Cebu Boxing In Pacquiao's Footsteps
By Rico Navarro
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 03 Feb 2006
Pacquiao has opened the doors for the many world-class boxers who are now getting second and third looks from American promoters with offers sure to follow. Pacquiao's previous wins used to come as a solo victory whenever he went on top of the ring in Vegas or LA. But in his past two fights, other Pinoys also shined in their own little way. Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista gained overnight popularity when he fought in the undercard of Pacquiao's fight last September. Philippine super featherweight champ Jimrex Jaca played a co-starring role with Pacquiao last Sunday when he scored a first-round KO win in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Morales rematch.
For starters, my little wish here is that we also recognize the big fourth round KO win of Rodel Mayol over Mexican Lorenzo Trejo in a WBC title eliminator fight held in the latter’s home turf. Moreover, this was held at the WBC’s Night of Champions, an event that is reported to have drawn 100 past and present WBC world champions in one venue.
The win finally gives Mayol the chance to challenge for Eagle Kyowa’s belt after what seemed to be a never ending story of delaying tactics. If Batang Mandaue still doesn’t get his title shot, then we’ll know how powerful Kyowa’s handlers are in the WBC. And while the win won't give Mayol Pacquiao-like popularity, I hope it will put "Batang Mandaue" on the same page as Bautista and Jaca in terms of attention from the U.S.promoters. After all, he’s still the best bet to be the country’s next world champ.
Up next are the Vegas fights of Gorres and Amonsot on February 3, another pair who also deserve the support of all Pinoy boxing fans. Gorres faces take on Jose Alfredo Tirado in a 10-round main event in what should be a tune-up fight before he goes for the OPBF super flyweight championship in March. Amonsot will be fighting for the first time in the U.S., going up against Antonio Wong in an eight-round fight. Jaca and Bobby Paquiao are due to fight in the U.S.again in March. And I'm certain we'll be hearing of more fight schedules for all these promising boxers as the year rolls by. I just wish the entire boxing family will give them the same support given to Pacquiao.
If I were an aide of Pacquiao, I'd slip into his spiels a call to support the likes of Mayol, Gorres, Amonsot, Bautista and of course brother Bobby. Just a mere plug from the country's idol will surely lead boxing fans to keep an eye on these boxers.
With Pacquiao's win leading to better things to come for local boxing, it's obvious that the boxing community with the widest base and best training ground is going to benefit from all these. And that's us here in Cebu! Aside from those already mentioned, we also have OPBF champs Malcolm Tu?acao (bantamweight), Randy Suico (super featherweight) and Rev Santillan (welterweight). We're now beginning to reap the fruits of the efforts of a genuine youth-based grassroots program that is now producing world-class boxers. And we already know the person behind all these, don't we? His name is practically written in between the lines of all the boxers mentioned above.
Pacquiao and Cebu Boxing: a perfect 1-2 combination. Pacquiao's popularity has opened the doors for others to follow his footsteps with Cebu Boxing readily and rightfully stepping up to take the lead.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rico Navarro.
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