
Manny backs Magramo’s bid
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 26 May 2020

Magramo.
Super WBA welterweight champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao has sent a message of support to Giemel Magramo who battles unbeaten Japanese southpaw Junto Nakatani for the vacant WBO flyweight crown at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on Aug. 1. “Wish him all the best and may God bless him and give him strength and protection as he is going to fight,” said Pacquiao. “May the good Lord give him extraordinary skill during the battle in Jesus’ name.”
Magramo’s coming bout is particularly relevant to Pacquiao. First, because it will be for the flyweight championship. The 112-pound division was the first that Pacquiao conquered in his collection of world titles in eight weight categories. He knocked out Thailand’s Chatchai Sasakul to wrest the WBC flyweight crown in Bangkok in 1998. Second, because Pacquiao will never forget that Magramo’s father Melvin was one of his toughest opponents ever. It was in September 1997 when Pacquiao was stretched to the limit in pounding out a 10-round decision over Melvin in Cebu. Although the verdict was unanimous, a breakdown of the three judges’ tallies revealed that Teddy Alivio scored five rounds even, Dioscoro Ramirez three even and Luciano Babiera two even. Twice, Pacquiao went to the wrong corner after the bell sounded to end a round and his cornerman Rick Staheli was accused of delaying the fight by taking too long to fix loose tape on his gloves, supposedly to buy time to clear cobwebs in the head. Pacquiao's manager Rod Nazario, however, said Melvin was on the verge of collapse at least four times and questioned the use of eight-ounce gloves instead of six and a smaller ring with a foamy cushion. Melvin is now 49 and retired from boxing in 2003. Pacquiao, 41, is still active.
Magramo, 25, was initially set to face Nakatani, 22, on April 4 but it was rescheduled to June 6 because of the pandemic. The other day, Magramo’s manager Johnny Elorde said the fight has once more been postponed to Aug. 1. Elorde’s wife Liza said the new date falls on Johnny’s birthday.
GAB chairman Baham Mitra said the Japanese Embassy has suspended issuing visas until May 31. “There is a visa restriction and so far, the advisory is until the end of May,” said Mitra. That means Magramo is able to apply for a visa to travel to Japan only when the restriction is lifted and that's a question mark. Flights to Tokyo are also uncertain. Whether Filipino travelers to Japan will be subjected to a quarantine period is another cause of concern. The third postponement should allow enough time to settle pending issues.
WBO Asia/Pacific chairman Leon Panoncillo, who is based in Thailand, said he has spoken with WBO president Paco Valcarcel regarding the title fight. “No officials have yet been determined,” he said. “I hope it pushes through as I would like this fight to happen. There will be a lot of obstacles to get this done. We need to see how travel is allowed and how immigration will handle the 14-day quarantine in the Philippines and Japan.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Boxing Golden Age Comparison - Philippines and Japan
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Kittipong, Magdalena, Kim, Kritiphak Claim Wins in Brico Santig's Show in Bangkok
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Kremlev, Crawford, Fury Launch IBA's Golden Era of International Boxing
Fri, 04 Jul 2025International Master Angelo Young stays on course for GM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Robby Gonzales and Yoseline Perez Progress to Semifinals at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Fri, 04 Jul 2025Fireworks Ahead: Magsayo vs Mata in Prelims of Pacquiao vs Barrios
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Japan's Boxing Golden Age Remains Limited to the Lower Weights
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 03 Jul 2025No issues with fight ref
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Grand Muay Thai event in Verona
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Morelle McCane and Rene Camacho Advance to Quarterfinals of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Thu, 03 Jul 20253 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
Thu, 03 Jul 2025ESPN Original Series The Fight Life Returns for Season Two on July 7
Wed, 02 Jul 2025TOP-RATED LIGHTWEIGHT KO ARTIST ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI RETURNS
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Amazing Muay Thai WBC Festival 2025
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Borromeo Leads Winners of the Philippine Speedcubing Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 02 Jul 2025