RP pugs work out right after long trip

AMSTERDAM – The five-man Philippine team worked out on Saturday night, drawing praises from head coach Pat Gaspi for its spirited effort during the hour-long practice barely hours after arriving in Milan, Italy from a long, tiring trip from Havana,Cuba via Paris.

Headed by two-time Olympian Harry Tañamor, the Filipino boxers shadowboxed, skipped ropes, punched mitts, hit the heavy bags and did some road work during an hour-long workout as they prepared for the 2009 AIBA World amateur boxing championship which opens in beautiful Milan on Monday.

‘’Maayos ang practice nila kanina maski mahaba at nakakapagod yung trip papunta dito (Milan),’’ said Gaspi in a text message to Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines executive-director Ed Picson, who missed his connecting flight to Milan along with assistant coach Ronald Chavez on Saturday evening.

‘’Nasa kundisyon lahat sila. Handa nang lumaban,’’ said Gaspi, a national team boxer in the late 70s, in another text message to Picson.

In a talk with Filipino journalists, Picson said the Pinoy boxers are rarin’ to go.

‘’They are ready to fight anytime. The only thing they complain about are homesickness and the absence of native food,’’ he said.

To solve this problem, he and Chavez brought with them bottled tuyo, sardines, corned beef and noodles, something which the boxers have been craving for after only a few days of stay in Havana.

With Tañamor (light flyweight) on the team are Joan Tipon (bantamweight) Charlie Suarez (featherweight) , Genebert Basadre (Iight welterweight ) and Jeogin Lagon (lightweight), who arrived in Milan after a 14-hour journey from Havana where they trained for almost a month under Cuban coaches Enrique Steyners Tissert and Dagoberto Roxas Scott and sparred with boxers from Brazil, Venezuela and Cuba.

They are among the more than 500 fighters from all over the world competing in this 12-day tournament, which is acknowledged as the second biggest, most prestigious tournament in amateur boxing next to the Olympic Games and producer of amateur greats like Teofilio Stevenson and Felix Savon of Cuba.

Who will climb the ring first among the Filipino boxers, backed by PLDT Global Corp. under Manny V. Pangilinan and Al Panlilio and the Philippine Sports Commission under Ambassador Harry Angping, will not be known until Monday morning when the first day pairings are made during the drawing of lots.

Pecson and Chavez, along with a few other passengers, missed the connecting flight from here to Milan after airline personnel failed to properly inform them of the changes in the boarding gate assignments, leaving them with no choice but to spend the night at the airport hotel.

Viloria retains IBF lightflyweight title

MANILA, Philippines - Brian Viloria came prepared to go the distance against his challenger from Mexico and the Filipino boxer also known as the “Hawaiian Punch” went on to keep his International Boxing Federation light-flyweight crown yesterday.

Viloria took early control of the match set for 12 rounds, but gave up a couple of rounds to the late-charging Jesus Iribe who in the early going fought like all he wanted was to be in the ring with the reigning 108-lb champ.

In the final round, however, it seemed that Iribe had Viloria in trouble, catching the 2000 Olympics silver medalist with a few good shots that had the crowd going and cheering wildly at the Blaisdell Center Arena in Hawaii.

Viloria did hang on, landing some good ones as he stayed out of trouble. Both fighters were trading blows when the final bell sounded. Immediately, they embraced each other on the center of the ring amid cheers.

All three judges had Viloria winning, 118-110, 117-112, 117-111. As the referee raised his hands in victory, Iribe was gracious in defeat, clapping his hands. Raised on the shoulders of his trainer, Viloria did the Hawaiian dance.

“We all fought our hearts out tonight. I hope you guys enjoyed that,” Viloria, now with 26-2 record with 15 knockouts, said later on. Iribe said he came to win but didn’t have enough power behind his fists, and dropped to 15-6-5.

It was the first defense of the title, which Viloria won over another tough Mexican, Ulises Solis, last April 19 at the Araneta Coliseum. He chose to take the fight to Hawaii, where he was born on Nov. 24, 1980 and rose to become a champion.

It was the first world title fight in Hawaii since 1976, and those who came to see the fight, mostly for Viloria, got what they wanted. For Viloria, it was also his first fight in Hawaii since he defeated Valentin Leon in 2003.

Viloria won the WBC light-flyweight crown in September of 2005 when he knocked out Eric Ortiz at the Staples Center, fighting as an undercard in the Manny Pacquiao-Hector Velasquez match.

But that reign proved short-lived as Viloria lost to Omar Niño Romero the year after. Romero was stripped of the crown after failing a drug test, and Viloria faced Edgar Sosa for the vacant crown, and again lost via decision.

Except for Viloria and his manager Gary Gittelsohn, many thought it was all over for the “Hawaiian Punch” who had to fight his next fight in places which he described as “places where people don’t even want to go.” He fought once in a swap meet in Los Angeles.

But Viloria posted a string of victories, leading to the fight with Solis. He did not waste the opportunity, getting too emotional after posting an 11th round knockout, and saying this time, he wants his reign as champion to last longer.

The victory over Iribe was proof that Viloria is there to stay. Now he wants a rematch with Sosa, and he might just get it as soon as possible. Two other fighters being considered as his next foe are Ivan Calderon and Japan’s Koki Kameda.

Viloria has not won seven fights in a row, and his next, he added, could be his last at 108 lb.

Two other Filipinos, AJ Banal and Dennie Laurente, hurdled their respective opponents in the card billed as “Island Assault.”

Banal survived a point deduction for a low blow in the ninth round, and three falls due to shoving to unanimously beat Mexico’s Jose Beranza in their 10-round flyweight contest.

It was bloody affair and both fighters wore cuts over their eyes by the time the fight ended. Banal, whose rise to face was momentarily halted by a bitter loss to Rafael Concepcion last year, improved to 20-1-1.

Laurente, also scored a unanimous decision over Mexico’s Zaid Zavalete in their light-welterweight bout. There were no knockdowns and the Filipino, after 10 rounds, raised his ring record to 32-3-5.

Watch Brian Viloria vs Jesus Iribe Replay

P1 million for boxing gold in World Championships

MANILA, Philippines - A cash incentive of P1 million for a gold medal awaits Filipino fighters who will win the gold in the Senior World Boxing Championships set Sept. 1-12 in Milan, Italy.

The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, led by chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and president Ricky Vargas, made the announcement a few days before a five-man RP team left Havana, where the boxers had been training, for Milan.

ABAP executive director Ed Picson also said a silver medal is worth P500,000 and a bronze P250,000.

“This should go a long way in providing our boxers some motivation outside the desire to bring honor to the country,” said Picson.

Of nine boxers currently in training in Havana, Cuba, five were chosen to banner the Philippine campaign in Milan.

They are light flyweight Harry Tañamor, bantamweight Joan Tipon, featherweight Charly Suarez, lightweight Joegin Ladon, and light welterweight Genebert Basadre.

PLDT Global Corp., an international company under the umbrella of the giant PLDT-Smart conglomerate, is a major sponsor of the Philippine participation in the tournament via their mobile phone service Smart Pinoy, which services OFW’s in Italy, Hongkong and Singapore.

Al Panlilio, PLDT Global Corporation president, expressed elation at the chance to provide assistance.

“We feel honored with this opportunity to backstop our Filipino boxers in this epic international battle. We hope our humble contribution to this national effort will bring honor and pride to our people,” he said. Picson said that while the Philippine Sports Commission headed by chairman Harry Angping funded the boxers’ trip, all other incidental expenses are being borne by Smart Pinoy.

Roach sounds alarm - Pacman busy in showbiz

MANILA, Philippines - Freddie Roach is sounding the alarm over in Los Angeles and Manny Pacquiao is busy shooting a commercial somewhere in Metro Manila.

The three-time Trainer of the Year yesterday told fighthype.com he’s “pissed off” about Pacquiao’s failure to make it clear where he wants to train for the Nov. 14 fight with WBO champion Miguel Cotto.

Roach said he talked to Mike Koncz over the telephone the other day, asking Pacquiao’s Canadian adviser if they’ve made a decision on where or when the training for the fight would start.

“I talked to Mike Koncz yesterday, and I said, ‘Where are we going to train?’ He said, ‘I haven’t asked Manny yet.’ I said ‘you haven’t asked Manny yet? What do you mean you haven’t’ asked Manny yet.’”

All Koncz could say was that Pacquiao was busy making a movie, and Roach, as suggested by the report, must have blown his top when he said, “What the hell? You’re scared to ask Manny?”

Roach, normally cool, added, “I’m pissed off about it.”

Yesterday, The STAR failed to get in touch with Koncz but got through on the phone with Pacquiao’s lawyer Franklin Gacal, who said there’s only so much Koncz or anyone else around Pacquiao could do.

“It’s not only Freddie who’s trying to get it (training) started but us, too. But Manny’s too busy finishing his movie. We, including Mike, never fail to remind him of his commitments on and off the ring,” said Gacal.

“But he’s the boss. He makes the decisions. You know Manny. Freddie knows Manny,” said the lawyer, who said Pacquiao was busy shooting a commercial for a deodorant as of presstime yesterday.

“I’ve asked everybody concerned that all these should be over by Sept. 5. That’s pack-up time,” said Gacal.

Pacquiao said he wants to train in Baguio upon his return from the five-day press tour that starts on Sept. 10 and would take the Filipino pound-for-pound champion and Cotto to New York, Puerto Rico, San Francisco and LA.

Roach said Baguio is not the ideal place to train because of all the distractions. He said he fears the same thing would happen as when Pacquiao trained for some time in Cebu City for his last fight with Marco Antonio Barrera.

Roach said there’s Toluca or Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, or Cancun and even the Bahamas as the other places to train. But not in Baguio because “we don’t need vacation areas with tourists watching us and so forth.’

“Right now we really don’t know yet where training would start. But Manny still likes Baguio. ‘Yun pa din ang gusto niya (He still likes it),” said Gacal.

Viloria retains IBF lightflyweight title

HONOLULU (AP) — Brian Viloria earned a 12-round, unanimous decision over Jesus Iribe to retain the IBF light flyweight championship on Saturday night.

The Hawaiian Punch (26-2) controlled the fast-paced bout in front of his hometown crowd, starting and ending with a flurry of punches. The bigger Iribe broke his right hand in the second round but still slugged it out the entire fight.

The scorecards were 118-110, 117-112, 117-111 in favor of 108-pound Viloria.

With the win, Viloria's handlers are seeking a fight against WBO light flyweight champion Ivan Calderon.

Mexican Blue, Hawaiian Punch today

By Edri K. Aznar

INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight champion Brian “Hawaiian” Viloria is set to defend his title against Mexican warrior Jesus “Azul” Iribe today in his turf at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.

After winning the IBF crown by knocking out long-time champion Ulises Solis in the 11th round of their world title tussle at the Araneta Coliseum last April, the 28-year-old Viloria will defend his title for the first time.

Following his loss to Edgar Sosa in 2007 for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title, Viloria has been on a romp and won his last six outings while Iribe is on a two-fight winning run.

Records

The two-time world champion has a respectable record of 25 victories and two losses with 15 knockouts, while Iribe holds a professional boxing slate of 15 wins, five defeats and five draws with nine knockouts.

In yesterday’s weigh-in, both fighters hit the target of the light flyweight limit as Viloria tipped the scales at 107.5 lbs. while Iribe was heavier at 108 lbs.

Two other Filipino warriors will be seeing action in the boxing extravaganza dubbed as “Island Assault.”

Cards

ALA star AJ “Bazooka” Banal (19-1-1, 16 KO’s) is slated to trade leathers with Mexican veteran journeyman Jose Angel “Pepe” Beranza (35-15-2, 25 KO’s), while Filpino fighter Dennis Laurente (31-3-5, 16 KO’s) faces Mexican combatant Zaid “El Exterminator” Zavaleta (18-5-2, 11 KO’s).

Although Beranza and Zavaleta have unimpressive records they aren’t pushovers as they have fought some respectable fighters in their careers.

Beranza has fought the likes of Nestor Rocha, former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez and defeated ex-world titleholder Iva Hernandez, while Zavaleta has fought Venezuelan knockout artist and WBC lightweight king Edwin Valero.

The boxing showdown will be beamed live via Dream Satellite at 10:30 a.m. while the delayed telecast will be shown at 3 p.m. on GMA-7 and Solar Sports.



Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 30, 2009.

Brian Viloria vs Jesus Iribe Fight

"Island Assault" The Brian Villoria vs. Jesus Iribe fight @ Yahoo! Video

Watch Viloria vs Iribe Boxing Fight Live

Featured in this boxing main event is current IBF light flyweight champion Brian "Hawaiian Punch" Viloria who will defend his title for the first time against Mexican Jesus “Azul” Iribe this August 29, 2009 Saturday 10PM ET at the Neal Blaisdell Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. This fight is dubbed as “Island Assault: Viloria vs. Iribe.”

Viloria is coming off a from spectacular 11th round knockout win over hard-hitting Ulises Solis to grab the title last April 19 at the Araneta Coliseum. Viloria promised to defend his title much longer than the first championship title he won in 2005. Although, he did not promise a knock out in this fight but he vowed to slug it out and be ready for 12 rounds of action.

On the other hand, Iribe comes in with style that is perfect against a counter puncher like Viloria. Iribe's last fight last June 19, he scored an 8th round TKO over Angel Rezago to retain his FECOMBOX title. Iribe's last loss was a twelve round unanimous decision to tough Mexican WBC light flyweight champion Edgar Sosa who has beaten Filipinos Juanito Rubillar, Sonny Boy Jaro and Viloria himself.

The undercards for this boxing fight will feature several Filipino boxers, including AJ "Bazooka" Banal who will face Jose Angel Beranza in a matchup of top bantamweight contenders, Dennis Laurente facing Zaid Zavaleta and Alfonso Gomez going up against Sergio Rios.

Tale of the tape: Brian Viloria has a record of 25 wins (15KOs) , lost 2, drawn 0 while Jesus Iribe has 15 wins (9KOs), lost 5, drawn 5.

So, don’t forget to watch Viloria vs Iribe live video streaming. There are other choices and options on how to watch Viloria vs Iribe fight Live Online for free, just search at Sopcast or Justin TV. Come and let’s watch Viloria vs Iribe live fight this August 29th Saturday Visit this post regularly for updates.

Viloria fight on PPV

By Edri K. Aznar

THE “Island Assault” boxing extravaganza that features the first world title defense of International Boxing Federation light flyweight title holder Brian Viloria against hard-hitting Jesus Iribe in Blaisdell Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii will be shown on Philippine television on Sunday.

The fight will be shown live via pay-per-view on Dream Satellite, while the delayed telecast will be aired on GMA-7 and Solar Sports.

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The 28-year-old Viloria is set to defend his title in his own turf against a tough Iribe. He won his title from Ulises Solis last April in the blockbuster “Pinoy Power” fight card at the Araneta Coliseum.

Viloria holds a record of 25 wins and two defeats with 15 knockouts, while Iribe has 15 victories, five losses and five draws with nine knockouts.

There will be two other Filipinos seeing action in the fight card—ALA Gym star AJ Banal and the heavy-handed Dennis Laurente (31-3-5, 16 KO’s).

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 29, 2009.

Viloria plans to wear down Mexican challenger

MANILA – Dead serious about retaining his title, IBF junior flyweight champion Brian Viloria said he plans to wear down Mexican challenger Jesus Iribe when they meet up for their “Island Assault” showdown this Saturday (Sunday in the Philippines).

Viloria told Ricardo Conde of Hotboxing news.com that Iribe likes to fight from a distance. “I don't think he likes to tangle it up in the middle,” he said.

To get to Iribe, Viloria said he will have to apply extra pressure to wear out the Mexican challenger.

“I'm just going to have to put a lot of pressure on him and put my combinations together and I should be able to break him down that way,” he said.

Viloria had just won the IBF title by knocking out Ulises Solis on April 19, 2009. The Filipino-American said he does not plan to lose the belt anytime soon.

Iribe, meanwhile, is also determined to snatch the belt from Viloria.

In a report by PhilBoxing.com’s Dong Secuya, the Mexican said it will be all business when he steps inside the ring.

"We respect the champion but we are going home with the title," Iribe said through his manager Alejandro Brito.

The Viloria-Iribe match up is slated to take place at the Blaisdell Arena in Hawaii.

Included in the under card matches are Viloria's fellow Filipinos AJ "Bazooka" Banal and Dennis Laurente, both of whom will face Mexican foes.

The come-backing Banal is set to face Jose Angel Beranza while Laurente will square it off with Zaid Zalaveta.

Cotto a tough nut to crack, says Roach

By NICK GIONGCO
August 28, 2009, 7:36pm

Freddie Roach doesn’t want Manny Pacquiao to have the illusion that Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto is just going to roll over and die on November 14.

While most ringsiders see Cotto as being slow-footed and easy-to-hit, Roach sees something that makes him truly a livewire opponent.

Roach said people may have forgotten that Cotto holds a huge win over one of boxing’s toughest and trickiest fighters in Shane Mosley, who, like Pacquiao is quick on his feet and punches in bunches.

“Cotto beat Mosley,” said Roach, sounding a bit puzzled over claims being peddled that Pacquiao would have an easy time disposing of Cotto when they square off at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Cotto bested Mosley when they fought in November 2007.

“This is going to be Manny’s toughest fight,” said Roach, who wants to set up training camp in Toluca, Mexico, to ensure that Pacquiao stays focused in the runup to Cotto.

The fight will be at 145 lbs and Cotto’s coveted World Boxing Organization welterweight crown will be on the line.

Despite an apparent slide in Cotto’s performance the past year, Roach remains a believer that Cotto still has a lot of championship juice left in his tank.

Cotto has started training in Puerto Rico under the strict supervision of head trainer Joe Santiago and strength coach Phil Landman.

Pacquiao hasn’t started his as the Filipino is still busy fulfilling all his showbiz commitments and is scheduled to report to the gym in mid-September which will officially kick off his eight-week training camp.

Boom wants back

By Edri K. Aznar

AFTER suffering a career-threatening wrist injury, Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista has been working his way in tip-top shape, eager for his ring return. Now, Bautista will have a chance to get back into the limelight with a fight on Oct. 16 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.

Bautista has been keeping his left wrist injury quiet since 2007, when he was prospected to be the next big thing in boxing, for fear that he won’t be allowed to fight again.

However, it proved detrimental as the injured wrist, which was operated last February, almost ended his career because the infection could have spread.

Light training

After finishing his physical therapy rehabilitation at the Perpetual Succour Hospital, the 23-year-old Bautista has already started light training at the ALA Gym. He has been working on his footwork and conditioning in the past three months.

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“So far, so good, he has been hitting the bag already. He also did some minor sparring,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer in an interview with Sun.Star Cebu.

Aldguer expects a more mature Bautista because he believes that his ward has learned a lot with all the troubles that have plagued his career.

“He has the heart and has always been very determined. He never complains. Hopefully, he has learned a lot with what has happened to his career. He has been going back to the gym a lot. He has never stopped training even with a cast in his arm.

Expect a different ‘Boom-Boom’ on fight night,” said Aldeguer.

Still strong

Some fighters will never be the same after suffering a major injury, but Aldeguer believes that Bautista will still be as explosive as he once was.

“Knowing Boom-Boom, if he had the rotten bone and fought and endured the pain, then why not now?” he said.

Aldeguer is confident that Bautista still has what it takes to become a future world champion despite the setbacks in his young professional boxing career.

“If you hit rock bottom there’s nowhere to go but up,” said Aldeguer.

Aldeguer said that Bautista will possibly be fighting for a regional title in this fight, so that he will be back in the world rankings.

Also projected to see action in the huge Cebu boxing card are ALA Boys Czar Amonsot, Milan Melindo and Jason Pagara.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 26, 2009.

Banal to fight without Roach by his side

By Edri K. Aznar

RENOWED boxing train-er Freddie Roach won’t be in ALA boy AJ Banal’s corner when he faces Mexican veteran Jose Angel Beranza in the “Island Assault” boxing showdown on Aug. 29 in Hawaii because of personal matters he had to attend to.

Earlier this week, Roach, who molded Manny Pacquiao’s boxing style from a slugger to a complete fighter, said he wanted to be in Banal’s corner in Hawaii but because of an important appointment, he will miss the trip.

“As of now, he will not be able to make it because something came up,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.

However, even if Roach won’t be in Banal’s corner this Sunday (RP time) in Hawaii, Aldeguer is still ecstatic with the new development as the famed trainer has shown interest in guiding the 19-year-old Cebuano fighter’s boxing career.

“We really wanted him in AJ’s corner,” said Aldeguer.

“But what’s important for us is the long-term plan of Freddie joining the team in all the future fights,” he said.

Aldeguer is planning to fly to the US in October or November to formalize the agreement with Roach.

He will also be there in the US to discuss the upcoming fights of his wards Z Gorres, who will be seeing action on Nov. 13, and welterweight prospect Mark Jason Melligen, who will be scheduled to fight on Oct. 17 and Dec. 12.

Banal is scheduled to fly to Hawaii today and will be accompanied by trainer Edmund Villamor and ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Cañete.

Banal has been on a two-fight winning streak since he lost to former world titleholder Rafael Concepcion in 2008 at the Cebu Coliseum.

He holds a record of 19 victories, a defeat and a draw with 16 knockouts.

On the other hand, Beranza is an experienced fighter with 32 wins, 15 losses and two draws with 25 knockouts.

He has fought the likes of former world champion Johnny Gonzales, one-time world title challenger Nestor Rocha and defeated World Boxing Organization super flyweight titlist Ivan Hernandez.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 27, 2009.

Viloria in 5

By Edri K. Aznar

NEWLY-crowned interim World Boxing Association super flyweight titleholder Nonito Donaire Jr. is confident it will only take five rounds for his fellow Filipino world champion Brian Viloria to dispose Mexican of challenger Jesus Iribe and retain his International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight crown on Aug. 29 in Hawaii.

“I’m confident that Brian will win by knockout. Viloria’s very strong in the early rounds so I’m looking maybe within the fifth round,” said Donaire in a report posted at GMANews.tv.

The 27-year-old Donaire, who recently won the interim WBA title after a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Concepcion in Las Vegas, believes that Viloria is one of the best light flyweights and that he has what it takes to defeat anyone.

“I think he (Viloria) will do a good job. Viloria is strong and I feel that he’s motivated. And when he’s motivated, he’ll defeat everybody in his weight,” he said.

Donaire added that Viloria has the advantage in his title defense this Sunday (RP time) because he is fighting in his own turf with the support of his fans.

“The home crowd, definitely, is to his advantage. His family will be there, friends and the Filipinos, almost everybody is there already,” said Donaire.

Donaire and Viloria fought in the first “Filipino Power” boxing extravaganza, held last April at the Araneta Coliseum.

Both fighters won, with Donaire beating erstwhile undefeated Raul Martinez via a fourth round technical knockout to retain his IBF flyweight title, while Viloria captured the IBF crown after stopping long-time reigning champion Ulises Solis in the 11th round.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 27, 2009.

Donaire, cage officials in forum

MANILA, Philippines - World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super-flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. shares centerstage with RP Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Noli Eala in tomorrow’s session of the PSA Forum at the Shakey’s UN Avenue branch.

What’s up in his next fight tops Donaire’s agenda in the public sports program sponsored by Accel, the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), Shakey’s and Outlast Battery, while Toroman and Eala are expected to talk on the coming activities of the Smart-backed Nationals.

Also appearing in the 10:30 a.m. session are Undersecretary Pedro Cesar Ramboanga Jr and Nick Cabalza as they discuss next month’s Bike for Peace event organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

Sonsona ready for title bout

By Joaquin Henson

MANILA, Philippines - “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona leaves Manila tomorrow to keep his appointment with WBO superflyweight champion Jose (Carita) Lopez of Puerto Rico at Casino Rama, Ontario, Canada, on Sept. 4 and vowed yesterday to become the country’s youngest world titlist ever.

Sonsona, 19, was issued a Canadian visa last Friday and is scheduled to board a Korean Airlines flight to Toronto via Seoul on the way to Ontario. The trip was postponed twice because of the delay in obtaining the visa. But promoter Sammy Gello-ani has assured his departure with trainers Nonito (Dodong) Donaire Sr. and Jun Agrabio and manager Dr. Rajan Yraola.

“We had to rebook his ticket twice,” said Gello-ani who arranged the title shot with Las Vegas matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz. “We were prepared to fly Marvin and Dodong, who both have US visas, to Los Angeles earlier in case we couldn’t confirm the Tuesday flight. But it now looks final. There will be enough time for Marvin to acclimatize before the fight.”

Sonsona weighed 125 pounds after sparring 12 rounds last Friday. Gello-ani said trimming down to the superflyweight limit of 115 in two weeks is “manageable.”

Dr. Yraola said he is not worried about Sonsona’s weight. Neither is Donaire who was contracted to prepare Sonsona for Lopez a month ago. Donaire’s son Nonito Jr. fights in the same division and was recently crowned interim WBA superflyweight champion.

“Dodong is impressed with Marvin,” said Gello-ani. “He called him an exceptional fighter who has all the tools and learns very quickly. At first, Dodong wasn’t sure how Marvin would do against Lopez. Now, he’s confident Marvin can win. He has prepared Marvin to go 12 rounds if necessary. That’s why Dodong wanted Marvin to train in the big ring at the Elorde Gym in Gilmore. Dodong worked on his footspeed and mobility.”

Gello-ani said in all his years of involvement in professional boxing, he has rarely come across an outstanding talent like Sonsona. “He’s different from the rest,” said Gello-ani. “He’s a thinking fighter. He learned a lot from Dodong who is a master of breaking down an opponent’s offense and defense. He absorbed everything he could from Dodong. Now, he’s ready for Lopez.”

Sonsona sparred over 150 rounds with the likes of Rey Megrino, Mulawin Alino, his cousin Eden and Jose Ocampo and will only do light training when he hits Ontario.

In training for Lopez, Sonsona worked out six days a week, running at 6 a.m. in UP Diliman and reporting at 1 p.m. in Dr. Yraola’s gym on Mindanao Avenue or the Elorde facility.

If he dethrones Lopez, Sonsona will become the youngest Filipino world champion ever, gaining the distinction over Ben Villaflor and Manny Pacquiao who were also 19 when they won their first titles but a few months older.

Sonsona is the oldest of three children born to his parents Ben and Iluminada. His brother Jeven is 18 and Karen, 17. He has two half-sisters on his mother’s side and a half-brother and half-sister on his father’s side.

“Marvin’s skill, power and speed can match up with Lopez’ ability,” said Dr. Yraola. “The weigh-in will be on the morning of the fight. That’s our advantage because of Marvin’s youth. It will be easier for him to rehydrate than an older fighter like Lopez.”

Dr. Yraola said Donaire’s plan is for Sonsona to size up Lopez in the early rounds. “If Marvin feels that he can take him out early, he’ll go for it but if it happens that he can’t knock him out in the first three rounds, he’ll just box and wear him down. We noticed that Lopez is somewhat slower than Marvin and can be caught with a counter punch. I think we need to put Lopez down to make sure of the victory.”

Sonsona has never gone beyond five rounds in his career that started only two years ago. His record is 13-0, with 12 KOs. He was only one year old when Lopez turned pro in 1991. Lopez, 37, has a record of 39-7-2, with 32 KOs. The Puerto Rican has not lost in his last 16 outings. Mexico’s Fernando Montiel dealt Lopez his last defeat in 2001.

Donaire honored by Aquino family, too

Nonito Donaire Jr. presents the WBA title belt to former President Cory’s daughters Ballsy, Viel and Pinky. At left is Donaire’s wife Rachel and partly hidden at back is Ballsy’s husband Eldon Cruz.


By Joaquin Henson

MANILA, Philippines - It was supposed to be newly crowned interim WBA superflyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr.’s tribute to the late Sen. Ninoy Aquino and former President Cory Aquino but to his surprise, the surviving Aquino family turned the tables on the fighter in an emotional show of affection at the Roozen Hall of the Don Bosco complex in Makati yesterday.

Donaire and wife Rachel attended the concelebrated morning Mass to commemorate the late Sen. Aquino’s assassination in 1983 at the jam-packed Don Bosco Parish Church then trooped to the Roozen Hall for the champion to present the WBA title belt, his yellow robe (with the inscriptions “I.M.O. (in memory of) former President Cory Aquino” and yellow fighting trunks (with “Aquino” emblazoned on the back waistband) to the family.

Donaire wore the robe and trunks in his win over Panama’s Rafael Concepcion for the interim WBA crown in Las Vegas last Saturday. He dedicated the fight to the late President Cory.

After the turnover, former President Cory’s daughter Ballsy Aquino-Cruz sprang a surprise when she announced the family is “adopting” Donaire as a “bunso” brother.

“I was overwhelmed,” said Donaire. “I never expected it from the family. What an honor for me to be accepted as part of a family which I respect so highly.”

Ballsy then gave Donaire an autographed family portrait and a bag-full of President Cory memorabilia.

Ballsy’s son Jiggy said his grandmother’s name Corazon means “heart” and that’s exactly what Donaire showed in agreeing to fight an overweight Concepcion when he had the option to take his $150,000 purse plus $6,500 as his share of the Panamanian’s fine for failing to make the weight without entering the ring.

Donaire said he couldn’t disappoint the Filipino people by walking away from the bout because it was a matter of national pride.

“It isn’t about money,” he said. “In my heart is instilled the word ‘laban’ which was President Cory’s battlecry in her fight for democracy. We owe her our democracy because she gave us the voice to speak out. I couldn’t have backed out from the fight. I was determined to fight even if Concepcion weighed 20 or 50 pounds over the limit.”

Donaire’s wife Rachel, who wore a bright yellow dress, explained that yellow symbolized hope and a bright future for the Philippines. Donaire was in a suit with a yellow necktie.

“Jun’s fighting color is red but this was an exception to honor President Cory,” she explained. “More than anything, yellow means there is hope for a bright future. It’s a color that shines through and of course, it’s the color that President Cory used to rally our people.”

Donaire said his fighting sign – two interlocked Ls, one upright and the other, reversed – combines “L” for “laban” and “7” or a reverse “L” to commemorate his knockout over Vic Darchinyan for the IBF flyweight title on 07/07/07 – July 7, 2007.

After the Mass, another daughter Pinky Aquino-Abellada walked up the rostrum and thanked the crowd for remembering her parents as heroes. She urged the people to vote wisely and said she is confident that Filipinos know which politicians are candidates for personal gain and which are not.

“There was never a taint of corruption when my father was a senator and my mother was President,” said Pinky. “In the end, they still went home to our old house on Times Street.”

Pinky said Donaire’s belt, robe and trunks will be on display at the Aquino Center in the Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City. The Center is where the family recreated Sen. Aquino’s Fort Bonifacio cell and exhibits the clothes he wore during his assassination.

GMA’s Chino Trinidad was the master of ceremonies in the tribute and testified how Donaire overcame a much bigger opponent to win for the country and the Aquino family. Trinidad covered the fight on-site for live satellite TV transmission to the Philippines.

From Don Bosco, the Aquino family hosted a lunch at 11 Palm Avenue, Forbes Park, where President Cory’s parents lived. The Donaires were warmly received as part of the family.

Among those who attended the lunch were US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, Bro. Bernie Oca of La Salle, Star columnist Popoy Juico and wife Margie, Ambassador Howard Dee, Mila Drilon, Dinky Soliman, Fulgencio Factoran, Cesar Buenaventura, Antonio Gonzalez, Deedee Sytangco, Domingo Lee, Miguel Perez-Rubio, Cesar Sarino, Gen. Voltaire Gazmin, Gen. Ramon Montano, Odette Ong, Speaker Jose and Gina de Venecia, Solar owners William and Wilson Tieng, Ambassador Mercy Tuason, Adolf Azcuna and Maritess Lopez.

Sonsona ready for Canada

By Edri K. Aznar

PROMISING young fighter Marvin Sonsona and his team will be leaving this Tuesday for Canada—the venue of the biggest fight of his professional boxing career.

He will be facing veteran World Boxing Organization super flyweight champion Jose Lopez on Sept. 4 in Ontario, Canada.

“We were supposed to leave Saturday but the holiday delayed the arrival of the visa. But we are still on schedule,” said promoter Sammy Gello-ani.

Sonsona will be joined by coaches Jun Agrabio, Nonito Donaire Sr. and manager Dr. Rajan Yraola.

Sonsona has less than two weeks before his world championship battle but Gello-ani said he still has ample time to adjust to the climate.

In Canada, the 18-year-old standout from General Santos will be finishing his training with light sparring against former world champion Steve Molitor, who is also scheduled to fight in the card against Sergio Escobar.

Sonsona has already finished his heavy training at the Elorde Gym, and has sparred well over 150 rounds. He has been sparring with Paba titlist Rey Migrenio, Nonito
Donaire Jr.’s former sparring mate Jonel Alivio and Jose Ocampo.

Sonsona 110% ready: Gello-ani

By Edri K. Aznar

YOUNG Filipino prospect Marvin Sonsona has been training his heart out in the Elorde Gym for the biggest fight of his professional boxing career, and he is ready to take on and steal the World Boxing Organization super flyweight title from world champion Jose Lopez on Sept. 4 at the Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada.

Renowned Cebuano promoter Sammy Gello-ani, who handles Sonsona’s career in the Philippines, believes that the promising and undefeated fighter has what it takes to dethrone the 37-year-old Lopez.

“He’s 110 percent ready to fight,” said Gello-ani in an interview with Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.

Counter

Gello-ani said Lopez is a pressure fighter and Sonsona will counter this by moving around the ring.

“He’s looking at avoiding the pressure that Lopez will be bringing in. Marvin’s going to move around and take the advantage away from him,” said Gello-ani.

Gello-ani said Nonito Donaire Sr., who was added as one of Sonsona’s trainers, was impressed by Sonsona’s footwork and speed, which could become his main arsenal against the much older Lopez.

Gello-ani is expecting Sonsona’s visa to be released this week.

“I have already booked them for Saturday. I hope everything is on schedule,” said Gello-ani.

Departure

If Sonsona’s visa will be released this week, he will be leaving for Canada with his coaches Jun Agrabio, Nonito Donaire Sr. and manager Dr. Rajan Yraola. Gello-ani will follow.

Sonsona will continue his training in Canada and will wrap up his preparation with a few sparring sessions with former world champion Steve Molitor, who will also be fighting in the fight card against Sergio Escobar.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 20, 2009.

Nietes-Vargas rendezvous gets real

By Edri K. Aznar

AFTER three scheduled dates that were postponed for different reasons, World Boxing Organization mini-flyweight king Donnie Nietes’ much anticipated world title bout against interim champion Manuel Vargas will finally happen.

Following three postponements, Nietes will finally be seeing action in Top Rank’s top-billed boxing series “Latin Fury” on Sept. 12 in Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico.

“I’m 99.5 percent sure that it will push through,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday in an interview.

The Nietes-Vargas showdown was originally set on May 16 and was moved to July 18 because of the A(H1N1) scare in Mexico. It was then rescheduled to Aug. 1, but was postponed anew after the local sponsors backed out.

Due to the delay, Nietes’ training had been jeopardized, but now the 27-year-old ALA fighter is in top condition to face Vargas.

“Donnie had a hard time initially because of the postponement, but he has adjusted for the Sept. 12 fight. The contract has been signed,” said Aldeguer.

So far, Nietes has been having a good training camp at the Wild Card Gym in California. He has been sparring with a couple of Mexican fighters and with Filipino world title contender Rodel Mayol.

“He has had good sparring with Mayol. Mayol is a pretty good fighter and is a huge help,” said Aldeguer.

Aldeguer said that Nietes is taking this fight very seriously as this could be his stepping stone for bigger fights in the future.

“He knows how big this fight is. Vargas is a respected fighter. It will be a tough fight for Donnie, tougher than his fight with Ramirez. Vargas has fought good fighters,” he said. “This will be a good break for Donnie. He has worked hard. He hasn’t been given the recognition that he deserves.”

If Nietes wins this fight against Vargas, there would be a possibility that he would move up a division higher, the light flyweight category, wherein ALA Promotions is looking at pitting him with either World Boxing Association light flyweight titleholder Giovanni Segura or World Boxing Organization light flyweight titlist Ivan Calderon. Former world champion Ulises Solis, Nietes’ dream match, is also considered.

Aldeguer said that “Latin Fury” is a big card because it will be headlined by some of the biggest Mexican fighters like Julio Ceasar Chavez Jr. and Mexican world champion Fernando Montiel. The card will also include ALA star Z Gorres.

Aldeguer said the showdown will be shown in the Philippines via GMA-7 and Solar Sports.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 20, 2009.

Roach, yes, but full-time: Donaire

By Edri K. Aznar

NEWLY-crowned World Boxing Association super flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. isn’t dismissing the idea that he would tap renowned coach Freddie Roach as one of his trainers.

Following his recent world championship victory over the overweight Rafael Concepcion last Sunday at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum advised Donaire to hire Roach as his trainer so that his skills will improve, like what Roach did for pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

“It’s (training with Roach) a possibility,” Donaire said last Tuesday in a report at GMANews.tv.

Because of the guidance of Roach, Pacquiao evolved from a brawler to practically a complete fighter who became a world champion in six different divisions, tied with future hall-of-famer Oscar de la Hoya.

Not too keen

Donaire is considering Roach as a vital key in his team, but he isn’t too keen about it because of the coach’s busy schedule.

“Roach is very good, but the problem is that Roach is training a lot of boxers, like Bernabe Concepcion, Amir Khan, and especially Manny. So when I fight maybe he won’t have the time,” he said. “Aside from our great training, we need an intelligent guy to game plan the whole fight. There’s a possibility of it (Roach joining Team Donaire) but I don’t like that I won’t be given attention when the fight comes. I’m not sure, I like 100 percent (attention) so that my fight will be good.”

Camp

The 26-year-old Donaire has lauded his trainers Dodie Boy and Jonathan Peñalosa for an excellent work in the training camp, which he believes were a huge help in his 12-round unanimous decision victory over Concepcion.

“They (Peñalosas) have done a great job, our training was great that’s why I was very conditioned to last for 12 rounds,” said Donaire. “I have a great relationship with them and definitely next fight (they’ll be there to train me). The Peñalosas are now part of my family,” he added.

Aside from his recent win, the Peñalosa brothers also helped him in his last fight as a flyweight, when he dominated and knocked out former undefeated prospect Raul Martinez in the fourth round, of the first installment of the “Pinoy Power” boxing series last April 19 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 20, 2009.

Donaire calls foe 'a dirty fighter'

WBA interim superflyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. with wife Rachel Ann upon their arrival at the NAIA terminal 2 yesterday from Los Angeles

MANILA, Philippines - Newly-crowned interim WBA superflyweight champion Nonito Donaire, Jr. said yesterday if he weighed anywhere close to what Rafael Concepcion did in their Las Vegas fight, the Panamanian would’ve been knocked out in the first round.

Sporting a welt under his right eye, Donaire arrived in Manila on board Philippine Airlines Flight 107 early yesterday morning to a hero’s welcome. He came with wife Rachel and trainers Dodie Boy and Jonathan Penalosa. The team received VIP treatment from airport authorities.

Donaire spent the day making guest appearances on various TV talk shows and taping two episodes of GMA’s new series “Celebrity Duets.” Today, he will be feted by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim in a motorcade then will visit former President Aquino’s family to give the yellow robe and trunks he wore for the Concepcion fight which he dedicated to the late Chief Executive.

Tomorrow, Donaire’s swollen left hand will be examined by sports medicine specialist Dr. Raul Canlas in Alabang. The country’s top hand specialists Dr. Noel Carillo of St. Luke’s and Dr. Ida Tacata of Makati Medical Center will likely be tapped to suggest a permanent solution to Donaire’s recurring hand problems.

Asked about Concepcion, Donaire minced no words in calling the Panamanian “a dirty fighter.”

“First of all, he had no intentions to make the superflyweight limit (115),” he said. “While I sacrificed and made the weight, he trained at his natural weight (122) and didn’t care if he made the superflyweight limit or not. All he wanted was to beat me. I could’ve cancelled the fight but he knew I wouldn’t because of my pride. Not personal pride but pride for our country.”

The difference in weight is more pronounced in the lower weight categories from minimumweight to lightweight. Gerry Penalosa, for instance, couldn’t bring down Juan Manuel Lopez in their WBO superbantamweight title fight last April because the two-time Filipino world champion, now a natural bantamweight, was too small for the much bigger Puerto Rican.

When Concepcion stepped into the ring to face Donaire last Saturday night, he weighed 134. Donaire was 122. The 12-pound difference meant Concepcion was three weight divisions higher.

Worse, Donaire said Concepcion used dirty tricks to slow him down. “When he jabbed, he stuck out his foot and stepped on me – it caused me to slip twice,” he said. “When he came close, he elbowed me. Then he butted me in the fourth round. My vision in the left eye was a blur for a few rounds because of that. On top of all that, I hurt my hand in the early rounds. It could’ve been as early as the first when I hit him hard on the head and he was staggered. That’s why I couldn’t put my combinations together. I could hit only once at a time.”

Donaire said he noticed in the ninth round, Concpecion’s power started to wane. “You saw his face,” he continued. “He was beat up, tired and bleeding. I really tried to knock him out but because he was so much bigger, he could take my power and besides, I couldn’t put too much behind my left hand because it hurt so bad.”

Donaire’s trainers the Penalosa brothers, who worked his corner with conditioning coach Mike Bazzel, said the fighter never complained about the hand throughout the fight.

“We knew he hurt his hand because he wasn’t throwing combinations,” said Dodie Boy. “But he never complained and we never asked him about it until after the fight. That kid has a lot of heart.”

Donaire said veteran Argentinian trainer Miguel Diaz wrapped his hands before the fight. Ordinarily, Donaire bandages his own hands but this time, he asked for a professional since he chose to use the new foamy Everlast “pro-tech” gloves. He said the wraps didn’t seem thick enough to protect his hands. Concepcion used the thin-foamed Everlast model which is similar to Cleto Reyes’ puncher’s gloves. Both gloves were eight-ouncers.

Two days after the fight, the swelling in his left hand was down but the front of his hand was red all over. He also said there was a slight pain in the palm of his right hand.

“I don’t think there’s a fighter at 115 who can take my power and speed but if you’re two or three weight classes higher, it’s a different story,” said Donaire. “If I build up to 122 and Concepcion stays at that weight, I promise you he won’t last one round with me.”

Donaire said he will submit the medical reports on his hands to Top Rank chairman Bob Arum and his manager Cameron Dunkin who are both based in Las Vegas. The extent of the damage, the repair work and the recovery period will determine how soon Donaire can fight again. He said he hopes to resume light workouts in two weeks and start heavy training in two months to stay on track for a possible fight against Mexico’s rugged Jorge Arce on Dec. 12 in “Pinoy Power 3” in Las Vegas.

Concepcion falls by disqualification

FILIPINO boxing prospect Bernabe Concepcion was disqualified in his first title fight last Sunday at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas after he sent to the canvass defending World Boxing Organization featherweight king Steven Luevano after the sound of the bell that indicated the end of the round. However, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao believes that the decision of referee Jay Nadi was too harsh.

“The referees and the judges should have given Concepcion a chance and gave him a warning. They shouldn’t have ruled a disqualification right away,” said Pacquiao, who will be facing Puerto Rican world titleholder Miguel Cotto, in a report posted at GMAnews.tv.

Despite the disqualification, Concepcion will has a chance to redeem himself by facing Luevano for the title this December, possibly with Donaire and ALA boy Mark Jason Melligen in probably the third installment of the “Pinoy Power” boxing series.

On the other hand, unlike Pacquiao, who is always greeted by a huge crowd of people upon his return to the Philippines after every big fight, newly-crowned World Boxing Association super flyweight champion Nonito Donaire only had a simple welcome yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Donaire and his wife Rachel Marcial arrived yesterday at 3:50 a.m. Donaire Jr. won by unanimous decision against the overweight Rafael Con-cepcion last Sunday at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. He won his second division world title.

Roach breeds wilder Bazooka

EXPECT a much improved AJ Banal on Aug. 29, when he faces Mexican veteran Jose Angel Beranza, as his skills have been honed at the renowned US boxing gym, the Wild Card Gym in California.

Banal has been training for close to three months under the watchful eye of Freddie Roach, who trains pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, and he has gained some experience that could be beneficial in his upcoming bout.

“So far, so good. Freddie has helped a lot in correcting AJ’s flaws,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu in an interview.

Star

Aldeguer believes that with the help of Roach, Banal would become a better fighter and achieve his full potential as a possible boxing star.

“Little by little, with the guidance of Freddie, it will help him a lot in understanding things,” said Aldeguer.

Banal has been sparring with Rodel Mayol, who has an upcoming rematch with World Boxing Organization light flyweight king Ivan Calderon in September.

Banal’s foe Beranza doesn’t have an impressive resume with a 32-15-2 win-loss-draw record, with 25 knockouts. However, he has fought some of the best in the lower divisions like former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez, Nestor Rocha, Heriberto Ruiz and former world champion Ivan Hernandez whom he defeated by a unanimous decision.

“He’s a fighter, he comes in. He’s a typical Mexican. He has fought some good fighters,” said Aldeguer.

Replaced

Banal was originally slated to fight hard-hitting Mexican pugilist Victor Proa, but because of an injury he was replaced by fellow Mexican Beranza.

“We always tell AJ to prepare for different styles,” said Aldeguer.

Aldeguer said they will assess the progress of Banal if he is ready for the bigger picture, another crack at a world title.

“We’ll see his progression. He is still 20 years old. He still has a lot to learn. We’ll assess if he is ready for another title shot in the future,” he said.

So far, the talented Cebuano fighter has been impressive since his first career loss in the hands of Rafael Concepcion last year. He has racked up two impressive wins, both by stoppages.

Banal knocked out Indonesian Nouldy Mana-kane in the fourth round, while he stopped former International Boxing Organization flyweight champion Mbwana Matumla in the second.

“He has learned his mistakes. He has learned so much from that fight,” said Aldeguer.

“So far AJ has improved. He’s now more patient because now he knows that the knockout will come and he’s not forcing it anymore.”

Freddie for Flash?

FOLLOWING Nonito Donaire Jr.’s unanimous decision victory over the bigger Rafael Concepcion last Sunday at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum believes that the Filipino world champion still has room for improvement and suggested to tap the services of renowned boxing coach Freddie Roach as his trainer.

Donaire’s win over Concepcion wasn’t as impressive as most have predicted, but still he took home the World Boxing Association super flyweight crown. However, Arum believes that Donaire can still be a better fighter if he has Roach, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao’s trainer, by his side.

“There’s only one Freddie Roach,” Arum said in a report posted at Yahoo! Sports. “He’s a guy who has a track record.

He makes his fighters better, almost up and down the board. If Nonito got a guy like Freddie, there’s no telling what he could do.”

Roach molded Pacquiao’s career and brought him up to superstardom. He turned Pacquiao from a brawler to a complete fighter that captured six titles in different weight classes and defeated some of the elite fighters of the game like Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.

Arum has recommended Roach as his new trainer, but the 26-year-old Donaire is contented with his current trainers Dodie Boy and Jonathan Peñalosa, the brothers of two-division world titlist Gerry Peñalosa.

After the departure of his father and coach Nonito Donaire Sr. as his trainer, Donaire Jr. tapped the services of the Peñalosa brothers and they have successfully helped him win his last fight in the Philippines against erstwhile undefeated Raul Martinez.

Donaire destroyed Martinez in the fourth round of their fight last April at the Araneta Coliseum.

Watch Donaire vs Concepcion Fight Replay Video

Donaire vs Concepcion Fight Replay Video

RP boxers fly straight to Milan from Havana

MANILA, Philippines - From Havana, five Philippine boxers will head straight to the World Boxing Championship in Milan Aug.28, with the rest returning to Manila a week from now for more training in preparation for the Laos Southeast Asian Games in December.

Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines executive director Ed Picson, who accompanied the boxers to Cuba, said another trip is under negotiation with the Philippine Sports Commission to include women boxers for a stint in China.

“This is timely as the International Olympic Committee has officially announced the inclusion of women’s boxing in the London Olympics in 2012,” Picson said.

Bankrolled by PSC chairman Harry Angping and PLDT-Smart top honcho Manny V. Pangilinan, also the ABAP head, the national boxers, supervised by head coach Pat Gaspi and Cuban consultants Enrique Steyners and Dagoberto Scott, have slugged it out with top-rate Cuban and Venezuelan fighters right after they arrived.

Leaving Manila in two batches via Singapore and Paris last Aug. 7, the Filipinos flew in after more than 36 hours in transit, and had a Sunday off spent hearing mass at the old Virgen de la Merced Church in Havana Vieja.

The following day, Olympian Harry Tañamor, Joan Tipon, Genebert Basadre, Joegin Ladon, Charly Suarez, Rey Saludar, Aston Palicte, Jameboy Vicera and Gerson Nietes buckled down to work at the Bolleros gym, a rundown district with dilapidated facilities, poor ventilation and no electricity.

The Cuban national team trains there daily under the watchful eyes of their experienced coaches, led by acting head coach Honorato Espinosa, who once worked with North Cotabato Vice Gov. Manny Piñol on his boxing program.

Raul Fernandez Liranza, another Cuban coach who spent time with the RP team, also welcomed the national boxers on their arrival. Liranza holds class at the University of Sports and has also returned to be part of the Cuban coaching staff, Picson said.

“The Venezuelans were in town and they joined the Cubans in testing the mettle of our travel-weary Filipinos,” Picson said. “The French had just left and their head coach expressed regret that they were unable to spar with our boys. The British were there a week before and the Brazilian boxers were scheduled to arrive end of the week.”

Two title belts up for Manny

LAS VEGAS – When Manny Pacquiao takes on Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here on Nov. 14, there will be two titles on the line and if the Filipino icon wins, he’ll cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters ever in the history of the sport.

Cotto has agreed to defend his WBO welterweight title after Top Rank chairman Bob Arum convinced him to. The other crown at stake is the newly created WBC Diamond Belt, the first time the governing body is awarding the prize.

Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz said yesterday the WBC belt is studded with 400 diamonds and the winner will pay $40,000 to own it.

“The WBC approved in its last convention in China to put up a Diamond Belt to recognize a championship-caliber fight at a catchweight limit,” said Koncz. “Don Jose (Sulaiman) phoned me offering the Belt to the winner of Manny’s fight against Cotto. He told me it was a big honor for the WBC to be involved with Manny and there wouldn’t be a sanction fee to pay.”

Koncz said he will scout possible training sites in Mexico before leaving for Manila on Thursday with fighter Bernabe Concepcion to meet with Pacquiao. He plans to visit Cancun and Puerta Vallarta.

“Manny’s instructions are to find a training site where there are hills for him to run up and down,” said Koncz. “That struck out the Bahamas as an option because it has no hills. I’m not sure about Cancun and that’s why I’m leaving tomorrow to meet with the Yucatan Governor and survey the place. At least, I know there are hills in Puerta Vallarta so that’s a real option.”

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said he hopes to kick off a media tour with Pacquiao and Cotto at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Sept. 10. That will lead to a Puerto Rican tour then a stop in San Francisco where a press conference is scheduled after the Giants-Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game before 50,000 fans, another press meeting in Los Angeles and finally a visit to Mexico where the travelling party will be received by the President.

Arum said right after the whirlwind tour, he expects Pacquiao to start training, possibly somewhere in Mexico. If Pacquiao plans to return to Manila, Arum said he will try to talk him out of it.

Cotto has already started training but Koncz said he’s not worried about Pacquiao.

“I know Manny wants to finish his obligations in shooting commercials and filming his TV shows and movies by the end of the month,” said Koncz. “Once Manny gets serious in training, you’ll see his determination and commitment. He’s a different man in training.”

Koncz said he expects Cotto to be more competitive than Oscar de la Hoya or Ricky Hatton.

“This could go 12 rounds,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it lasts the distance. Cotto’s a guy who can give Manny trouble. He’s big, he’s a great body puncher. He’s a fighter like Manny. What will happen after the fight? It all depends on the outcome. If it’s close, we could do a rematch. Maybe, this could even end up in a trilogy like Erik Morales. Cotto’s known as a bleeder but while he is affected when he gets cut, he doesn’t quit.”

Koncz said even as Pacquiao continues to attend to his various non-sports commitments before flying to the US, he is keeping in shape.

“He’s been jogging and playing a lot of basketball as part of his preparations,” said Koncz. “He’s cross training. I think he should be ready to fly within the first week of September.”

As for future opponents, Koncz said Sugar Shane Mosley isn’t a pay-per-view attraction and Floyd Mayweather Jr. has unreasonable money demands.

“I don’t know if Mosley will draw although in the end, it’s really Manny whom the fans want to see,” said Koncz. “As for Mayweather, unless he realizes it’s Manny who’s the attraction, not him, we won’t even talk to him.”

Koncz said his only boss is Pacquiao and sometimes, he is misunderstood because of his loyalty to the Filipino icon. For instance, Concepcion failed to attend the press conference for his fight against Steven Luevano here and Koncz was unfairly blamed for it.

“Manny didn’t want me to go to Las Vegas because I still had things to do in Los Angeles,” said Koncz. “But I reasoned to Manny that I had to be with Bernabe just as his managers were with him throughout his early years. He allowed me to go in the end as Bernabe wouldn’t go to Las Vegas without me. That meant arriving a day after the press conference.”

Koncz was also chastised for throwing in the towel in the sixth round to save Juanito Rubillar from further punishment in his WBA lightflyweight title fight against Giovanni Segura in Mexico last July.

“What fans don’t know is I spoke to Juanito in between rounds and asked him if he was okay, if he could continue the fight despite a bad beating,” said Koncz. “He didn’t answer me. I asked him during at least two timeouts. His trainer (Erbito Salavarria) wanted him to go on but I felt it was enough punishment.”

Although Rubillar took the fight on two days notice, he bankrolled close to P1 Million as a late substitute for Sonny Boy Jaro who now faces Segura in Mexico for the WBA title next month.

Mighty Mark stops foe; Concepcion DQed

Bernabe Concepcion


Mark Jason Millegen

MARK Jason Melligen continued his winning streak as he dominated Mexican warrior Ernesto Zepeda in the undercard of Pinoy Power 2 boxing showdown at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

After a few rounds of punishment, the bloodied Zepeda fell to his knees following a flurry of punches from Melligen.

Referee Joe Cortez stepped in and stopped the fight in the 2:40 mark of the fourth round.

Melligen dictated the fight from beginning to end, using combos and counter punches against the 32-year-old Zepeda.

The 23-year-old former boxing standout wobbled Zepeda nearing the end of the third round and finally finished him off in the fourth.

With the victory, Melligen improved to 16 wins with only a single loss and 12 knockouts, while Zepeda fell to 39 victories, 13 defeats and four draws with 34 stoppages.

Melligen is now on a 10-fight winning streak and has won all of his three fights in the US.

Although Melligen’s handler, ALA Promotions, is impressed by his performance, they believe that he still needs to improve for him to become a world champion.

“We’re quite pleased that he did well but he’s still a work in progress. He’s still on the road to glory,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.

“He needs to work hard because as he goes along, the competition gets tougher. He showed a lot of promise today (yesterday).

He knows that he is a good fighter and he could be a world champion someday.”

Aldeguer said Melligen will be back in action in a big card on either Nov. 13 or in the undercard of the much-anticipated Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto clash.

On the other hand, Bernabe Concepcion failed to claim the World Boxing Organization featherweight crown in his first world title bid as he was disqualified against defending champion Steven Luevano.

Concepcion hit Luevano with two punches to the head after the bell rang to end the seventh round.

Viloria wants foe's hide for 'storybook ending'

MANILA, Philippines - International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight champion Brian Viloria hopes to write a new chapter on his so-called “story book ending” when he takes on Mexican Jesus Iribe in a 12-round title fight Aug. 30 at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The title defense, dubbed “Island Assault” and promoted by Solar Sports, will be the first for the fighter called “The Hawaiian Punch” since wresting the IBF belt from Ulises Solis with an 11th round technical knockout that heralded Viloria’s return to the pantheon of champions last April.

Viloria called that emphatic win, fashioned out before a big weekend crowd at the Araneta Coliseum, “my story book ending.”

“It was a long year. We fought five fights in places where people usually go to shop, not to watch boxing,” Viloria recalled of the days when he struggled to make it back to the top after almost quitting from the sport following a string of losses he suffered in his career.

“That’s why I want to thank my team who worked hard and believed in me,” he said.

Team means manager Gary Gittelson and trainer Roberto Garcia.

Viloria is especially grateful to Garcia, who he said really pushed him hard to get back on top.

Recalling the start of training camp during the Solis fight, Viloria said, “Robert would holler `... and the new IBF light-flyweight champion of the world... ’ every time we’re training at the gym.”

“That goes to show the kind of trust he had in me as a fighter.”

Garcia, of course, knows a great fighter when he sees one. He was after all, a former world champion himself.

The 34-year old trainer once reigned as IBF super-featherweight champion after a decision over Harold Warren in 1998.

After defending his title twice, he lost to then rising boxing superstar Diego Corrales via a brutal technical KO.

Garcia later earned another shot at a championship, but fell short in his bid as he suffered a TKO setback to WBA super-featherweight champion Joel Casamayor.

Donaire goes for broke against overweight foe

LAS VEGAS – IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. declined the option to cancel his interim WBA superflyweight title fight against an overweight Rafael Concepcion and said it’s a matter of pride for him to battle the Panamanian because he’s dedicating the bout to the late President Cory Aquino at the New Joint, a 4,000-seat facility in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino complex here this morning (Manila time).

Donaire, 26, tipped the scales at the superflyweight limit of 115 pounds at the weigh-in yesterday but Concepcion, 27, checked in at 119 1/2 and refused to try to trim down, agreeing to pay a $13,000 fine or 20 percent of his purse. Half of the fine will go to Donaire and the other half to the Nevada State Athletic Commission whose executive director Keith Kizer supervised the weighing proceedings at the Muse Room of the host hotel.

Kizer gave Donaire the option to cancel the fight but the Filipino Flash wouldn’t hear of it. If he wins, Donaire will annex the interim WBA crown. If he loses, the title will be vacant.

“I don’t care if Concepcion comes in 10 or 20 pounds over the limit,” said Donaire. “He’s a natural superbantamweight and I’m sure his plan all along was to fight me at his optimum weight. He doesn’t care about the title. All he wants is to beat me. I know it’ll be tough to fight someone much bigger. But I’m confident of my speed and power. He’ll be strong at whatever weight he’ll carry to the ring, maybe 130. His problem is he’ll be slower.”

Donaire said he’s ready for Concepcion, no matter what.

“He figured right that I wouldn’t back out of the fight even if he was over the limit,” said Donaire. “I’m a warrior. I don’t back out of a fight. I’m here to fight. This is for President Aquino. This is for our country and our people.”

To honor the late President, Donaire will wear a specially-made yellow Everlast robe with the inscriptions “I. M. O. (in memory of) former President Cory Aquino” on the back. “Aquino” is emblazoned on the back waistband of his yellow trunks.

Donaire brushed off rumors that he was bothered by asthma attacks during his training at the Undisputed Gym in San Carlos, near his Bay Area home in San Mateo.

“I’ve had asthma since I was a boy,” said Donaire. “When I fought (Moruti) Mthalane, I had a slight case of bronchitis and my Las Vegas doctor Richard Vhoy, who used to be with the US Olympic Committee, rediscovered my asthma during a checkup. I use an inhaler for my asthma and you can’t use it at least two weeks before a fight because it will show in the urine test. Definitely, my asthma didn’t bother me in preparing for Concepcion.”

To make the weight, Donaire just had two eggs and a bowl of sweet-sour soup with mixed vegetables thrice a day for three weeks. After making the weight yesterday, he immediately put on five pounds eating lasagne and chicken Alfredo at the Italian restaurant Olive Garden. Then, he relaxed in his fourth floor suite at the Carriage House with his wife Rachel, conditioning coach Mike Bazzel and Dr. Cameron Fort. Late afternoon, Dr. Fort administered active release technique, a movement-based tissue healing procedure to tone his muscles for the weight he’s expected to put on for the fight.

Concepcion, 27, said he couldn’t understand why his body wouldn’t respond to his diet and training program which should’ve brought down his weight to the limit.

“I arrived from Panama in Las Vegas last Sunday and I just had four or five pounds to get rid of,” said Concepcion in Spanish. “But no matter what I did, my weight just wouldn’t go down. The day before the weigh-in, I was 120. Before the weigh-in, I was in a sauna room for 45 minutes and I didn’t lose a single gram. I’m both mentally and physically prepared to fight Donaire. I’ll do to him what I did to (A. J.) Banal. I’ll pressure if he fights from a distance. I’ll backtrack if he comes in. Whatever he does, I’m ready. It doesn’t matter if I don’t get the title. What matters is I’m out to beat Donaire.”

Concepcion said he’s not bothered by the $13,000 fine because “it’s only money.”

Kizer said it’s lucky that fighters don’t come in overweight too often. “But it happens,” he noted. “Sometimes, no matter what you do, the body can’t take off any more weight and I guess that’s the time when you’ve outgrown your weight division. The call was for Donaire to make----whether or not to fight Concepcion, and he decided to get it on.”

The Panamanian has won 10 of his last 11 fights, the only loss a ninth round retirement to Jorge Arce last September. His biggest win was a 10th round stoppage of Banal in Cebu last year. His record is 13-3-1, with eight KOs, compared to Donaire’s 21-1, with 14 KOs.

Two other Filipinos are seeing action in the undercard. Virac’s Bernabe Concepcion takes on WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano of Los Angeles in a 12-round title bout while Bacolod City’s Mark Jason Melligen faces Mexican veteran Ernesto Zepeda in a superlightweight tenner.

Concepcion and Luevano both weighed in at 125 1/2 pounds. Melligen and Zepeda tipped the scales at 145 each. The fights, organized by Top Rank, will be shown on US pay-per-view at $34.95 a subscription.

Concepcion fails to make weight

RAFAEL Concepcion failed to make the 115-pound limit during the official weigh-in for his fight against Nonito Donaire for the interim World Boxing Association super flyweight title in the main event of the Pinoy Power 2 in Las Vegas today.

Concepcion weighed in four and a half pounds over the super flyweight limit, while Donaire was on target at 115 pounds.

Even if Concepcion wins today’s bout, he won’t earn the belt.

He was also fined 20 percent of his purse, which is about $13,000.

Half of the amount will be added to the 26-year-old Donaire’s prize money, while the other half will be given to the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

The 27-year-old Concepcion also had problems in making the super flyweight limit in his world title clash with ALA Gym standout AJ Banal last year but still made the weight after running around SM City Cebu.

Concepcion won that fight and stopped Banal in the 10th round.

Donaire held the International Boxing Federation and International Boxing Organization flyweight belts after destroying Vic Darchinyan, but vacated the titles after moving up in weight.

Other Filipino fighters in the undercard of the “Pinoy Power 2” are highly regarded prospect Bernabe Concepcion and talented ALA Gym fighter “Mighty” Mark Jason Melligen.

Concepcion (29-1-1, 16 KO’s) is vying for the World Boxing Organization featherweight title currently held by Steven Luevano (36-1-1, 15 KOs), while Melligen (15-1, 11 KOs) is up against veteran Mexican Ernesto Zepeda (39-12-4, 34 KOs).

Donaire sets goal to be like Manny

LAS VEGAS – Nonito Donaire Jr. said yesterday his fight against Panama’s Rafael (El Torito) Concepcion for the interim WBA superflyweight title is the first step towards achieving his goal of becoming a multi-divisional champion like Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao and that’s why he can’t afford to lose.

Donaire takes on Concepcion at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino here tonight (tomorrow morning, Manila time).

So far, Donaire has won the IBF and IBO flyweight crowns, both of which he still holds despite moving up in weight to battle Concepcion. He said the decision to relinquish the titles or not is up to his manager Cameron Dunkin and his promoter Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

Pacquiao has won six championships in six different weight categories and will become the only fighter in history to capture seven if he dethrones WBO welterweight titlist Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here on Nov. 14.

“This is the beginning of my goal that I want to accomplish in boxing – to become a multi-divisional champion,” said Donaire. “So this is a very big step for me to achieve what I’ve set out to do.”

Donaire said he can’t take Concepcion lightly and described the Panamanian body puncher as a dangerous opponent because he’s got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

“Concepcion is willing to try his best and take the punch,” he continued. “He has the heart to keep going and usually those are the dangerous guys because they’re willing to do anything they can.”

But Donaire insisted there’s nothing Concepcion can do to win.

“I feel good,” said Donaire on the eve of the weigh-in for the bout. “My weight’s good and I’ve trained really hard. With my new training, I feel I’ve gained more muscle mass so it feels like I’m still going down to 112. I do feel a lot better at 115. Definitely, the extra three pounds are a big help. I’m really confident. I’m out to use my speed and power to take care of business.”

Donaire, 26, said he’s definitely going for a knockout but if the complexion of the fight leans toward a war of attrition, a win by decision will be just as fulfilling.

“When I’m aiming for the knockout, it’s going to be power,” said Donaire. “When I’m aiming for a unanimous decision, it’ll be speed. Anything can change as the fight goes but I’m surely aiming for a knockout. In preparing for Concepcion, I didn’t really pay attention to his power and what he can do when reviewing tape. I mainly looked at his movements and flaws.”

As for Concepcion’s vaunted body attack, Donaire said he’s not intimidated. Concepcion, a durable survivor, was behind on points when he stopped Filipino prospect A. J. Banal with a brutal body assault in the 10th round in Cebu City last year. The victory proved Concepcion’s resiliency and never-say-die attitude. It was the same spirit that led Concepcion to a third round knockout over Jean Piero Perez last year after he went down twice in the second canto.

“Every one I’ve fought always bragged they’d slow me down with a body attack and a lot of them usually aim for my body so that’s nothing new to me,” he said. “I’m well prepared for everything he comes at me with.”

Donaire said working with Jonathan and Dodie Boy Peñalosa at the Undisputed Gym in San Carlos in the Bay Area was a blessing. He sparred with Filipino Glenn Gonzales and David Martinez to get ready for Concepcion. Adding strength and conditioning coach Mike Bazzel to his team was another positive in training camp.

“My sparring was just right, not too much and not too little, just the right amount,” said Donaire. “Mentally and physically, I’m prepared for this fight and I can’t wait to get in that ring. For (Vic) Darchinyan, I was about 70 percent. I didn’t have much sparring but I was physically in shape. For (Luis) Maldonado, I trained hard in that fight as well but I had to get acclimatized to three places – the Philippines, the West Coast then the East Coast. And I had a lot of things going on so I really wasn’t at my best. For (Raul) Martinez, I was really in shape. I trained six months so I had a lot of confidence going into that ring. The sparring, the training and even the mental aspect was good.”

Donaire demolished Darnchinyan in five, Maldonado in eight and Martinez in four. He said he expects the same abbreviated ending against Concepcion.

In the co-main event, Virac’s Bernabe Concepcion faces WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano in a much-awaited bout that was postponed last May when the titleholder pulled a back muscle running down a hill.

It is the first world title attempt by Concepcion who hasn’t lost in his last 22 fights. Luevano is making the fifth defense of the WBO crown he wrested from Nicky Cook two years ago.

Pacquiao lethal left holds key vs Cotto

MANILA, Philippines - The punch very similar to the one that brought Ricky Hatton down for good may yet again be the key when Manny Pacquiao fights the younger, bigger but slower Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14.

This was the observation made by Pacquiao’s former business manager, Rod Nazario, who had the pound-for-pound champion as special guest yesterday at his Wild Card Gym in Parañaque.

Pacquiao, despite his very hectic schedule, visited the gym, where he also trained for some of his recent fights, for the ninth anniversary celebration of the television boxing program In This Corner.

“I’ve watched Cotto’s recent fights, and remember this, Manny,” Nazario said as the boxer he used to handle listened. “Cotto has the tendency to drop his right hand as he launches an attack.”

Nazario told Pacquiao that “a short and crisp left” could be the key.

“Like in the Hatton fight, you didn’t have to go after him. All you needed was wait before you could throw that short left,” said Nazario who, despite his medical condition, still came to see the Hatton fight in Las Vegas last May.

Nazario pulled off a big surprise when he gifted Pacquiao with a rare 1856 chess set, made in Russia, which he bought in an antique store in Orlando for $1,050. Pacquiao, a chess buff, said he’d have a special chess board of narra wood with ivory trimmings made.

“Hindi ka na mananalo sa akin (This time you can’t beat me),” Pacquiao told Nazario who, this early, had announced that next year’s In This Corner party will be held at The Manila Hotel.

Nazario is part of the original Team Pacquiao, along with Moy Lainez, Lito Mondejar and Gerry Garcia. Together, they also helped put up the Blow By Blow program that lasted six years until 2000, and then In This Corner.

Pacquiao said Cotto will stake his WBO welterweight crown when they clash at the catchweight of 145 lb.

Pacquiao arrived past noon and went straight to Nazario who was holed up in his office. He came on board his grey Porsche Cayenne and left more than an hour later on his black Hummer for Quiapo to resume shooting his new movie.

Pacquiao said he’s eager to start training for the Cotto fight set at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas but said he has to honor all his prior commitments, mostly showbiz related.

Pacquiao will be in the US for the launch of the press tour that will take him and Cotto to New York’s Yankee Stadium on Sept. 10, Cotto’s hometown in Caguas, Puerto Rico on Sept. 12, and the AT&T Park in San Francisco the following day.

Pacquiao, who will grace the Giants-Dodgers game in San Francisco, said he’d fly back to Manila after the press tour, and should immediately start his training, most likely in Baguio City.

Then after a week or two, Pacquiao will move somewhere outside of the US to resume his training, probably in Mexico or Canada, and will be in Los Angeles or Las Vegas for the final push.

Pacquiao said he stayed up so late Thursday night as he joined the officers of the USS George Washington, the world’s largest warship, which is docked off Manila Bay, just behind the SM Mall of Asia.

Pacquiao toured the 18-storey ship that carries more than 60 fighter planes and a crew of 5,000 at around 6 p.m. Then he had dinner with AFP and US military officials at Mandarin Hotel.

Pacquiao vs. Cebu

MANNY Pacquiao cleared his busy schedule to give way to a “budding basketball career” as he will see action in the opening week of the 2009 Liga Pilipinas Conference 3 at the New Cebu Coliseum.

The boxing superstar will lead the MP Gensan Warriors, a team he owns and manages, in the Aug. 19 to 23 event.

He will be playing against host team M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala -Cebu Niños, Quezon Red Oilers and the Zamboanga Amores in a four-day basketball competition.

“Manny will play the entire tournament. And it was him who requested that the MP Warriors be scheduled to play in Cebu because he wanted to be here and play basketball,” said M. Lhuillier coach and Cebu City Councilor Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba.

The Warriors will open the tournament against the Zamboanga Amores in the 5 p.m. game on Aug. 19.

The match will be followed by the Niños and Red Oilers game.

Cebu will face Pacquiao’s team on Aug. 21

Last January, the Warriors hosted the opening of the Second Conference and Pacquiao also saw action in the opener against the Trace Laguna Stallions.

Pacquiao, who has also joined a pro billiard tournament, played for 11 minutes. He scored two points, grabbed two rebounds and dished out one assist.

He was also 0-of-4 from the three point range and 1-of-7 at the 2-point field.

Cebu’s hosting of the Conference 3 will also be under the new format of the Liga Pilipinas.

Developmental league

All 10 teams will play in the usual pocket tournaments to determine the standings.

The top two teams will automatically qualify to the “Super Leg Final Round,” which will involve five teams playing a single round robin format.

After the Super Leg Final Round, the lowest-ranked team will be eliminated and the top four will play a knockout crossover match.

The winners will vie for the conference title.

Meanwhile, Alcoseba said that the proposed partnership of the Liga Pilipinas and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) for a developmental league is now on the drawing board and will be finalized soon.

Roach battleplan: Keep Pacquiao out of Cotto's reach

MANILA, Philippines - How to keep Manny Pacquiao away from Miguel Cotto’s heavy hands is the main concern of the Filipino boxer’s trainer, Freddie Roach.

It’s not that Pacquiao doesn’t have the chin, but the three-time Trainer of the Year, is just making sure that the unexpected doesn’t happen when the two fighters collide on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas.

“Manny has a really good chin because he has a big heart. Of course Cotto’s power is a major concern for me but I really think that we will have no problems. I’m training Manny not to get hit,” he said.

In a recent interview with doghouseboxing.com, Roach said it was Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound champion, who decided to take on Cotto, the reigning WBO welterweight champion, and not Shane Mosley or Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao must have seen something from ringside when Cotto faced Josh Clottey a few months ago.

“Manny has always wanted to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. The Mayweather fight got delayed because of injury and Manny needed a fight around year’s end. After watching the fight Manny told (Bob) Arum that he could beat Cotto,” said Roach.

And now that the fight contract has been sealed, signed and delivered, Roach said the battleplan is in the making.

“Of course. I have already watched several hours of Cotto’s fights. I have been concentrating on how well he did against Shane Mosley. How he neutralized Shane’s speed. Yes, we will have a great game plan for Cotto,” said Roach.

Training for Pacquiao should begin by the second week of September, and based on early plans, the first week will take him to Baguio City, a great summer destination 250 kms north of Manila, and 1,500 meters above sea level.

Then the next four or five weeks will take Pacquiao to Mexico, in the resort town of Nuevo Vallarta, while the final push, probably the last two weeks, will see the FIlipino icon training in Los Angeles or straight to Las Vegas.

Roach explained that Pacquiao can no longer train the whole eight to 10 weeks in the US.

“Because of immigration laws he must spend five weeks training outside America. The laws say we can spend 183 days (yearly) in America and that means the last three weeks of training will be here at the WildCard,” Roach told David Tyler of doghouseboxing.com.

Michael Koncz, a Pacquiao adviser, said the boxer likes the idea of training in Mexico where he can give his fans more time to know him more, and how Mexican fight fans love him.

“He’d be very happy to do that as a cross-over star. Mexican fans love Manny. And when I was there recently all they asked me about is where’s Manny. There was a rumor two weeks ago he was in Nuevo Vallarta, but it didn’t push through and everybody I ran into asked about him.

“Manny will be happily surprised when we get to Mexico. He’d be surprised about his popularity there,” Koncz added.