FILIPINO BOXERS are now turning out to be a threat to the vaunted Mexican boxing community as the newest hotbed of the lucrative sport.
This as several US promoters are now trying to convince a number of up-and-coming Filipino boxers to long term promotional deals that will eventually lead to potential major bouts in the coming years.
Mexican boxers have carved a niche as top Pay-Per-View grosser for quite some time now. Last month however, that distinction has been placed under debate after Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao drubbed Mexican icon Erik Morales via 10th round TKO in their rematch at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
The win moved RP boxing to greater heights as proven by the ardent interest among Filipino boxers abroad.
Recent Mexican conquerors Z Gorres and Czar Amonsot are two of several boxers being persuaded to fight in the United States on a regular basis.
According to the duo’s local promoter Sammy Gello-ani, Guilty Boxing Promotions chief Nick Rattena is convincing him to allow his fighters to appear more often in Las Vegas under their banner.
Last weekend, the stylish Gorres top-billed Guilty’s regular promotions at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas where the Cebuano phenom scored a masterful 10-round verdict over Mexican Jose Alfredo Tirado.
In the undercard, the Boholano native Amonsot (14-1-1, 10 KO’s) pummeled another Mexican, Cristian Favela, in their 8-round encounter.
Gello-Ani added that he is also busy lining up promising boxers now that he is being deluged by calls from other American promoters.
Apart from Gorres and Amonsot, local superbantam-weight prospect Benjie Concepcion is reportedly being eyed by at least three American boxing personalities as a potential US campaigner.
The 17-year-old Concepcion has keyed up local boxing aficionados after compiling an imposing record of 13-1, with 9 KO’s.
Currently making a name in the American scene are Diosdado Gabi, Jimrex Jaca, brothers Glenn and Nonito Donaire, Jr., and Hawaiian sensation Brian Viloria.
The 25-year-old Viloria (18-0, 12 KO’s), whose parents are from Ilocos Sur, defends his light flyweight crown versus Mexican Jose Antonio Aguirre on Feb. 18 at the Aladdin Casino in Las Vegas.
The 26-year-old southpaw Gabi is booked to fight defending flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan of Australia in a 12-round title fight on March 4 at the Chumash Casino in Sta. Ynez, California.
Jaca and the Donaire brothers meanwhile are scheduled to see action in non-title bouts next month.
