivera? Manong/Kuya Herms? (smiling).
My name is Ronette Santos-Chua. I am a practicing MD in Indiana where Tito Manny Cacdac lives.
My son’s name is Julian.
First off, he (and I) cannot tell you that he fights like Manny Pacquiao. My, who does? (smiling).
Here’s what we have so far. The boy started some form of erratic training when he was 12 or 13 years old.
Because I did not give him permission to fight then, he stopped until about age 16 when he was trying to train again.
* * *
With persistence and the stubborn Filipino attitude, he truly trained (more consistently) last year when he was 17. [I] gave him the go to fight last March 2009 and [he] won the Indiana Golden Gloves for his weight division (at -152 pounds).
He has had six fights since and he’s won all of them, the most recent one last October in Indianapolis when he fought and beat the 2008 Golden Gloves champion.
You are talking Olympics here and I am thinking “oh no.”
* * *
Not because I am a low dreamer and have no confidence in my son’s skills, but because I hate to be talking to the biggies like you, who dream big when I have absolutely no clue as to how good (or not good) my son is. All I know is this: I have been told by his coach, his trainer, many, many spectators that he has a future in boxing. And of course, the boy is asking to train seriously so he can possibly become a pro.
Anyway, I just want to tell you that when I told him last night that you had written, I was able to draw a big grin out of him with a soft whisper of “Mom, that’s awesome!.”
Then I gathered his two fists together in mine telling him, “I’m here for you…”
I sincerely thank you for your time.
Ronette
