MAYOL DEDICATES WIN TO GRANDPA, WANTS TO UNIFY TITLES
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 26 Nov 2009
Newly-crowned Rodel "Batang Mandaue" Mayol, who is now in Los Angeles following his easy win over the highly-touted Edgar Sosa of Mexico, says he wants to unify the 108-lb titles while revealing for the first time that he is dedicating his world title win to his grandfather, whom he calls his "no. 1 fan."
In an exclusive interview yesterday, the LA-based Mayol indicated that he will welcome a possible rematch with Sosa, although if the latter is not available, he would be more than willing to unify his belt with WBA champion Giovani Segura, who also stopped Filipino Sonny Boy Jaro in Mexico this weekend.
Mayol and his team arrived in Los Angeles yesterday from Mexico without much fanfare, saying that he did not inform anyone of his arrival.
Mayol was accompanied in the trip by trainers Jessie Arevalo and Jeremiah Quijano, as well as his wife Lira and Dr Ed de la Vega, who served as his cutman for the fight.
The other members of Team Mayol are Buboy Fernandez, Prem Encarnacion, Rene "Bestfriend" Espiritu, Dr Allan Recto, as well as renowned trainer Freddie Roach.
The hard-hitting fighter also said that he dedicates his win to his grandfather Domingo Mayol of Alang-alang, Mandaue City whom he calls his "no. 1 fan" through thick and thin.
When told that Sosa's camp is protesting the outcome of the fight due to what they label as intentional headbutting in the second round, Mayol disagreed.
"That headbutt was not intentional. We trained in the gym to counter him to neutralize his jab, as that is his strong arsenal.I countered him with an uppercut because that was our gameplan," said Mayol.
"I'm also confident their protest will not hold because no less than WBC president Jose Sulaiman was at ringside and he saw the fight, and I trust in his fairness" added Mayol, who hinted that Team Sosa used the headbutt angle as an alibi to their fans to lessen the shame of the second-round defeat.
Mayol plans to return to the country in the first week of December, depending on the advice of his manager, superstar Manny Pacquiao. ''I am still awaiting for the advice of Manny, i will have to arrange everything with him," added Mayol, who has yet to talk to his manager.
Mayol also thanked his former managers Antonio L. Aldeguer, Terry Carter and Yasuo Matsuoka whom he said have all been part of the journey.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Kittipong of Thailand Battles Bhavesh of India in Brico Santig's Exciting Show in Bangkok
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 28 Jun 2025Weights from Philadelphia
Sat, 28 Jun 2025Alekhine Nouri and John Jerish Velarde struck gold and bronze
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 28 Jun 2025Would OKC Still Win the West If Dallas Had Not Traded Doncic?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 27 Jun 2025Asenso Ozamis Open chess tournament on July 12 and 13
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 27 Jun 2025MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ JAKE PAUL VS. JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 27 Jun 2025Guro Dan Inosanto: Guardian of the Filipino Fighting Spirit
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Fri, 27 Jun 2025Weigh-In Results: Christian Mbilili vs. Maciej Sulecki
Fri, 27 Jun 2025Unbeaten Philippines Top Prospect Criztian Pitt Laurente Signs with Sanman Boxing
Fri, 27 Jun 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS SIGNS PROMISING AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT SARDIUS SIMMONS
Fri, 27 Jun 2025Madoka Wada Halts Chay Rivas in Tokyo, Retains OPBF Belt
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: The Grand Prix a Grand Concept
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 26 Jun 2025PHOTOS: Pacquiao Showcases Vintage Form During Media Day Workout at Wildcard Gym
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Press Conference Notes: Christian Mbilli & Maciej Sulecki Collide for Interim Super Middleweight World Title FRIDAY in Quebec City
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Rivas vs Wada: Battle for Women’s OPBF Supremacy Today in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Jun 2025