BOOM-BOOM, AMONSOT: BETTER THAN 'CALAMAY'
By Alex A. Paglumotan, GAB Commissioner
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 21 Nov 2005
November 19, 2005 is worth declaring as special holiday for the whole province of Bohol. Really, since for the first time in the history of Philippine's professional boxing, this place--home of Former Philippine President Carlos P.Garcia and known for its bountiful tourist destinations--unveiled THEIR TWO(2) new rising stass in that biggest promotion dubbed as "BAKBAKAN SA TAGBILARAN".
Rey "Boom-Boom" Bautista, reigning WBO-Asia Pacific bantanweight champion, in his display of speed and ability with solid combination of killer punches brought straight to the canvas the supposed "roaring thunder."
Referee Bruce McTavish raises Bautista's hands as GAB Commissioner Angel Bautista puts on the belt on Boom Boom. Also in photo are Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and ALA Chief trainer Edito Villamor. Photo by Dong Secuya.
But no more thunder, that's Obote Ameme of the United Republic of Tanzania. It was amazing, right before the very eyes of the boisterous crowd numbering a total of thirty-five to forty thousand more or less in the spacious Carlos P.Garcia Memorial Sports Complex in Tagbilaran City.
The huge Bohol crowd celebrates as fireworks were unleashed after Bautista stopped Ameme. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Boom-Boom, a native of Candijay, Bohol, successfully defended his crown in just 1 minute and fifty seven seconds of the 2nd in the scheduled 12-round championship title match to become a new hero for the Boholanos and be marked as another country's pro boxing sensation.
Also in the Asia-Pacific WBO Jr. lightweight championship fight scheduled for 12 rounds, Tagbilaran's Czar Amonsot of ALA Stable grabbed the crown of Indonesian champion Victor Mausol via a knock out in the 8th round.
Czar Amonsot jumps to the embrace of trainer Edito Villamor as the vanquished former champion Vicktor Mausol of Indonesia fails to beat the count. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Having been there at the ringside, I saw how Amonsot fought so hard to unseat the reigning champion. Czar's victory added another notch to the Boholanos' pride.
WBO-Asia Pacific Executive Director Leon Panoncillo of Hawaii supervised the fight. In his brief conversation with this writer he said "Commissioner, it appears that the glorious years of Phillipine boxing is back. Its now history, and another milestone to your professional boxing."
Given the good timing, consistent training and support, I see in this young fighter the making of another Pacquiao in the near future.
This representation had the best of opportunity to witness the historic preparation and all-out support extended by both the national and local officials of Bohol led by Gov. Erico Aumentado and Mayor Dan Neri Lim of Tagbilaran City. The affair turned almost star-studded when the eloquent Mayor of Manila City Lito Atienza, together with Congressman Miles Roces, made good their earlier commitments to grace the boxing promotion.
Worth mentioning also is the united presence of Congressmen Edgar Chato, Roberto Cajes and Eladio Jala, all representing the three congressional districts of Bohol in the House of Representatives. No wonder, now I can easily pathom the reason why inspite of being relatively small in political territory, Bohol was able to produce a Philippine President in Garcia because of their close political ties and strong parochial UNITY.
I myself cannot help but doff my hat off to the good people and leaders of Bohol. Leading the victory celebration cum Fiesta Royale last Saturday night was the indifatigable Mayor Dan Lim of Tagbilaran City. Give it to the good guy, he had personally supervised and been responsible for such a wonderful promotion.
Of course, we have to mention the name of Mr. Antonio L. Aldeguer of the ALA Gym and Mr. Sammy Gello-ani, the 'Don King' of Philippine boxing. Under their utmost care and protection, we have now the great Boom-Boom Bautista and Czar Amonsot. What I would like to see in the future is the re-opening of numerous pro boxing promotions led by the top brass of both local and national governance. There is really a future in boxing, not for us but for the future generations.
Expectedly, the Games and Amusements Board headed by Chairman Eric R. Buhain will approve in a unanimous manner resolutions congratulating and to commend the boxers from Bohol and to some important people who have extended invaluable support and efforts for the betterment of pro boxing.
When I called Chairman Buhain informing him the victories of Boom-Boom and Amonsot he joyously said, "What a good job by our great fighters from Bohol, the GAB and the country is proud of them. Please extend my congratulations to both of them and the people of Tagbilaran City and Bohol Province."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Alex A. Paglumotan, GAB Commissioner.
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