CASIMERO?S 2nd VICTORY ON THE ROAD SHOULD OPEN SOME CORPORATE EYES
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 07 Aug 2012
Johnriel Casimero proved to the whole world, to Filipinos in particular that his victory over Luis Lazarte in Argentina last February to win the interim IBF Junior Flyweight title was no fluke.
Last Saturday, the slugger from Ormoc City beat the challenge of Pedro Guevarra at a fight held at the latter?s home town in Mexico to keep his title.
Casimero won by a majority decision indicating that he had a very tough fight. But to his credit he stood his ground in spite of the fact that he was fighting in the lion?s den.
His victory though not spectacular as a KO victory was none-the-less outstanding.
It?s no joke to win in Mexico particularly if the opponent hails from the same town where the fight is being held.
I should know for I have worked with Filipino boxers in different parts of Mexico on many occasions.
First, there is the hometown crowd. It?s no secret that a boisterous hometown crowd can pump up the homeboy and make him perform more than expected.
Then there is the ambiance that only a home turf can produce including of course the weather, the temperature, the local area altitude, the food and family support.
With the victory of Casimero, I for one feel that it is time for him to defend his title in the Philippines.
First the Filipino boxing fans deserve to see their new champion in action.
Well, at least a great majority of them - those that often come and pay for their tickets to see ?live? fights and not depend on ?freebies? from the promoters and the boxers.
Casimero needs to fight in his home turf for his next fight.
He earned that privilege.
As they say, if not now, when?
At the rate our champions fight abroad, it would not be a surprise if one of these days they will run into a brick wall and lose their title before they get to showcase their wares to the local fans.
We have seen that scenario too many times.
Therefore, before that happens, at least even for once, these champions should defend their crowns in the Philippines.
But as Casimero promoter Samson Gello-ani said, it would be too difficult to promote a fight in the Philippines. Read: it?s too expensive!
As a pundit from Cebu once told me:- ?Many fans would love to support a fight but economy simply does not always allow that to happen.?
Without a huge fan base to buy the tickets, the risks in putting up a promotion are great.
Ideally, it would be nice if the government can help. But it seems our officials are focused on other things (themselves, perhaps?) and national pride is oftentimes set at the back burners although none of them would admit that.
Therefore, the only hope for a title fight in the country is with corporate support.
That however is easier said than done because corporations understandably must have a reasonable ROI on any venture. No one can fault them for that. After all, they are in business to make money.
To their credit, some of our major corporations are beginning to move towards boxing sponsorships. The Pinoy Pride Series started by ALA Boxing is an example. They have arrangements with ABS-CBN and a few other corporations.
Perhaps it is time for other big corporations to step up. They could use Golden Boy Promotions in LA as a model. GBP puts up regular fight cards with corporate sponsors from beer makers to tool manufacturers and even a phone company.
We have a few large corporations that can step forward. If these corporations can put up large sums of money for basketball, I see no reason why they can?t do it for boxing.
They have the resources. But do they have the desire to help?
I hope so.
Certainly, Casimero?s victory would help make that happen.
Post Script: As the monsoon rains continue to batter the country, please join me in praying for our country and its people. Thank you.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
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