TURNS out Brian Viloria was but an aperitif, if not a mere asterisk.
The entr?e was the trio of Milan Melindo, Dave Penalosa and Dodie Boy Penalosa Jr., all from ALA Promotions, the world-famous stable in Cebu City founded by the eminent Tony Aldeguer and which is now being ably reined in by his son, Michael.
That?s how it went on Saturday in old Macau, when Viloria lost his WBO and WBA flyweight titles, while Melindo and the Penalosa brothers won their bouts.
Viloria yielded a split decision?a surprise, indeed, because he clearly lost it. But Melindo and the Penalosa siblings won by explosive knockouts?my golly.
It was, definitely a painful loss for Viloria, considering that before he met Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico, 18 of Estrada?s compatriots had absorbed defeats at the hands of the Filipino-American.
But stinging as it was, Viloria must accept it as real gentlemen and sportsmen do.
With the way he fought Estrada, no way Viloria could snatch a win should a return bout that he had immediately asked materializes.
Viloria was outclassed, outgunned and outmaneuvered.
Estrada was way too classy, too loaded with his blazing fists and too deft with his arsenal of shots.
From the start, Estrada threw punches at will while Viloria appeared very tentative.
Since Estrada is a spring-chicken 22-year-old and Viloria an aging 32, the fight would quickly become a battle between the young and the old.
Without a doubt, the sprightly prevailed over the elderly.
Why one judge had given the 12-round fight to Viloria 115-113 was the sure Shocker in Macau. That judge?s head ought to be examined and the findings brought promptly to a mental institution for certification and outright authentication.
Anyway, before things got out of hand, let?s raise our glasses to Milan, Dave and Dodie Boy Jr.
Flyweight Milan stopped his Indonesian rival in the fourth, while bantamweight Dave and featherweight Dodie Boy Jr. knocked out their Thai foes in the second and fourth rounds, respectively.
Anytime, that should call for a celebration. Right, Tony A?
I am just a text away.
