TWO ISLANDS, ONE PASSION
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 29 Jan 2009
The Central Philippine islands of Bohol and Cebu are linked by ferry boats, a common dialect and a shared intense passion for boxing. On the 31st of January the main cities of these islands will simultaneously host fight cards that will certainly thrill fans on both sides of the Bohol Strait.
The historic Cebu Coliseum will host an international fight card featuring Australian blood and guts warrior Michael Katsidis against Angel Hugo ?El Tren? Ramirez of Spain for the WBO Asia-Pacific lightweight title. Katsidis ( 23W ? 2 L ? 1 D, 20 KO?s ) is remembered by Filipino fans for his ring war with Czar Amonsot which resulted in Amonsot being sidelined for over a year. He also captained the Philippines during the victorious Boxing World Cup match against Mexico in 2007. Nonito Donaire, Sr. will be his cutman during this bout.
Ramirez (19W ? 4 L ? 2 D, 8 KO?s) was born in Argentina but is based in Spain where he had most of his fights. He won the WBC Mundo Hispano 130 lb International title last March 2007 over Euclides Espitia. Prior to that fight he had a losing 12 round effort against Graham Earl for the WBU lightweight belt but Katsidis stated that he still thought highly of Ramirez with regards to that bout. Ramirez said that he has trained hard for this contest but did not predict any outcome. But when pressed by reporters the word knockout was mentioned.
This fight card is part of the continuing effort and dream of Sammy Gello-ani to transform Cebu City into a Las Vegas of the Far East by hosting international boxing promotions.
This event will also feature ?Marvelous? Marvin Sonsona, Anthony ?Rocky? Marcial and the returning Ciso ?Kid Terrible? Morales against Thai opponents. Sonsona, the WBO Asia Pacific Youth titlist, will face Liempetch Sor Veerapol while Marcial will defend his WBO Oriental jr. lightweight belt against undefeated challenger Vacharakrit Senayan.
This will be Morales? first appearance since suffering a hand injury during training last September. He will defend his WBO Oriental jr.featherweight title against Pitchitchoke Singmanasak.
Katsidis has faced world class opposition and has sparred with Anthony Marcial during his training in Thailand. He stated during the presscon held at the Marriot Hotel that it was a good learning experience for both of them. Marcial echoed Katsidis? assessment that they both improved during their sparring sessions. Marcial also said that he still has a lot to learn and is still not at the same level as the Australian.
Top photo: Michael Katsidis of Australia (2nd from right) and Angel Hugo Ramirez of Spain (2nd from left) are being flanked by SGG's Sammy Gello-ani (L) WBO Vice Leon Panoncillo (C) and Brendon Smith in a photo session during yesterday's press conference for this Saturday's bout at the Cebu Coliseum.
Young prospects Marvin Sonsona, Anthony Marcial and Ciso Morales (L-R front row) will see action during Saturday's event.
This fight card billed as ?WAR? starts at 5 pm with the main event at 7 pm as it will be beamed live to Australia. It promises to be an evening of heavy firepower and extreme action.
The Island City Mall Carpark in Tagbilaran City will host the much anticipated return to the ring of one of Bohol?s favourite native sons, Czar Amonsot. He has been given the medical clearance to fight and will face Zoel Fidal of Indonesia.
AJ Banal will be co-headlining the card with Amonsot. This will be his first appearance since his ill-fated WBA title attempt last July. He will face Indonesian super-flyweight champion Nouldy Manakane who is ranked by the OPBF, IBF Pan Pacific and WBO Asia Pacific. Both ALA boxers looked fit and sharp during their public work out and sparring session held last Saturday at the Banilad Town Center.
An interesting preliminary bout features Czar?s younger brother Rocky Amonsot. He will trade blows with provincemate Samuel Galinato. Rocky had a successful pro debut last October with a smashing first round TKO victory against Socrates Pasaol.
Bohol has made great strides in its effort to develop quality amateur and professional boxers and challenge the traditional powers in the country. This fight card is billed as ?They Are Back? and fight fans will surely give the returning fighters a rousing welcome.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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