MANILA, Philippines ? Rustico Torrecampo, the Filipino boxer who dealt Manny Pacquiao?s first career loss, is making his return to professional boxing, according to an online report.
Digital Journal.com said the 38-year-old Misamis Oriental native is making a comeback before the year ends.
The article said Torrecampo is now working for an approval from the Philippine Games and Amusements Board (GAB), which grants boxing licenses to local fighters.
GAB will require him to undergo a series of medical examinations, including a CT-Scan, to make sure he is still fit to fight. The board also advised him to fight under 10 rounds.
In 1996, Torrecampo handed Pacquiao his first loss as a pro with a third-round knockout. Pacquiao came into the fight a pound over the 111-pound limit, prompting boxing officials to have him wear heavier gloves against Torrecampo.
After the loss, Pacquiao eventually worked his way up to become a 7-division world champion. He is now hailed by American boxing writers as the ?Fighter of the Decade,? and is now also the congresssional representative for Sarangani province.
He is currently preparing for a November 13 super welterweight fight against Mexico?s Antonio Margarito.
