March 16, 1960: Flash Elorde KOs Harold Gomes; March 16, 2008: Manny Pacquiao KOs Marquez?
By Alex P. Vidal
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 12 Feb 2008
Call it a coincidence but on March 16, 2008, the entire Filipino fistic community will commemorate the 48th year of the crowning of the greatest ever world junior lightweight champion Gabriel ?Flash? Elorde.
Incidentally, on the same day, national hero Manny Pacquiao will attempt to vanquish WBC superfeatherweight (also junior lightweight) kingpin Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in a 12-round title fight at the Mandalay Bay and Resort Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
If Pacquiao will topple the WBC crown off the head of the Mexican dynamo, it will be a double celebration for the Philippines.
Forthy eight years ago, underdog Elorde humbled in the seventh round defending champion Harold Gomes of Rhodes Island in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history during the inaugural of the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
In their rematch on August 17, 1960, Elorde settled the argument by disposing off Gomes in the first round at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, California.
Elorde (88 wins, 33 KOs, 27 losses) reigned as world champion for seven years.
On March 16, 2008, Pacquiao, 29, is slightly favored to tame the murderous Marquez, 34, who vowed to avenge the embarrassing setback suffered by his countrymen to Pacquiao.
Some Filipino experts have predicted a stoppage victory for Pacquiao who will try to eclipse the record established by Elorde, a Visayan like Pacquiao.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Alex P. Vidal.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Kevin Brown and Yoenis Tellez Shine at Boxlab Promotions’ “Night of Champions XIII” During the 104th Annual WBA Convention
Tue, 16 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Justin Cardona Shares Insights Ahead of December 19 Showdown Against Avious Griffin
Tue, 16 Dec 2025JAS MATHUR JOINS MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS AS CEO TO LEAD STRATEGIC VISION, CREATIVITY AND GLOBAL GROWTH INITIATIVES
Tue, 16 Dec 2025Split-T Management Signs Amateur Standout Adrian Salazar
Tue, 16 Dec 2025INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME REMEMBERS CANASTOTA’S MANAGER / TRAINER / PROMOTER TONY GRAZIANO
Mon, 15 Dec 2025Catubig, Prado win Suy Foods Santa Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 15 Dec 2025Junior, Youth and Elite Divisions Awarded on Final Day of 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Mon, 15 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Applauds Cebuana Lhuillier Ambassadors for Bronze Finish at SEA Games 2025
Mon, 15 Dec 2025NOEL MIKAELIAN DETHRONES BADOU JACK TO BECOME THE NEW WBC CRUISERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION
Sun, 14 Dec 2025FM Alekhine Nouri tops Kamatyas chessfest
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 14 Dec 2025Dante Kirkman Dominates DePriest Johnson in Unanimous Victory at Fight Club OC
Sun, 14 Dec 2025Bantam and Intermediate Divisions Crowned on Day Five of 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Sun, 14 Dec 2025Murat Gassiev Brutally Knocks Out Kubrat Pulev in Dubai
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 13 Dec 2025United States Air Force Paralegals: Law, Order, and Excellence
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 13 Dec 2025OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR PACHECO VS SADJO IN STOCKTON
Sat, 13 Dec 2025