AN INTERVIEW WITH RODEL MAYOL
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 29 Mar 2012
Filipino boxing fans are now very much aware of the weigh-in controversy in Mexico involving defending WBA flyweight champion Hernan Marquez and challenger Rodel Mayol. The protests made by Team Mayol regarding Marquez' inability to make weight led to the cancellation of the fight and substitute Richie Mepranum lost to Marquez on points in a non-title bout.
Philboxing had a short but revealing Q and A with Mayol today. Here are the highlights:
Philboxing: Rodel, the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) has stated that they will help you, but were you informed that the GAB is waiting for an official report fom your team?
Mayol: No, I was not aware of that. Thank you for informing me. I will try to contact them. I will also ask my trainers to contact them. I was planning on going back home this Holy Week but I will contact them before that.
Philboxing: How long did it take for them to proclaim that Marquez made weight?
Mayol: They really cheated. When he stepped on the scales the first time, he even hold on the pillar in front of him, you know, where that rod which is used to measure height. You are not supposed to hold on to anything when you're being weighed.
Then people started telling him to try, try again. He went on the scales for a second and third time. He was more than two pounds overweight. People kept telling him to try again. The scale measured in kilograms, he was supposed to weigh 50.8 kgs, he weighed 52 kgs. The scale ? the part with the calibration - was even rattling every time he stood on it.
Then a crowd started to surround him and while he was hanging his foot when he stepped on the scale, he did not stand properly but they pulled him away saying he already registered 112 lbs. There was confusion as my trainers protested. Michael Koncz said 'this is b?ls?t!?
All of this happened in a span of ten to fifteen minutes.
Philboxing: Do you mean to say that Marquez lost more than two pounds in ten minutes, without running or trying to sweat and all that?
Mayol: Yes. It was unbelievable. But I also knew he had a history of weight problems. When he fought Donaire, he had trouble making weight as a superflyweight.
I remember a similar incident happening to me in Japan years ago, my trainer then , Juanito Ablaca, even threatened people to a fist fight.
Philboxing: What concerns us now is who will help you? Are you covered by the Muhammad Ali Boxing Act? You are living in L.A. Who will plead your case? Did the GAB know about the fact that you went to Mexico without a contract?
Mayol: I trained there but I did not renew my license in the Philippines. I renewed my license in Nevada and California. We trusted the Mexican camp. We usually sign contracts there during presscons or weigh-ins.
Manny Pacquiao did not know that we went to Mexico without a contract. Michael Koncz trusted the Mexican camp. That is the usual practice there, we sign contracts during weigh-ins.
Koncz was very helpful. I trust him during negotiations. He is still helping me. He is negotiating a fight for me in the U.S. I could fight Marquez in Las Vegas. I plan to train again in the Philippines.
WHO WILL FIGHT FOR RODEL MAYOL?
Mayol's story is in danger of being dumped into the dustbin of history. Sticking to your principles and doing what is right can be a very lonely road.
Winston Churcill once said that History is written by the victors. The rich and powerful are also capable of rewriting history. Will you believe the word of one boxer or the word of high ranking boxing officials and the people involved with the promotion?
It is not a question of whether you believe Mayol's story or whether you believe that Mayol could have really beaten Marquez. This is a question of justice and fair play.
I am not a lawyer but I wonder if the various agencies created to help Filipino workers from exploitation and illegal recruiters also have say on this. I have a feeling that this will not be the last time a Filipino boxer will be stuck in this kind of predicament.
I am aware that I am being na?ve. Boxing history is filled with stories like this and people often get tired of hearing it. This may not be as spectacular as the ring riot in Argentina but it is more disturbing.
But every once in while, someone makes a stand. Basic human decency and integrity are put to the test. It is in small battles like this that real champions emerge.
For boxers like Mayol, I can tell them that you do not need a belt for people to consider you a champion.
?Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.? - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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