INSIDE SPORTS: THE WBO ROBBERY
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 27 Feb 2007
In what must surely go down as an unmitigated travesty, the World Boxing Organization appointed referee – New York based Puerto Rican Samuel Viruet, Los Angeles based Mexican Raul Caiz Jr and Las Vegas judge Chuck Giampa virtually came into our homes, enjoyed the legendary Filipino hospitality, turned around and robbed us blind.
It was done under the very nose of WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel who attempted to mitigate the crime by saying that Gorres would remain No. 1 and since Fernando Montiel was likely to move up in weight would be given a crack at the vacant title if that happens. That is no consolation. In fact we personally consider it an insult. Valcarcel should realize that Filipinos are people of dignity and decency and don’t need any such sops after the commission of what amounted to a crime.
The WBO has made an effort to expand its influence and recognition in the Asian region but after presiding over such a felony, Valcarcel and his band better not expect too much from the Philippines. After all, the three bigger and more recognized organizations, the WBC, IBF and WBA have been fair to the Philippines and there is no sane reason for us to support an organization that comes into our midst, doesn’t respect Asians by naming even one Asian judge and in the end lets its Hispanic connection virtually screw us, pardon the language. The sight of a seemingly jubilant Viruet jumping around and posing for photos with Montiel after the fight and talking to his corner in Spanish during the bout sent a clear message of his obvious partiality.
Viruet and Caiz in particular came with smiles all around and sang nothing but praises for the superb, world-class set-up at the Cebu City Sports Complex which was handled by the respected boxing patron Tony Aldeguer, his son Michael who is slowly taking over the mantle of his father and promoter Sammy Gello-ani. But it was in many respects a family affair as the charming Ms. Lou Aldeguer, a woman of exquisite taste, their two other sons Jay and Chris and the lovely wives of all three – Camille, Christine and Nai added their own unmistakable touch of beauty and class to every aspect of “The Moment of Truth.” It was a family that showcased the best in the Filipino and the entire presentation from the press conferences, the official weigh-in and the staging of the fight could surpass any US championship fight card. It was something we Filipinos could justly be proud of.
In stark contrast, the WBO leadership and their appointed officials should bow their heads in shame. Montiel and his camp had initially feared coming to the Philippines fearing a hometown decision. But when it was all over they surely realized that Filipinos do not stoop that low and that it was the visiting officials who stole the belt that rightfully belonged to Z “The Dream” Gorres – a decent young man who is a tribute to the sport and to his country. As he made his entrance, a former young fighter Rey Caitom carried a sign which read, “For God and Country.” Tragically, they were both denied by officials the likes of whom continue to drive away fight fans resulting in boxing beginning to take a dive in public interest .
The cheating didn’t only deprive Gorres of what was rightfully his, it robbed the sport in the Philippines of a chance to grow even further, beyond the stature and the passion that have followed the remarkable exploits in the ring of our national treasure, Manny Pacquiao. Even more significant was the fact that it deprived a decent, dedicated, skilful and fine young man of a chance to serve as an example of the kind of champion that elevates boxing from the depths it so often sinks into.
When our valued friend Tony Aldeguer in response to the obvious effort to mitigate the pain of losing by the promise of a rematch said he would rather choose an IBF title fight than a WBO championship, he demonstrated his dignity. Perhaps, the WBO and the men who pulled off the heist in our own home would now realize that the Philippines is populated by principled men and women and that they should never be taken for granted.
The 30,000 fans also showed their class as sportsmen. They didn’t boo the decision or hurl bottles or chairs into the ring and stage a riot like Puerto Ricans did in Madison Square Garden when the late, great Hall-of-Famer Gabriel “Flash” Elorde won a split decision over Frankie Narvaez. In fact they gave Montiel polite applause as he walked towards his dressing room. Despite the outcome, one thing for sure, there is every reason for Gorres to hold his head up high and for our people to be proud of what we showed the rest of the world in “The Moment of Truth.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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