A BETTER ALTERNATIVE TO A MELINDO VS. PETALCORIN
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 27 May 2017
Randy Petalcorin?s challenge to new IBF 108 lbs champion Milan Melindo sounds interesting. But unless the IBF mandates it, that?s where it should end.
At least for now!
Petalcorin and his handlers had been calling out Melindo since the latter won the IBF belt via a stunning 1st round KO over a heavily favor Japanese pug Akira Yaegashi. Petalcorin is even greasing his words by saying that Melindo is ?the best amongst the current Filipino belt holders? and he ?wants to fight the best? with the hopes that Melindo and his handlers at the ALA Promotions will bite.
Petalcorin and his handlers, in my opinion are barking on the wrong tree.
While it is true that other countries like Mexico match their champions against fellow Mexicans, I believe it is too early for Filipinos to be doing that.
We have a small pool of boxers and less than a handful of world champions. Why not work towards getting more belt holders instead?
I know others have said in the past that a Filipino vs Filipino for a world title belt ?will revive boxing in the country.?
Huh? Who said it?s dying anyway?
It would probably be better if the good folks at Sanman Promotions that represent Petalcorin would find ways to work hand-in-hand with folks at the ALA Promotions that represent Melindo.
Forget the perceived ?rivalry?. Work together and put up a great fight card.
JC Manangquil and Michael Aldeguer are two young promoters who are the best amongst the best in the country. They are not only smart businessmen but also well connected with foreign promoters. More importantly, they have the resources, the ability, the people and connections to make things happen.
Together, they can move mountains!
But they should cast away everything petty and in an unprecedented move, work together as a team.
Wouldn?t it be nice if they pool their resources together and in an extraordinary move challenge the Japanese champions?
Then together they can promote a huge boxing card featuring two Filipinos against two Japanese for world title belts.
If that happens, they can put the fight up at any venue, particularly in Cebu and a sell-out guaranteed.
More importantly, it will quiet the critics that often say that boxing in the country is dying.
After all how much more can a fight card be better than having two great Filipino 108 pounders fighting for belts in the same card with two of the best Filipino boxing promoters working together bayanihan style, to make it happen?
Unprecedented, perhaps even a mirage.
But with the correct attitude and lots of hard work, it can happen!
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
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