EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TEAM MAYOL
By Dr. Allan Recto
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 28 Feb 2010
Laredo, Texas (2/27/2010) - Current WBC Light Flyweight Champion Rodel “Batang Mandaue” Mayol (26-4-2/ 20 KO) will still take home his WBC belt after a controversial finish to his 1st title defense fight tonight with hometown tough challenger Omar “Giant Killer” Nino Romero (28-3-2/ 11 KO) of Jalisco, Mexico at the Coliseo Olimpico de la UG in Guadalajara, Mexico.
After receiving a low blow in the 3rd round, Mayol grimaced in pain and placed his hands down looking for the referee to temporarily halt the action, in front of a hostile crowd chanting “Me-hee-co, Me-he-co!” However, the referee Vic Draculich was late in stopping the challenger Omar Nino Romero, who saw that Mayol was not protecting himself, and decided to deliver a left hook which landed hard in Mayol’s right jaw/chin causing him to fall and lay flat on his back as he hit the canvas.
His well experienced cornerman, Dr. Ed De La Vega, acting as Mayol’s cutman, stated via long distance phone call, “Doc, I assessed Mayol’s condition immediately after he got hit by Omar Nino.” After taking the mouthpiece out, Dr. De La Vega checked the airway, breathing and circulation (ABC’s) as well as Mayol’s pupil reactions for any signs of brain injury. “Thank God, there were none,” he narrated. “Mayol wanted to get up, but I told him to stay down. A cervical collar was placed to protect him from further injuries. When the ring physician stepped in, we requested for an ambulance to take Rodel Mayol quickly to the hospital and be checked thoroughly as precaution. Imaging studies (CT scan/MRI) were done and everything came back normal. I also checked his neck and jaw but everything’s fine. He’s okay now and as we speak, he is having picture-taking with the soldiers of this Military Regional Hospital in Guadalajara, Jalisco,” De La Vega disclosed. “The decision as to the Technical Draw is already official. However, the WBC said there could be a rematch but they still need to review the video of the fight before they could make an official announcement,” he added.
Mayol’s wife Lira assured this writer that the current world-boxing champion was in great physical condition as of 11:30 pm tonight. WBC champ Rodel Mayol later on discussed the events that transpired as the Team was on the way back to Hotel Mission Carlton in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Dr. Recto – Champ, where are you now? How is your condition? How do you feel?
Rodel Mayol – We are on our way back to the hotel. I’m okay now. I’m feeling well, Doc, thank you for asking.
Dr. Recto – Did you have any loss of consciousness, vomiting, headache or any minor injuries?
Rodel Mayol – None at all!
Dr. Recto – What is the official decision?
Rodel Mayol – The fight ended officially as a Technical Draw. Pacquiao’s adviser Mike Koncz stated to us that there might be a re-match.
Dr. Recto – How did you feel right after Omar Nino hit you with a low blow?
Rodel Mayol – I was in a lot of pain. I heard the referee shout, “Stop!” I faced sideways to avoid his punches. The referee wasn’t able to stop him when he delivered the left hook that hit me.
Dr. Recto – How about the rule …“defend yourself at all times”… did you forget about that?
Rodel Mayol – No! The referee was already going to our side. He tried to stop the action but Omar Nino still charged. I wanted to jump up and down because of the excruciating testicular pain. I did not anticipate Omar Nino would deliver a foul punch. I did not see his hook coming.
Dr. Recto – Are you satisfied with the decision?
Rodel Mayol – To me, it is okay but it should have been a disqualification (DQ) because it was an intentional foul or deliberate punch after a foul (low blow). However, it’s quite okay as I am able to keep my belt. I wasn’t able to dodge his left hook that caught me by surprise.
Dr. Recto – What’s your future plan?
Rodel Mayol – I want a rematch. I feel I could knock him out next time. His punches are not that strong. I did not feel his power at all. I wanted to tire him out then try to KO him in the later rounds.
Dr. Recto – Any message to your fans especially the Filipino people?
Rodel Mayol – Yes. I did prepare well for this fight. I trained really hard and was in my best condition. I wanted to knock Omar Nino out. It did not turn out, however, the way I wanted the fight to finish. I will be more aggressive next time, if there’s a rematch. I want to impress the Filipino boxing fans and make them happy. I want to thank them for supporting me and praying for my win. I will be back in Los Angeles tomorrow night at 9 pm.
Dr. Recto – Okay, have a safe trip and best regards to the Team!
Note: This writer informed Mayol that Team Pacquiao watched the fight on PPV in Los Angeles and were disappointed with the referee who should have placed himself in the middle, after the low blow was committed, to prevent Mayol from getting further damages from the challenger Omar Nino. Manny Pacquiao wishes to promote the re-match against Omar Nino or even request the fight to be placed as an undercard in his future bouts. “I would love that” were the final words from still WBC Light Flyweight World Champion Rodel Mayol.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dr. Allan Recto.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Madoka 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 2025Mexican boxing icon Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez Respects Cuban fighters & rivalry
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Claressa Shields Partners with King Moore to Empower Detroit Youth with the “Follow Your Dreams” Program Presented by SMT Financial Partners
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Saturday’s title defense vs. Yuniel Dorticos could be prelude to mega-fight for Gilberto Ramirez against Jake Paul or Unification showdown with Jay Opetaia or Badou Jack
Wed, 25 Jun 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 June 2025: Norman Flattens Sasaki; Simsri Edges Araneta; Rodriguez Outpoints Yafai
By Eric Armit, Tue, 24 Jun 2025FM Daluz rules 7th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 24 Jun 2025Ancajas awaits call to join card
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 24 Jun 2025Macado fights Dulayba in Venue 88
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 24 Jun 2025“Showtime” Shea Willcox & Rich Allen turned in KO Performances
Tue, 24 Jun 2025Undefeated prospect Marco Romero To be showcased on Deontay Wilder PPV card this Friday night in Wichita
Tue, 24 Jun 2025Toro Promotions. Inc. to promote its First International pro boxing show in El Salvador on September 20th
Tue, 24 Jun 2025