MONTIEL VOWS TO END FIGHT EARLY!
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 18 Feb 2007
CEBU, PHILIPPINES--Reigning WBO superfly king Fernando Montiel showed no signs of the long journey he took from Mexico to Cebu, as he gamely answered media queries and even vowed to stop challenger Z 'The Dream' Gorres right in the first round when they clash on Saturday here.
Montiel, accompanied by his father-manager Manuel and brothers, took part in the arrival press conference organized by promoter Sammy 'Don King' Gello-ani held moments ago at the posh Cebu City Marriott Hotel's Ballroom 1.
"I will KO Gorres in the first round," declared Montiel through an interpreter. "And that's the truth."
Fernando "Cochulito" Montiel (center) of Mexico answers the media during this afternoon's presscon at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel. With him is his father Manuel (right) and his brother Manuel, Jr. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Also present at today's press conference were promoter Sammy Gello-ani and Gorres' manager Michael Aldeguer.
"I would like to thank Team Montiel for the professionalism of coming on time.The Filipino people are happy to welcome you here in Cebu," said promoter Gello-ani.
"In behalf of the ALA Gym i would like to welcome Team Montiel. We have the highest respect for Fernando Montiel. Z Gorres probably had his best camp for this fight, we're looking forward to a great fight, this is going to be a big show," said ALA Boys manager Michael Aldeguer.
Manuel Montiel Sr, the fighter's father-trainer-manager, also said: "Thank you so much for the warm welcome. We have not felt stranger at all especially with the food. My son has been feeling ok. He slept at 10PM and woke up at 9AM. We have not been affected by the 15-hour flight. You wont be disappointed. You will see a great championship."
A big press conference will be held on Thursday at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel where Montiel and Gorres will meet for the first time, while the weigh-in takes place on Friday at the Rajah Park Hotel, the official home of Team Montiel.
WBO President Paco Valcarcel will be arriving on Wednesday, as well as WBO Vice President for Asia Pacific Leon Panoncillo.
Golden Boy Promotions vice president Eric Gomez and international matchmaker non-pareil Sampson Lewkowicz are arriving on Thursday, as well as some of the American officials who will work the Montiel-Gorres fight.
ABS-CBN will air the fight, while its global arm The Filipino Channel will distribute the international feed.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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