ASTON PALICTE ARRIVES IN TEXAS
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 07 Dec 2017
NABF Super flyweight champion, Aston Palicte of Cebu City together with his support team, trainer Rodel Mayol, assistant trainer Ernel Fontanilla and this writer who also acts as Palicte's cutman, arrived today in Austin, Texas via the Barbara Jordan Airport, ahead of his fight to defend his title against Mexican challenger, Jose Alfredo Rodriguez on Friday, December 8, 2017 at Round Rock, Texas. His manager Jason Soong came in on another flight.
Palicte who sports a 23-2-0, 19KO record, won the NABF title almost a year ago (12-17-16) via a hard fought split decision against the then undefeated Oscar Cantu of Kingsville, Texas at a fight card under the giant tent at downtown Las Vegas promoted by Roy Jones Promotions.
Palicte arrived in the US more than a month ago to acclimatize to the late fall cold weather and train under the eagle eyes of Wildcard Gym?s most promising young trainer, Rodel Mayol. Mayol himself was a world-boxing champion. He held the WBC light flyweight title in 2009.
Mayol pronounced Palicte as 100% ready and only a couple of pounds over the fight contract limit. ?He is all set to go and with a very light workout tomorrow morning, he should hit the weight limit in time for the weigh-in with no problem at all,? said Mayol.
In the absence of Mayol?s chief assistant trainer, Stanley Godinez who unfortunately has to stay back in Los Angeles to attend to personal matters, former Filipino boxer Ernel Fontanilla of Los Angeles will work with Mayol at Palicte?s corner on Friday night.
Palicte?s fight with Rodriguez could define his immediate future.
Palicte currently is rated #2 super-flyweight behind Rex Tso of China and WBO title-holder, the undefeated Naoya Inoue of Japan. An impressive win on Friday will certainly catapult Palicte to a showdown with Tso or even an immediate title fight against Inoue.
Palicte, based on the assessment of a respected Filipino boxing writer and judge has only a 40% chance to keep his title. But that does not bother the Bago City native at bit. And it intrigues Mayol who savor the underdog billing.
?Handa na po ako at ibibigay ko ang lahat para manalo tayo,? (I am ready and I will give it my all so we will win?) stated Palicte.
When that happens, Palicte?s manager, Jason Soong will have his work cut out to negotiate the title fight or at the very least an eliminator with Rex Tso. Knowing the efficiency of the young assiduous and well-connected promoter, that could happen in no time.
But perhaps a fight straight to the top with Naoya Inoue would be much better.
We shall see.
Photo (L-R): Assistant trainer Ernel Fontanilla, Cutman Dr Ed de la Vega, Aston Palicte and Trainer Rodel Mayol in Austin, Texas.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
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