It wasn’t that long ago when Golden Boy Promotions had an ambitious concept called “The World Cup of Boxing”. Its 2008 installment featured a clash between Philippines and Mexico, two countries that were in the formative stage of a promising boxing rivalry thanks in large to Manny Pacquiao’s big wins against some of the best fighter Mexico has ever produced.
The format was best of six, broken down in six matches; winner gets trophy. The card was featured on HBO, and in a card that included a number of formidable fighters, the Philippines won 5 out of 6 bouts, with the lone loss coming in the main event when Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista tasted the first, and most devastating loss of his career at the hands of Daniel “Ponce” De Leon in the first round.
Fight fans were also treated to an age defying performance by Gerry Penalosa in the main undercard bout, displaying his “never say die” attitude in scoring a come from behind, liver shot knockout win in the 7th round over Johnny Gonzalez to win his second World Title. Also featured was Z Gorres who won by 8th round TKO over Eric Ortiz; Diosdado Gabi decisioning Jose Angel Beranza in 8; Michael Domingo decisioning Miguel Roman in 6; and AJ Banal scoring a 3rd round TKO win over Jorge Cardenas.
It was a historic and successful card that has not been replicated at the World Class level since. ALA Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions’ Philippines boxing promotions partner for the event, have had some success at the local level by implementing a similar Philippines vs. Mexico format in a lot of its “Pinoy Pride” events having their stable fighters go up against mostly journeymen Mexican boxers. Mexican boxing promoters have also done the same.
There’s no question that a second installment of an event like the GBP’s Philippines vs. Mexico Boxing World Cup is long overdue. And with the cold reception fans are giving the proposed Dec. 8th quadrilogy between Pacquiao and Marquez, what better time to do this than now?
THINK ABOUT IT.
Main Event: Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez 4
Co-Main Event: Mercito Gesta vs Miguel Vazquez for the IBF Lightweight Title.
Vazquez currently has 31wins and 3 losses. The last time this guy lost was in June of 2008, two weight classes above his current weight fighting at 148 lbs. against a fighter you may now know as “Canelo”. That’s right! Saul Alvarez was the last time this guy tasted defeat. As good as Gesta is, he doesn’t have a resume of fights like Vazquez already has. Prior to that loss to Alvarez in 2008, he lost only to Timothy Bradley at 140 lbs., and the only other loss was to Canelo Alvarez again in Vazquez’s pro debut, which by the way was via split decision. Those 24 total rounds of experience in the 3 losses against Alvarez and Bradley can be looked at as far more impressive then any of Gesta’s wins.
The good news is, this fight will likely be in the undercard of Pacquiao-Marquez 4. After speaking with Gesta’s people, they have confirmed to me that there have been talks about precisely doing that, and that they were simply awaiting Pacquiao’s move. Gesta is a fierce competitor with Pacquiao-esque killer instinct. The scary thing about the kid is the fact that he is only 24-years-old and still getting better. Vazquez’s has also said in an interview that he has been asking for a clash with Gesta. With Pacquiao on the way out, the time is right to feature future Filipino boxing superstars in his undercards.
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Special Attraction: Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton vs Jackie “Princess Azteca” Nava
If you have been sleeping on Women’s Boxing, this is a bout that will surely wake you up. Nava is a superstar in Mexico with her record of 28 wins, 4 losses, and 3 draws. She is the current WBA 122 lbs. Champion, and is coming off her most impressive victory in defending her title for the 2nd time, scoring a 3rd Round TKO victory over former Julaton conquerer Lisa “Bad News” Brown of Toronto, Canada. Nava is ranked as the best P4P and super bantamweight in the world by many, but many question why Nava has not answered Team Julaton’s challenge for the past 2 years.
Some in the Yucatan Mexico media have stated it may be because Fernando Beltran (Nava’s promoter) knows Julaton is a tough fight for Nava, and they would rather keep milking their cash cow from Tijuana. Both Nava and Julaton have fought in Top Rank cards before, and even with their current promotional bosses and their current TV deals with Azteca and GMA network, I’m sure all could be put together if the powers that be on HBO (namely Ken Hershman) were to allow this fight to happen. Women’s boxing is on the rise after its successful debut in the London Olympics. Why not keep the momentum going?
If there was a professional fight to be made to showcase the skill and depth of professional female boxing worldwide that can open the doors, this is the bout to do it with, and the perfect event to showcase it. In Julaton vs. Nava you will see an all-out war between highly-skilled and developed fighters that can easily steal the show.
HBO’s Ken Hershman was the innovator of Women’s MMA during his days at Showtime culminating in Gina Carano vs Cyborg Santos Strikeforce showdown. Ronda Rousey wouldn’t be the phenom she is today if it weren’t for that door opener. Women’s Olympic Boxing was the talk of the world and recently Bob Arum told Gold Medalist Claressa Shields that he would include her in a Top Rank card. If Arum is true to his word, it only makes sense that he’d put two of the most famous female boxers in the world today in one of his undercards. The stars have aligned.
“I think it makes all the sense in the world and I have inquired about doing just that,” said Julaton’s promoter Allan Tremblay when I asked him about my idea. “Ideally, they should fight on the same card against different opponents to set up the showdown, but either way, that fight is made for that fight card. Both Beltran and Top Rank would have to sign off, but I think it would be in their interests to do so,” the Canada-based promoter said.
Undercard Bout: WBO flyweight champion Brian Viloria title unification bout vs. WBA flyweight champion Hernan “Tyson” Marquez
This explosive bout was originally scheduled for the end of the month. One can only guess the true reason behind its postponement, but I have heard rumors that putting this fight in the undercard of Pacquiao-Marquez 4 has been explored. Viloria has been on a tear in the last 2 years, while Marquez has proven himself to be a true world champion after falling to Filipinos Nonito Donaire, Jr. and Richie Mepranum. Viloria and Pacquiao have a good relationship, while Marquez is also promoted by Zanfer, Marquez, Vazquez, and Nava’s promoter. Catch my drift?
Put all four on HBO PPV, and you got every Filipino and Mexican boxing fan excited about this card. It worked before for HBO; the ratings were high, the fans came in droves. So why not do it again? Especially for a once blockbuster match-up that can use some help.
If I could make a wish, I’d ask the boxing gods to lay some sense in the powers that be in HBO, TOP RANK, ZANFER Promotions, MP Promotions and ORION SPORTS Management to put all politics aside and make this card happen. Not only will it be a nice early Christmas gift, not only to Filipino and Mexican boxing fans, but fans of quality, action-packed fights in general, it will also boost interest and sales for the Pacquiao-Marquez 4 bout.
– DG – Hit “Subscribe” to get dSource’s articles straight to your e-mail when they drop. ([email protected])
