RP CHAMP BARCELONA JOINS MURAD MUHAMMAD
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 17 Aug 2005
Philippine superfly champion Eric Barcelona, recently named Boxer of the Month by the Games and Amusements Board, has just joined the stable of American promoter Murad Muhammad and will soon start campaigning in the United States with no less than the World Boxing Association (WBA) 115-lb title of Mexican Martin Castillo in sight.
The Bukidnon-based Barcelona's stint in the US was confirmed yesterday following a conference call forged between North Cotabato Governor Manny Pinol and Barcelona's manager Leonel Lazarito on one hand, and Murad Muhammad.
"I will be very happy to promote Eric Barcelona and other Filipino boxers here in the United States," Muhammad was quoted as telling Governor Pinol in a phone conversation last night.
Governor Pinol said his role is primarily aimed at helping Filipino boxers earn a chance to fight for world championships. "I will just be helping Leonel Lazarito who is a friend in the boxing fraternity for many years now," he said.
Barcelona, the Governor said, will be the first of a long list of boxers who will be sent to the US to fight under Murad's promotional outfit.
Six other young boxers currently training under Governor Pinol's brother, Noli, will also be sent to the US as soon as they gain enough experience in local fights.
They are featherweight Glenn Gonzales, 19 (4 wins 1 draw 2 kos), bantamweight Glenn Porras, 19 (5 wins, 1 loss, 2 kos), jr flyweight Dennis Juntillano, 21 (5 wins, 1 loss, 2 kos) and miniflyweights Tommy Terado, 19 (5 wins, no loss, 2 kos), Ervin Dapudong, 19 (5 wins no loss 2 kos) and Rex Penalosa, 20 (4 wins 1 loss 1 ko).
"In spite of what happened to Murad and Manny Pacquiao, I still believe that Murad could help a lot of Filipino boxers. I have faith in his capability to bring our boxers to the threshhold of fame and fortune," Pinol said.
Barcelona is expected to leave for the US before the end of the year and will train under American boxing coach Buddy McGirt.
"There are still refinements that need to be done in the fighting style of Barcelona to really make him world class. But Eric has the heart and this is what will open a lot of doors for him in the US." Governor Pinol said.
"American boxing fans love fighters like Manny Pacquiao. They will not like boxers who are too defensive and cautious inside the ring," he said.
Barcelona, who holds a record of 30 wins, 7 losses, 4 draws and 10 kos, recently scored a sensational knockout win over Japanese boxer Hiroshi Nakano in Komaki, Japan, earning him the GAB honors.
END
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