DENNIS LAURENTE, Philippine Welterweight Champion and WBC No. 15 successfully defended his Philippine crown last Aug. 11 before a huge crowd at the ballroom of the Sofitel Hotel in Manila.
Southpaw Laurente (38-3-5, 30 KO’s) scored a first round technical knockout over veteran Cris Alag (8-21-4, 4 KO’s).
Boxing icon and pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao was in the audience and awarded the trophy and the green belt to Laurente.
The WBC noted that ” Manny is the leader of boxing in Philippines and of the world , ever since he conquered the WBC flyweight title in December 1998 with a spectacular 8th round knockout over Chatchai Sasakul of Thailand.
The WBC said Pacquiao “has been the boxing leader of a country who is rich in talent in this great sport .”
Johnny Elorde , who is the proud leader of the FLASH ELORDE foundation has been working diligently to keep alive the great image of Gabriel “Flash” Elorde , one of the greatest champions in the history of boxing who reigned as world junior lightweight champion for almost seven and a half years.
Also appearing on the card was Elorde’s grandson, super bantamweight Juan Miguel Elorde who won by a 3rd round TKO over Saddam Eyo (3-10, 3 KO’s). Elorde is undefeated in 10 fights with 4 knockouts.
Photo: Laurente seen with Pacquiao, promoter/manager Johnny Elorde and referee Silvestre Abainza.
