CIRCA 2005-2006, when Manny Pacquiao was on a meteoric rise to the top of the fistic world, Philippine boxing aggressively pushed for the development of new faces, new talents. Among those who benefitted from that impetus were boxers Rey ?Boom-Boom? Bautista and AJ Bazooka Banal.
During that time they represented some of the new faces; the next generation eager to step up and follow in Pacquaio?s footsteps.
Luckier than most, Banal and Bautista had the huge ALA promotions juggernaut behind them, and so expectations were high.
FAST FORWARD. Alas, Bautista would lose to Daniel Ponce de Leon a year later, in a high-profile event dubbed as the World Cup of boxing. Banal would follow suit in 2008, losing a bout he was winning on points to the tenacious Rafael Concepcion.And despite numerous follow-up attempts at resuscitating their careers, Bautista and Banal have failed to deliver on that promise.
Bautista has retired after Mexican Jose Ramirez inflicted the third loss of his career. Apparently, his talents were deemed short of world-class caliber.
Banal?s career is seemingly in limbo after a second failed attempt at a world crown in December of last year. Though he is still young, his inability to take a punch and possess the durability needed to compete at the highest level will continue to haunt him.
Thankfully for ALA Promotions, their other flagship fighters, Donnie Nietes and Milan Milando performed well and continue to do so. Nietes is still the WBO light flyweight champion, and Milan is undefeated and will be facing off against Juan Francisco Estrada for the WBO flyweight diadem this July.
JASON PAGARA. This Saturday, with Bautista and Banal out of the public?s eye, Jason Pagara will be on the hot seat as he faces off in the main event against Mexican Aaron Herrera.
At the press conference yesterday, the clean-shaven Herrera oozed supreme confidence and promised to defeat the local fighter. Based on his fight record, he seems to have the credentials to walk the talk.
His record stands at 25-1, with 17 via the short route. This will be his first time fighting outside of Mexico and Pagara will be his first Filipino opponent.
Pagara (30-2, 19KOs) himself is no stranger to surprises as he suffered the second loss of his career in 2011 to Rosbel Montoya via unanimous decision.
In that fight, Pagara seemed bewildered and confused when he could not get his offense on track and could not execute any adjustments mid-fight.
But he redeemed himself in a spectacular manner when he stopped Montoya in 6 rounds during the rematch.
We shall find out if Pagara can step up and be deemed worthy of his promoter?s salubrious efforts.
MATTHYSE. Over the weekend, Lucas Martin Matthyse looked scary when he eviscerated the formidable Lamont Peterson in just 3 rounds.
His records stand at 34-2 with 32 via stoppage. His 2 losses were both via split decision, against top-tier fighters Devon Alexander and Zab Judah.
Those heavy hands of his have invoked comparisons with Pacquiao, but I say it?s premature.
Fighters like Matthyse who have action-packed styles will always be fan favorites, but it takes more than a few highlight reel knockouts to get to the next level.
For now, the fans want to see Matthyse versus Brandon Rios or Mike Alvarado.
But of course, should Pacquiao lose to Rios in November (heaven forbid), Matthyse? stock in the 140 lb division will rise exponentially and Rios vs. Matthyse will be the dream-fight for 2014.
LAST ROUND. It?s on my pretty and adorable niece Yanna Isabeli Chanco- Quijano who celebrates her birthday today. Happy Birthday nan!
