Fernando Montiel?s lawyer and manager Gary Gittelsohn said the other day the World Boxing Organization (WBO) superflyweight champion?s experience will be “the deciding factor” in his third defense of the 115-pound crown against challenger Z Gorres in Cebu on Feb. 24.
Montiel, 27, is a former WBO flyweight titleholder on his second reign as a superflyweight champion. He turned pro in 1996, five years before Gorres made his debut.
While Montiel has fought seven more bouts than Gorres, his long period of inactivity due to promotional problems may be a drawback. He stepped into the ring only once last year, losing a split decision to Jhonny Gonzalez in a bid for the WBO bantamweight crown. Gorres, in contrast, picked up four wins in as many fights to raise his record to 26-1-1, with 14 KOs.
“Gorres? ring record reflects no opponent of Montiel?s world class caliber,” said Gittelsohn who is also Fil-Am Brian Viloria?s manager. “I am quite familiar with Gorres and I have watched him spar numerous rounds with different sparring partners in Los Angeles. Gorres is an excellent fighter who presents difficulties principally because of his awkward southpaw style. Gorres has good strength and is always in excellent condition. I have no doubt Fernando will be facing a very good and determined fighter.”
Gorres, however, said he?s not concerned about whom Montiel has fought or whom he himself has fought.
“I don?t care about the past,” he said. “I?m concerned about the present. When the bell rings, it?s just Montiel and me fighting, nobody else. I?m prepared to win. I?ll do my best not to disappoint my countrymen.”
The hometown advantage looms large in the winning equation but Gittelsohn said Montiel isn?t easily intimidated by a hostile crowd.
“Fernando is looking forward to fighting in the Philippines because he knows boxing is very popular there and getting more so each day,” said Gittelsohn. “Filipino fans are knowledgeable. Fernando does not delude himself and knows that he must deal with the unpopularity of visiting the challenger?s homecourt. However, as long as the officiating is fair and honest, Fernando sees no problem with fighting Gorres in Cebu.”
The referee of the WBO title fight will be Samuel Viruet of New York. Judges will be Raul Caiz of Texas, Chuck Giampa of Nevada and Denny.
