MANDAUE FETES BOXING HERO
By Emmanuel B. Villaruel
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 18 Aug 2007
As promised, the city government of Mandaue under the leadership of Mayor Jonas Cortes threw out a red-carpet welcome highlighted by a ticker tape parade for its boxing icon and popular son Z "The Dream" Gorres yesterday as a tribute to his triumphant campaign in the United States recently.
Gorres, who looked dapper in his white long-sleeved polo that matched well with his blue denim pants and black leather shoes, was greeted so warmly and cheerfully by hundreds of his adoring fans in areas they visited, most especially in Brgy. Ibabao where he presently resides with his family.
After passing through the city's main thoroughfares, the motorcade then proceeded to the city hall where the ALA Boxing Gym star paid a courtesy call on Mayor Cortes.
At the city hall, Gorres was like a Hollywood celebrity as he was mobbed by employees who were super excited to rub elbows with him. Other well-wishers scrambled just to get his autograph and have souvenir photos with him.
A joyful Gorres graciously obliged to their request and gamely shook hands and exchange high fives with a crush of fans.
"Grabi, walay kabutangan ang akong kalipay. Wa ko magdahum nga ingon ani kainit ang pagdawat nako sa mga Mandauehanon. Dako kaayo ning garbo nako ug magpasalamat ko ni Mayor Cortes ug sa tanan nga misuporta ug nag-ampo alang sa akong kadaogan (I'm so happy and overwhelmed by the warm welcome given to me by the Mandauehanons. I really did not expect it. It's a big honor for me and I'd like to thank Mayor Cortes and to all those who supported and prayed for my victory)," said Gorres.
ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor, who stood by Gorres' side during the caravan, echoed Gorres' sentiment saying that he never thought the Mandauehanons would accord them such a very warm and rousing reception.
Gorres said the kind of support accorded to him by Mandaue that literally swept him off his feet made him more determined and inspired to fulfill his dream of becoming a world champion someday.
"Na-inspire gyud ko aning ila gibuhat nga dungagan pa akong paningkamot aron matuman akong damgo ug makahatag og dungog dili lamang sa mga Mandauehanon apan hasta sab sa nasud (What they did inspired my to strive even harder to reach my goal and bring honor not only to Mandaue, but also to the whole country)," said Gorres.
In an exceptional display of ring craftsmanship, the 26-year-old Gorres scored a methodical eighth round TKO win over former WBC light flyweight champion Eric Ortiz to clinch the IBF Intercontinental super flyweight crown.
The victory of Gorres practically sealed the victory of Team Philippines over Mexico in last Sunday's World Cup at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. Overall, the Filipino fighters won five out of six bouts against the Mexicans to take possession of the US$500,000 World Cup trophy.
Mayor Cortes hopes that the triumph of Gorres would serve as an inspiration to the youth of Mandaue.
"Gorres deserved to be feted for bringing honor to our city. We're very proud of him that all his efforts and sacrifices finally paid off. I don't think he succeeded without determination. He worked hard for it. I just hope his victory will
inspire our youth and help bring back the glory days of Mandaue boxing," said Mayor Cortes.
After the tough grind, Gorres plans to rest and spend quality time with his family for a week or two before plunging back to the ALA Gym to prepare for a rougher, more decisive battle ahead.
Top photo caption: Z Gorres (R) is being congratulated by Manduae City mayor Jonas Cortez (L) as international promoter Sammy Gello-ani looks on. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel B. Villaruel.
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