READY OR NOT CANADA, HERE COMES CISO MORALES
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 12 Nov 2009
Ciso Morales dreamed of becoming a seaman, leave his hometown of Talibon, Bohol and see the world. But with only a sixth grade education, he was just another Filipino kid destined for obscurity.
Then he discovered boxing at eighteen. People who saw him as an amateur with a 19 win -1 loss record knew he could hit. He was convinced to turn pro and racked up 13 straight wins with 8 knockouts and a WBO Oriental superbantamweight belt.
Now, the 21 year old known as “Kid Terrible” will finally get a chance to see the world. Morales will fight in the undercard of RUMBLE IN RAMA X in Orillia, Ontario, Canada. His countryman, Marvin Sonsona will be defending his WBO superflyweight world title against Alejandro Hernandez of Mexico.
Morales will face another Mexican, Miguel Angel Gonzales Piedras (10W-1 L, 4 KO’s. Morales is making up for lost time and knows he cannot afford to lose.
When asked why he did not start boxing earlier, he replied, “I did not know of any place where I could learn to box. There were no regular boxing tournaments in my hometown when I was growing up.”
Morales also took a break from boxing for nine months to rest an injured hand. While he was recuperating, Morales saw Sonsona continuing his meteoric rise towards a world title.
Morales’ story is becoming a familiar one to Filipino sports fans now following boxing because of Manny Pacquiao. It is a story of boys from small towns or city slums, armed with natural athletic talent and punching power, hoping to escape the scourge of unrelenting poverty. He hopes that a win will lead to bigger things and a better life. Just like every prizefighter, he dreams of wearing a world title belt around his waist one day.
It was a scorching hot Wednesday afternoon when he sparred with Elf Gitgano for four rounds wearing sweat pants to shed off the extra weight. Morales said he has reached eight rounds in sparring three times already and closing in on the 122 lb. weight limit. Morales’ confidence continues to grow these past two weeks. He is more relaxed in the gym and his combinations are crisper and more accurate.
Morales also asks for the support and prayers of his countrymen, “Pray for our success so we will win in Canada. To my town mates in Talibon and the rest of the country, this fight is for the Philippines and for our national pride.”
In the predominantly Catholic Philippines, the masses cling to hope and prayers. Boxers like Morales realize that theirs is a risky profession. He knows the benefits of divine intervention in his corner. He believes success is God given.
Morales’ training at the IPI Gym in Mandaue City will end on Friday after which they will leave on Saturday for Manila and take the connecting flights to Canada. He also calls out the Filipino community in Canada, “Come and support us, we’ll give you a good fight.”
The tenth edition of RUMBLE IN RAMA at the Casino Rama in Ontario will be on November 21 (morning of November 22 Manila Time) and Philippine TV coverage is courtesy of Solar Sports and GMA.
Top photo: Ciso Morales during yesterday's workout at the Omega Gym in Mandaue City. Photo by Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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