By Edri K. Aznar
ALA stalwarts Z Gorres and Mark Jason Melligen need to fight intelligently, in order to win their Nov. 14 bouts, according to their promoter ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer.
Gorres will face a hard-hitting former world title contender Luis Melendez in the main event set on the eve of the Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto war, while Melligen is trading leathers with knockout artist Michel Rosales.
A lot is at stake for both Gorres and Melligen in these fights because a win could impress their American promoter, Top Rank, and propel them to bigger fights in the US.
“It is very important for them to win in these tough fights,” said Aldeguer.
Gorres is being groomed to battle for the interim World Boxing Organization bantamweight title against Eric Morel, while Melligen will be given tougher opposition for a future world title shot.
Both fighters are already scheduled to see action in the third installment of the “Pinoy Power” series, which is tentatively scheduled on Feb. 13.
According to Aldeguer, Melendez is a tough nut to crack and can pack a punch with his brawling style of fighting.
“This guy Melendez can fight. He’s strong,” said Aldeguer. “Z shouldn’t engage and go toe-to-toe with this guy. Melendez can punch and can take a punch,” he added.
In 2007, Melendez fought then WBO super flyweight title-holder Fernan-do Montiel.
Melendez knocked down Montiel in the seventh round of that fight after the Mexican world champion decided to engage in a slugfest.
However, Montiel knock-ed out the tough Columbian in the 12th round.
“Gorres should fight his fight. He shouldn’t go for the knockout because it’ll just come.
That was Montiel’s mistake when he got knocked down,” said Aldeguer.
On the other hand, Aldegeur said that Melligen should use his speed and his footwork to outbox the taller Rosales in their 10-round light welterweight bout.
“Rosales can fight and he is taller. Mark should use his jabs and combos and move in and out,” he said.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 29, 2009.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Think on your feet: Gorres, Melligen told
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Sonsona cool on title defense
WORLD Boxing Organization super flyweight Marvin Sonsona is brimming with confidence for his fist title defense on Nov. 21 against Alejandro Hernandez at the Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada.
Even at 19, Sonsona displayed his maturity with his will to win against veteran fighter Jose Lopez in the biggest fight of his young boxing career. Now in his upcoming battle with Hernandez, he still has the same confidence that brought him a world title strap.
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“This time he is more confident in his upcoming fight but he still isn’t underestimating his opponent,” said SGG Promotions big boss Sammy Gello-ani.
Rank
Although Hernandez’s record isn’t that striking with 22 wins, seven losses and a draw with 11 knockouts, he isn’t a patsy as he has already fought for a world title against WBO flyweight king Omar Narvaez and he also possesses a world-class chin as he has never been knocked out in his career. He is also ranked No. 15 by the WBO in the super flyweight ratings.
Sonsona has moved his training camp from the Yani Sta. Maria Gym in Talisay City to the IPI Gym in Mandaue City.
“It is more comfortable here,” said Gello-ani.
Sparring
Sonsona has been sparring six rounds with Braveheart fighter Richard Betos and other IPI mainstays.
Also training alongside Sonsona are fighters Ciso Morales, Federico Catubay and Jhonreil Casimiro.
The undefeated Morales is slated in the same card as Sonsona against Miguel Angel Gonzalez Piedras, Catubay is scheduled for an International Boxing Federation junior bantamweight eliminator on Nov. 13and Casimiro is facing Cesar Canchilla for the interim WBO light flyweight crown on Dec. 12. (EKA)
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 28, 2009.
Teen in world title clash
By Edri K. Aznar
ANOTHER Filipino youngster will have a shot at greatness as 19-year-old undefeated Jhonreil Casimiro will take on Columbian Cesar Canchilla for the interim World Boxing Organization junior flyweight belt on Dec. 12.
SGG first gave 19-year-old Marvin Sonsona a shot at a world title and he won against Jose Lopez. Now, SGG is giving another young boxer the same chance.
The only thing hindering Casimiro’s path to greatness is Canchilla, who used to hold the interim World Boxing Association light flyweight belt.
Canchilla gave world champion Giovanni Segura the first blotch of his record with a 12-round unanimous decision in their first fight last year.
Canchilla was later dethroned from his WBA title after Segura stopped him in the fourth round of their rematch last March.
“He (Casimiro) is a mature fighter. I’m confident that he is ready for a world championship fight,” Gello-ani told Sun.Star Cebu in an interview yesterday.
Although Canchilla has an impressive record of 28 wins and two losses with 22 knockouts, Gello-ani is confident his ward will pull off an upset just like what Sonsona did to Lopez last month.
“Casimiro is hungry for a world title. He has the power and the skills to win. Although Canchilla is a former world champion, I’m expecting for an upset,” said Gello-ani.
The Mandaue-based boxer Casimiro is undefeated with 13 wins and seven knockouts.
Just like Sonsona, his world title shot is his first fight outside the Philippines.
Casimiro is ranked No.4 in the WBO while Canchilla is rated second. The winner of the bout will have a chance to fight undefeated WBO junior flyweight titleholder Ivan Calderon.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 27, 2009.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Tinampay stakes crown vs Nazareno
MANILA, Philippines - Arniel Tinampay stakes his Philippine welterweight title against top contender Dan Nazareno Jr. tomorrow in the main event of a special nine-fight boxing card at the Filinvest Housing Covered Court in Alabang, Muntinlupa.
Dubbed “Muntinlupa Slugfest,” the event is a rematch of their 147-pound showdown held early this year won by the 25-year old Tinampay by unanimous decision.
Tinampay represents the Montemayor boxing stable in Pasig City, while Nazareno comes from the Wild Card boxing gym in Paranñaque, now renamed as the Rod Nazario boxing gym in memory of the late boxing manager and promoter.
Mayor Aldrin San Pedro is sponsoring the show in cooperation with D.S. Almario boxing promotions and the weekly program Rod Nazario’s In This Corner.
Rod Nazario’s In This Corner will show the entire card for five consecutive weeks every Sunday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. over NBN-4.
In the supporting event, Ardin Diale (D.S. Almario stable), the country’s No. 7 light-flyweight contender, takes on Rodel Quilaton (SGG stable-Cebu) in a 10-round bout.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Boom Boom wants revenge
But ALA Boxing Gym owner Tony Aldeguer said he’s holding Bautista back from rushing into a return bout against the former WBO superbantamweight champion who decisioned Gerry Peñalosa in 2007.
“Ponce de Leon is Boom Boom’s main target,” said Aldeguer. “Like Boom Boom, Ponce de Leon is now fighting as a featherweight. That’s Boom Boom’s dream – to avenge his defeat to Ponce de Leon whom he fought with pain in his left hand. He’s learned a lot since losing that fight. It’ll be a big deal to bring Ponce de Leon to Manila or Cebu for a fight but if we can get sponsors to support the promotion, I think it can be done.”
Another fighter in Bautista’s radar is Mexico’s Heriberto Ruiz, the only other fighter to beat him. Ruiz, 32, scored an eight-round unanimous decision over Bautista in Las Vegas last November. After the fight, Bautista revealed he felt pain in his left hand that was later found with a fractured scaphoid. He underwent surgery to repair the damage last February and orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Tammy de los Reyes grafted a bone taken from the hip and inserted a screw in his left wrist during the delicate operation.
Ruiz has also moved to the featherweight division and is booked to face Jackson Asiku in Australia on Nov. 6. He’s coming off a third round knockout over Cristobal Teran in Sonora last June. Ruiz’ record is 42-8-2, with 24 KOs compared to Ponce de Leon’s mark of 37-2, with 31 KOs.
Aldeguer said he plans two more fights for Bautista before unleashing his fury on the likes of Ruiz or Ponce de Leon.
Bautista is pencilled to battle WBC International featherweight titleholder Rachamongkol Sor Pleonchit of Thailand in his next fight, which will likely be three months from now. Rachamongkol was supposed to be Bautista’s opponent at the Waterfront Hotel ballroom last Friday but the Thai backed out because of a training injury. Marbun was brought in as his replacement.
Rachamongkol, 26, won the vacant WBC International crown by stopping In Suk Song in Osan City, South Korea, last June. His record is 8-1, with five KOs. He was once halted by Filipino Ariel Delgado two years ago.
Bautista said he’s comfortable fighting at 126 pounds and while he’ll take on anyone his manager (Aldeguer’s son Michael) puts in front of him, he admitted a craving for Ruiz and Ponce de Leon.
“My confidence is back because my left hand is okay again,” said Bautista. “I’m not in a hurry for another world title fight. I’m still young (23). I just have to work hard in the gym. Discipline is important. I’ll fight anyone Sir Michael tells me to fight, anywhere, anytime. I’ll just wait for my time. Of course, I’m always thinking of Ruiz and Ponce de Leon because they’re the only ones who have beaten me. I want to pay them back for what they did to me.”
Against Marbun, Bautista used his left more than his right to set up the Indonesian for the kill. Marbun went down twice – once in the fourth round – before referee Bruce McTavish stepped in to halt the carnage at 1:25 of the seventh. Bautista did most of the damage with his left. But while he showed improvement in his stand-up defense holding both hands high, Bautista still had the tendency to leave himself open for counters when moving in. He finished the fight with cuts in the corner and under his right eye.
Bautista was ahead in the three judges’ scorecards when the fight was stopped. Teddy Alivio had it 59-55, Salven Lagumbay 58-55 and Edward Ligas 57-56. The win raised Bautista’s record to 27-2, with 20 KOs. The loss dropped Marbun’s mark to 19-6-1, with 7 KOs.
In the undercard, superflyweight Marjun Yap scored a technical knockout win when veteran Pramunsak Posuwan of Thailand retired with cramps in the left leg at the start of the 10th round. Yap, 20, led in two of the three judges scorecards at the time of Posuwan’s surrender. Ligas saw it 86-85 and Edgar Olalo, 87-84 for Yap while Lagumbay scored it 86-85 for the Thai. Posuwan, 40, is a two-time Olympian who once fought Jose (Carita) Lopez for the WBO 115-pound title.
In other tenners, lightweight Czar Amonsot pounded out a unanimous decision over Thailand-based Jesus Muzaka Singwancha of the Congo and another lightweight Jason Pagara beat Thailand’s Decha Kokiet-Gym also via a unanimous verdict.
Once hailed as Manny Pacquiao’s heir apparent, Bautista faces an uphill climb back to the top. He was the WBO’s No. 1 superbantamweight contender two years ago and fans thought he was Pacquiao’s second coming. But Bautista lost his focus with all the hype. He fought recklessly against Ponce de Leon and paid dearly for it. Bautista was too proud to disclose the pain in his left hand, a throbbing that came from sparring with Peñalosa in preparing for Ponce de Leon. He continued to fight, not wanting to let the fans down - and that, too, he paid for dearly.
Now, Bautista appears to have mellowed. He’s become more mature in his outlook. Bautista realizes he’s not Superman and certainly not in Pacquiao’s class - at least, for the moment. Trouncing Marbun convincingly was a big first step. Bautista has a long way to go before winning a world title with two major roadblocks looming as obstacles. The road blocks are personified by Ruiz and Ponce de Leon.
Gorres to fight Melendez
By Edri K. Aznar
ALA boy Z Gorres is up for a dangerous assignment as he faces Columbian knockout artist Luis Melendez on Nov. 13 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
Gorres has to hurdle past Melendez to get a possible World Boxing Organization bantamweight title fight next year with No.1 contender Eric Morel, which was mandated by WBO.
“This was an opponent that we expected. He’s a strong opponent.
His record speaks for itself,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.
The 29-year-old Melendez has a record of 26-3-1 with 21 knockouts. He knocked down Fernando Montiel for the WBO super flyweight champion in 2007, the same year Gorres lost a controversial split decision in Cebu City.
“Melendez had a good fight with Montiel. He knocked down Montiel but was unfortunately knocked out in the 12th round,” said Aldeguer.
Gorres is training rigidly at the Wild Card Gym in California, under Edito Villamor, in his debut as a Top Rank fighter.
“It will be a tough fight. This guy’s a puncher, a KO artist.
This guy can punch. He is a dangerous opponent and he is very hungry but Z is always prepared for tough fights,” said Aldeguer.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 22, 2009.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Melligen prepares for big break
MARK Jason Melligen is going to fight one of the toughest fights of his boxing career as he faces Mexican Michel Rosales on Nov. 13, the eve of the Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto war, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Melligen has been working exceptionally hard at the Roger Mayweather’s Gym for his fourth battle in the US, because he knows how vital this is to the future of his career.
“He’s working very hard. This is a big break for him. He knows how important this fight is. Top Rank has big plans for Melligen,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer.
Melligen’s fight isn’t a walk in the park because Rosales is a formidable foe who can pack a punch. He holds a 24-3 win-loss record with 21 knockouts.
The 26-year-old Rosales’ three defeats came from top caliber welterweights—highly-ranked welterweight Saul Alvarez (29-0-1, 22 KOs), world-rated fighter Jesus Soto Karass and undefeated American boxer Mike Alvarado (26-0, 18 KOs).
“He’s doing very well. He has been sparring with Ramon Montano. He’s looking very sharp,” said Aldeguer.
The 23-year-old Melligen was originally slated to fight Rosales last Aug. 15, in Top Rank’s “Pinoy Power 2” boxing extravaganza. However, Rosales was replaced at the last minute by veteran journeyman Ernesto Zepeda because Rosales failed to acquire a visa.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 21, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Bautista still booms
REY “Boom-Boom” Bautista knocked out Indonesian champion Maragin “Dinamita” Marbun in the seventh round and wrested the interim World Boxing Council International featherweight title last night at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
It was Bautista’s first fight since a loss to Heriberto Ruiz in Las Vegas last year.
Bautista stopped Marbun at 1:25 of the seventh round with a devastating left straight after rocking him with another left.
The 23-year-old Bautista was sidelined for 11 months after undergoing surgery and rehabilitation on his left wrist. However, he showed no signs of the injury as he mostly used his left fist.
“He did well. He did according to what we expected. The important thing is that he didn’t feel pain on his left hand. But he still has a long way to go,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu after the fight.
Bautista used his left jab as his main weapon and occasionally threw left hooks instead of his stronger right hand.
The Boholano fighter patiently stalked Marbun and didn’t rush in for the knockout and it was the Indonesian who was the more aggressive fighter as he threw wild combinations.
But Bautista was unaffected by the flurry of punches from Marbun.
Bautista showed the strength of his reconstructed left wrist as he threw a heavy left punch that knocked down the Marbun in the fourth round.
“I was hesitant at first but there was no pain (on my left hand). I still lack my speed. But someday I’ll retain it,” said Bautista. “He was strong I just endured his punches. I just got lucky.”
Bautista improved to 27-2 with 20 knockouts, while the 24-year-old Marbun fell to 19-6-1 with seven knockouts.
“He was more patient and he read his opponent better but he still had the same aggressiveness. He showed that he can utilize his left hand with his jabs and hooks,” said Aldeguer.
On the other hand, up-and-coming fighter Marjun Yap showed that youth is better than experience as he defeated 39-year-old veteran Pramuansak Posuwan via a 10th-round stoppage due to an injury.
ALA boys Czar Amonsot and Jason Pagara also won by decision.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 17, 2009.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Boom-Boom returns; Czar fights Jesus tonight
By Edri K. Aznar
IN HIS much anticipated ring comeback, ALA Gym star Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista battles Indonesian champion Maragin “Dinamita” Marbun for the interim World Boxing Council featherweight title tonight at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in ALA Promotions “Hamon sa Kampeon” boxing extravaganza.
Bautista recently came from an 11-month hiatus after being sidelined because of a surgery on a career-threatening wrist injury.
Before that, Bautista lost his last fight against Mexican veteran Heriberto Ruiz via a unanimous decision last Nov. 22 that made his supporters question his ability to win a world title.
However, the 23-year-old Boholano fighter is set to prove to his critics that he still has what it takes to become a future world champion by making a statement tonight.
Both Bautista and Marbun promised an explosive clash as both fighters plan to knock each other out.
While Baustita has been sidelined and lost his last fight, the 24-year-old Marbun won his last seven fights.
Bautista has 26 wins and two defeats with 19 knockouts, while Marbun is 19-5 and a draw with seven stoppages.
ALA boys Czar Amonsot and Jason Pagara will be suiting up for the undercard.
Amonsot will be facing World Boxing Organization Asia-Pacific super feather weight titlist Jesus Muzaka of Congo, while 17-year-old Pagara is clashing with Decha Bank-luaygym of Thailand.
Both fights are scheduled for 10-rounds.
Amonsot is eager to redeem himself following a lackluster showing in his last bout against African Morris Chule, but Muzaka won’t be an easy assignment for the 24-year-old Boholano fighter because the Thailand-based African has a 14-fight winning streak.
Included in the fight card is an exciting bout between young boxing talent Marjun Yap and veteran former world title contender Pramuansak Posuwan.
The preliminary bouts will start at 5 p.m. while the featured bouts will begin at 6. The boxing event will be shown at 9 p.m. on Studio 23.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 16, 2009.
Explosive Friday
By Edri K. Aznar
EXPECT fireworks on “Hamon sa Kampeon” boxing event this Friday at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino as Indonesian champion Maragin “Dinamita” Marbun vowed to knock out highly-touted ALA boxer Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista in their clash for the interim World Boxing Council International featherweight crown.
Although Bautista (26-2, 19 KOs) is one of the elite boxers of the Philippines, Marbun (19-5-1, 7 KOs) is unfazed by his resume and said he will win by knock out.
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“I know Boom-Boom is a good boxer but we will win by KO in the 10th round,” said his trainer Bambang Supadi in behalf of his fighter in the press conference yesterday at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
However, the comebacking Bautista was unfazed by the 24-year-old Indonesian and confidently countered, “If he can reach the 10th round.”
The 23-year-old Bautista, who came from an 11-month hiatus due to a career threatening wrist injury that needed surgery, also promised to stop Marbun, who won seven
of his last eight fights.
“I’ll try my best to knock him out. If he comes rushing he’ll get knocked out,” said Bautista.
Despite staying inactive for 11 months, he never stopped training. He is also eager to show his followers that he is back and is still as explosive as before.
“This is what I have been waiting for. To fight back and go up in the ring and show them what I’m made of,” said Bautista.
“We have full confidence in Boom-Boom. I’ve never seen him so determined. We believe in him,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer.
ALA Boys Czar Amonsot and Jason Pagara are also included in the blockbuster fight card.
Amonsot (20-3-1, 11 KOs) is set to face Thailand-based African Jesus Muzaka (16-7, 8 KOs), while the 17-year-old Pagara (19-1, 10 KOs) is trading leathers with Thai Decha Bankluaygym (29-9-3, 16 KOs).
Also featured in the fight card is veteran former world title contender Pramuansak Posuwan (45-3-1, 24 KOs) and up-and-coming Filipino pugilist Marjun Yap (9-2, 4 KOs).
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 15, 2009.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Viloria to face nemesis at Astro
MANILA, Philippines - IBF lightflyweight champion Brian Viloria is set to stake his crown against Omar (Niño) Romero of Mexico in their third grudge match at the Cuneta Astrodome on Dec. 5 and the Hawaiian Punch plans to end all doubts as to who is the better man.
There’s no love lost between the fighters. In August 2006, Viloria lost the WBC 108-pound title in his second defense to Romero on a unanimous 12-round decision.
Viloria, who won the championship by knocking out Eric Ortiz in one round the year before, was far from his top form as Romero won convincingly on the judges’ scores of 118-110 (Adalaide Byrd), 117-111, (Chuck Giampa) and 117-112 (Mark Green).
Three months later, Romero retained the title on a majority draw but was later stripped of the crown after testing positive for illegal drugs. Viloria went on to fight for the vacant throne but was outpointed by Mexican Edgar Sosa via a majority decision.
Now, Viloria is back in the saddle and Romero is once more the challenger in his second defense. But this time, Viloria is making sure there will be no déjà vu.
He’s determined to knock out Romero who’s coming off three straight wins over Francisco Soto, Sammy Gutierrez and Filipino Juanito Rubillar.
Viloria, 28, flew to Manila for a vacation after turning back Jesus Iribe in his first IBF title defense in Honolulu last August. It was in Manila where he halted Ulises Solis for the IBF crown and Viloria wants to treat the hometown fans with another victory – at Romero’s expense.
But if there’s anyone who has the ability to frustrate Viloria, it’s Romero. The crafty Mexican is a smooth operator, difficult to hit and quick on the draw.
He has a 28-3-1 record, with 11 KOs, and holds wins over Sosa and former champion Jorge Arce. His only losses were to Juan Alberto Rosas, Gilbert Keb Baas and Rubillar.
Romero, 33, is in the twilight of a long career that started in1995. He’s looking for redemption after being embarrassed by the drug scandal and this will likely be his last chance to recapture a world title. For the Mexican veteran, it’s do or die and that’s why he’s a dangerous opponent for Viloria.
Romero started off his career with 14 straight wins and although not known as a knockout artist, he halted Arce in a single round in 1996.
In the undercard, WBO minimumweight champion Donnie Nietes will put his crown on the line against either Ivan (Polito) Meneses of Mexico or Omar (El Pastor) Soto of Puerto Rico. It will be Nietes’ fourth defense of the vacant title he claimed after whipping Thailand ‘s Pornsawan Porpramook in 2007.
He has so far repulsed challengers Eddy Castro, Erik Ramirez and Manuel Vargas.
ALA Boxing Gym owner Tony Aldeguer told The Star yesterday that Solar Sports is looking for a Mexican opponent and Meneses looms as the top candidate. Meneses has a 14-5-1 record, with eight KOs, and is ranked No. 8 by the WBC, No. 11 by the WBA and No. 11 by the WBO. Soto, 27, is the No. 5 WBC contender and last month, was stopped by Sosa in a bid for the WBC crown.
“Solar prefers a Mexican so we are scouting for one or we may get another Omar Soto who is Mexican but I think he has gone up in weight,” said Aldeguer. “Meneses as an opponent is not sure. We hope to finalize the match this week.”
Nietes is unbeaten in his last 16 outings and has a 25-1-3 record,with 14 KOs . His only loss was a split 10-round decision to Angky Angkota in Jakarta in 2004.
For sure, when Nietes shows up to fight at the Astrodome, he’ll enter the ring with his pet snake curled over his shoulders. Nietes is known as “Ahas.”
In another world title fight, Solar is bringing in newly crowned International Boxing Association superbantamweight champion Ana (The Hurricane) Julaton to defend her crown against a still unnamed challenger.
Julaton, 29, is a full-blooded Filipina born and raised in the US. She won the vacant IBA title on a 10-round majority decision over Kelsey Jeffries in San Jose last September.
The scores were 98-92, 96-94 and 95-95. Julaton’s record is 5-1-1, with one knockout. Last year, she blasted Salina Jordan into submission in a single round. Her only loss was a split eight-round decision to Dominga Olivo in Lemoore , California , for the vacant WBC International 122-pound title.
Hamon’ bets meet today
By Edri K. Aznar
THE protagonists of the ALA Promotions “Hamon Sa Kampeon” boxing extravaganza will face each other for the first time as they will be in a press conference today at the Aegean room at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
ALA boys Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista, Czar Amon-sot and Jason Pagara will be in the same room with their opponents, Indonesian champion Marangin Marbun, Thailand-based African Jesus Muzaka and Decha Bank-luaygym and will talk to the media on their upcoming fight on Friday at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
Bautista (26-2, 19 KO’s) is facing Marbun (19-5-1, 7 KO’s) in his comeback fight after almost a year for the interim World Boxing Council International featherweight title.
The 23-year-old Boholano fighter was sidelined for 11 months after a surgery on his left wrist because of a fracture that had been bothering him since 2007.
On the other hand, Amonsot (19-3-1, 11 KO’s) is trading leathers with Muzaka (16-7, 8 KOs), while 17-year-old Pagara (18-1, 10 KO’s) is battling Bankluaygym (29-9-3, 16 KO’s).
Former world title contender Pramuansak Posuwan (45-3-1, 24 KO’s) is also seeing action as he faces young boxing prospect Marjun Yap (11-2, 5 KO’s).
The boxing event will be shown on Studio 23 at 9 in the evening. The fight starts at 5 p.m. while the featured bouts will start at 6 p.m.
Tickets are now on sale at Php 1,500 for the VIP 1st row; Php 1,250 for the VIP 2nd row; VIP 3rd row at Php 1,000; Ringside at Php 500 and Php 250 for Ballroom and Balcony. For “Hamon sa Kampeon” tickets you may contact ALA Promotions Office at 032-2364611; ALA Gym in Banilad Town Center @ 032-4162011 and in Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino lobby @ 032-2326888 local 8725.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 14, 2009.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Gakit stops Lubguban in Fight Night series
By Rommel C. Manlosa
SIX days after suffering a one-sided defeat, Wenceslao Gakit of the Phil-Aust Boxing Club vented his ire on the unsuspecting Raffy Lubguban of Catmon, Cebu to lead the winners of the Summit Natural Drinking Water Fight Night Amateur Series at the Gaisano Country Mall Car Park last Saturday.
Gakit broke hold from the closely fought battle from the first round as he broke Lub-guban’s nose en route to scoring a Referee Stopped Contest due to Injury (RSC-I) win at the 1:25 mark of the fourth round of the 54-kilo division.
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On the other hand, substitute Rame Vega of the Flores Boxing Club showed too much skill as he forced Mark Emmanuel Villarino of the Talamban National High School to retire at the end of the second round in the 38-kilo bout.
Vance Cabahug of Pagsa-bungan, Mandaue City and Jessie Dignos of the Flores BC each scored identical RSC wins both in the first round to complete the list of impressive wins.
Cabahug overwhelmed Mar-vin Llansa of the Flores Boxing Club at the 14th second of their match in the 47-kilo class, while Dignos proved too much for Jamewell Amacanin of Consolacion, just 37 seconds into their 48-kilo class bout.
The other winners of the night were Phil-Aust BC’s Exel Mogar (20kgs), Bebe Rama (23kgs), Kint Mike Tuñacao (25kgs) and Richard Rama (25kgs), Alson Seno of Banilad Elementary School (28kgs), Melmark Digsco of Flores BC (30kgs), John Mark Yabut of Kalibo, Aklan (48kgs) and Jinky Gako of Pit-os, Cebu City (55kgs.).
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 13, 2009.
Canada wild over Sonsona
MANILA, Philippines - Canadian fans were so impressed with newly-crowned WBO superflyweight champion “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona’s win over Puerto Rican veteran Jose (Carita) Lopez that Orion Sports Management president Allan Tremblay has offered the 19-year-old Filipino a six-fight contract for two years to be a mainstay at the Casino Rama in Ontario.
But Sonsona’s manager Dr. Rajan Yraola said yesterday he’s inclined to negotiate on a fight-to-fight basis. However, the General Santos City southpaw’s next bout will be his first title defense against Mexico’s Alejandro (Payasito) Hernandez in a Tremblay promotion on Nov. 21.
Dr. Yraola said he’s keeping his options open for Sonsona’s mandatory defense against No. 1 contender and European champion Ivan Pozo of Spain in February in Manila.
Last Sept. 4, Sonsona floored Lopez enroute to wresting the WBO 115-pound diadem via a unanimous 12-round decision at Casino Rama. It was the Filipino’s first outing overseas and first fight where he went beyond five rounds. It was also the first time that the 5,200-seat Casino Rama was packed to the rafters for a boxing event as at least 1,000 fans over capacity were accommodated on a standing-room-only basis.
“Marvin made quite an impression on Mr. Tremblay and the Canadian public,” said Dr. Yraola. “About 30 percent of the crowd was Filipino but the fans came from all over. The venue is about a 2 1/2 hour drive from downtown Toronto. Mr. Tremblay gave us a six-fight offer. We agreed to do the first defense in Casino Rama again to pay back Mr. Tremblay for his faith in Marvin. But we’re excited for Marvin to make his mandatory defense before his countrymen in February.”
Dr. Yraola said neither Top Rank nor Golden Boy gave Sonsona a chance and it took Tremblay to stage the fight against Lopez on the advice of co-promoter Sampson Lewkowicz.
Sonsona arrived in Ontario 10 days before the fight and trained alongside Canadian hero Steve Molitor for a day in the gym to be introduced to Canadian fans. He would’ve flown in earlier but a visa glitch delayed his departure from Manila.
“The Canadian fans were surprised how a teenager like Marvin could fight like an experienced pro,” said Dr. Yraola. “Marvin doesn’t just have style but he’s also good-looking. I’m hoping he’ll keep his feet on the ground because he’s got a lot of fighting years ahead.”
It wasn’t a walk in the park for Sonsona against the veteran Lopez who turned pro when the Filipino was only one year old. Sonsona decked Lopez in the fourth round with a vicious right hook but the Puerto Rican recovered to stun the Filipino with a right straight just before the bell. Lopez pressed the action from the fifth to the eighth as Sonsona appeared to lose steam. Then, Sonsona found his second wind to finish strong. The judges’ scores were 116-109, 115-110 and 114-111 as two points were deducted from Lopez for low blows in the seventh round by referee Rocky Zolnierczyk.
“Lopez had a good counter right straight and Marvin had difficulty scoring with his uppercut,” said Dr. Yraola. “We knew it would go 12 rounds because Lopez is really tough but we felt it was important for Marvin to score at least a knockdown. Luckily, he did it.”
Dr. Yraola credited Sonsona’s trainers Nonito (Dodong) Donaire Sr. and Jun Agrabio for their hard work. “Dodong’s mid-fight adjustments were critical,” he said. “Dodong worked on Marvin’s distance fighting with jabs and combinations while Jun concentrated on the inside. Dodong also helped out in Marvin’s conditioning, introducing drills and exercises that he learned from the US. Dodong proved he’s a maker of champions. The way Marvin fought, it reminded me of how Dodong’s son Jun-Jun fights.”
Dr. Yraola said Sonsona showed only 70 percent of his potential against Lopez and is capable of bringing more to the table. “Marvin himself admitted he didn’t do his best and I think that’s a mark of a fighter who’s maturing,” said Dr. Yraola. “He wants to improve. He’s not satisfied with how he is now. That’s a positive sign for a champion who’s only 19.”
Sonsona resumed training in the Quezon City gym owned by Dr. Yraola last week and would’ve joined Manny Pacquiao in Baguio if not for the impassable highway due to flood waters.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
'Boom Boom' clears the air
MANILA, Philippines - After nearly a year’s layoff, once world-rated Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista is out for redemption and the first obstacle in his climb back to prominence is Indonesia’s Marangin (Dinamita) Marbun whom he faces in a scheduled 12-round bout for the vacant interim WBC International featherweight crown at the Waterfront Hotel ballroom in Cebu City on Oct. 16.
It remains to be seen if Bautista, 23, will be hampered by the ring rust resulting from an 11-month hiatus. Last February, he underwent surgery to repair the fractured scaphoid – the bone of the thumb side of the carpus that is the largest in the proximal row – in his left hand. The operation was performed by orthopaedic hand surgeon Dr. Tammy de los Reyes at the Manila Doctors Hospital.
In contrast, Marbun has been extraordinarily active, engaging in five fights this year. He is unbeaten in his last eight outings and has a record of 19-5-1, with seven KOs. Of his five defeats, only one came inside the distance when he lost to Duangpetch Saengmorakot in the sixth round in Surat Thani, Thailand, two years ago.
Marbun, 24, is determined to make good in his third Philippine assignment. He previously lost to Glenn Porras in Kidapawan and Ciso Morales in Tubod, both on points.
ALA Gym owner Antonio Aldeguer told The STAR yesterday Bautista is ready to barge back into the world ratings after losing an eight-round decision to Mexico’s Heriberto Ruiz in Las Vegas last November. The loss snapped a streak of three straight wins that followed his first-round knockout setback to Daniel Ponce de Leon in a WBO superbantamweight title bout in 2007.
“After one or two recovery fights, Boom Boom wants a rematch with Ruiz then he’ll go after his old nemesis Ponce de Leon,” said Aldeguer.
More than just beating Marbun, Aldeguer said Bautista wants to clear the air on the status of his career, which critics are saying has reached an ebb.
Aldeguer said Bautista suffered a career-threatening injury in his left hand while sparring with Gerry Peñalosa at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles two years ago.
“Boom Boom was already having pains in his left hand when he fought Ponce de Leon but he never told us for fear of having the fight cancelled,” revealed Aldeguer. “He continued to keep it a secret – again for fear that people might say he was using the injury as an alibi for his first round knockout loss to de Leon.”
Aldeguer said Bautista fought with pain in his next three fights against Antonio Meza, Genaro Camargo and Eden Marquez – whom he beat. “On several occasions during sparring, his trainer noticed that Boom Boom would rarely jab or hardly use his left hand,” related Aldeguer. “An X-ray was then taken of his wrist and the initial finding was just a slight sprain and a pain killer (Arcoxia) was given to ease the swelling and the pain. It worked temporarily but the pain got back and it was worse when he last fought and lost to Ruiz.”
Aldeguer said a series of X-Rays and thorough examination confirmed the non-union of the fractured scahoid. The surgery involved a bone graft and inserting a screw in the left wrist. “It was an agonizing experience for Boom Boom since there was no assurance he could fight again – until a final assessment six months after the operation,” continued Aldeguer.
Last August, Dr. de los Reyes cleared Bautista to resume training but said if the pain recurred, another surgery may be necessary. X-Rays and CT-scans showed a clean repair job. In training, Bautista has felt no pain and doctors attributed it to his dedication in undergoing five months of daily therapy. Aldeguer said the smooth sailing in training camp has given Bautista renewed confidence.
“This only proves how determined he is to get back to his old form and it’s not to gain sympathy,” stressed Aldeguer. “It’s going to be a hard and long way back to gaining his former stature but Boom Boom is going to make it at all costs.”
Bautista was initially pencilled to take on WBC International featherweight titlist Rachamongkol Sor Pleonchit but the Thai was injured in training and was replaced by Marbun who was described by Indonesian matchmaker Temuzin Rambing as a credible opponent.
Bautista’s biggest win so far was a 12-round decision over Argentina’s Sergio Medina in Las Vegas in 2007. He floored Medina in the sixth round and survived a standing eight-count in the 11th to carve out a hard-earned win on points. It was Bautista’s sixth victory on US soil.
Bautista was once ranked No. 1 in the superbantamweight honor roll but because of inactivity, his name no longer appears in the ratings of any world governing body. It’ll be an uphill battle for recognition by Bautista whose record is 26-2, with 19 KOs but Aldeguer said the mission is possible. The first step is to win convincingly over Marbun.
Gorres fight moved
By Edri K. Aznar
INSTEAD of fighting in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto fight on Nov. 15 (RP time) in Las Vegas, Z Gorres is scheduled to headline a boxing card the day before the fight at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
“They will stick with original plan. Z will be fighting in the main event of Nov. 13,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer in an interview by Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.
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The 27-year-old Gorres is tentatively scheduled to fight veteran Puerto Rican Eric Morel for the interim World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight crown as what was mandated by WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel.
However, it isn’t final yet as Morel hasn’t told Top Rank, the promoter of the event, if he is accepting the fight.
“They (Top Rank) are talking to the Morel camp but they (Morel’s camp) haven’t given a word,” said Aldeguer.
Despite the uncertainty, Aldeguer is optimistic that Gorres and the 34-year-old Morel will be facing each other because their fight was ordered by WBO.
“Morel should accept the fight because it was ordered by Paco Valcarcel,” he said.
If Morel refuses a fight with Gorres, Aldeguer is hoping that the WBO will pick another top contender to face Gorres for the interim WBO bantamweight title.
“We’ll just be ready. We’re focused on Morel but we are ready regardless who is placed in front of us. Hopefully, we get a word within the week,” said Aldeguer
The other fight ordered by WBO was a world title fight between the current WBO bantamweight titleholder Fernando Montiel and veteran Filipino fighter Gerry Peñalosa, which is slated this December.
Valcarcel said that the winner of the Gorrres vs. Morel and Montiel vs. Peñalosa fights will face each other in 2010 for the WBO bantamweight title.
Gorres and ALA Gym trainers Edito and Edmund Villamor will leave for the US on Oct. 18.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 9, 2009.
Summit boxing series hits Country Mall
By Rommel C. Manlosa
THE Summit Natural Drinking Water Fight Night Amateur Boxing Series will return to the Gaisano Country Mall Car Park with 12 exciting matches this Saturday.
Exel Mogar of the Phil-Aust Boxing Club will open the hostilities as he trades punches against Jerry Serenio of the Flores Boxing Club in the 20-kg. bout.
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Dominique Casañares of Bacayan Elementary School will then face off with Bebe Rama of Phil-Aust BC, while Kint Mike Tuñacao of the Phil-Aust club will face off with Jay Mark Augusto of the Flores club (25kgs).
Other amateur fights in the event will pit Richard Rama against Rommel Casañares; Jeffrey Estela against Melmark Dignos; Mark Emmanuel Villarino opposite Elju Aligado; Vance Cabahug against Marvin Llansa and Jessie Dignos against Jamewell Amacanin. (RCM)
Sonsona to defend crown vs Mexican
BAGUIO CITY , Philippines – World Boxing Organization (WBO) superflyweight champion Marvin “Marvelous” Sonsona will make his first title defense against Mexican brawler Alejandro Hernandez in a 12-round bout on Nov. 21 in Canada.
Sonsona, who scored a stunning upset over dethroned champion Jose Luis Lopez in a grueling encounter last month, is set to hold camp in Baguio for a four-week high-altitude training.
But former Baguio councilor Rufino Panagan, a noted boxing promoter and manager, had advised Sonsona camp to temporarily hold the fighter’s roadwork in Metro Manila due to bad weather condition in the area.
The 19-year-old Sonsona, a General Santos native like boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, boasts of a 14-0 win-loss record, including 12 knockouts. He is currently training under Nonito Donaire Sr., father of Nonito Donaire Jr., the other Filipino world champion.
“The Sonsona camp was awed by the respect shown by Baguio and Benguet residents to the on-going training of Pacquiao, thus, they want to hold their high altitude training here. We will welcome Marvin the same way that we welcomed Pacquiao,” Panagan said.
He added that with dedication and hard work, Sonsona could be the next Pacquiao.
“But Hernandez is no pushover although Sonsona can hurdle his tough test with enough preparation,” Panagan said.
Sonsona will be holding his gym workouts at the Panagan gymnasium here and will do roadwork around the city.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Sonsona preps for 1st defense
WORLD Boxing Organization (WBO) super flyweight champion Marvin Sonsona will have his first title defense against former world championship challenger Alejandro Hernandez on Nov. 21 at the Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada.
“It is final, Sonsona’s first title defense will be against Hernandez on Nov. 21,” said Sammy Gello-ani, who acts as the promoter of the 19-year-old world title-holder.
Sonsona shocked the world after defeating veteran fighter Jose Lopez for the WBO super flyweight strap last Sept. 4. He became the second youngest Filipino fighter to win a world title next to Morris East.
Hernandez is a 23-year-old Mexican boxer, who is ranked No.14 in the WBO super flyweight division. He has a record of 22 wins, seven defeats and a draw with 11 knockouts.
Gello-ani explained that the reason for picking Hernandez was that he was the only ranked fighter, who was available for the fight.
“He was the only available fighter ranked in the Top 15,” said Gello-ani.
This will be Hernandez’s second crack at the world title. He fell short in his last attempt after losing via a unanimous decision over the undefeated WBO flyweight titlist, Omar Narvaez, in Argentina last year.
Hernandez is fresh from a unanimous decision loss to fellow Mexican pugilist Wilbert Uicab in their North American Boxing Federation flyweight title tiff.
Sonsona and his team are scheduled to leave for Baguio City this Friday, where he is set to formally start his training for the upcoming title defense.
He will be accompanied by undefeated fighter Ciso Morales, who is also scheduled to fight on the same card, and four other sparring mates. Morales will also be sparring with Sonsona.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 7, 2009.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Donaire waiting for call
MANILA, Philippines - Interim WBA superflyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. said yesterday Jorge Arce’s upset loss to South African Simphiwe Nonggayi for the IBF title has derailed his plans to fight in December but he’s still hoping Top Rank chairman Bob Arum and his manager Cameron Dunkin can come up with a option that will bring him back in the ring before the year ends.
“I’m just a phone call away,” said Donaire who is now rated No. 7 in The Ring Magazine’s pound-for-pound rankings. “Right now, we’re playing a strategic game in looking for an opponent. Arce would’ve been perfect if only he beat Nonggayi. But he’s not in the cards anymore. There’s really nothing to gain in fighting Arce who is back to rebuilding his career.”
WBA superflyweight titlist Nobuo Nashiro is a target but he may be ordered to stake his crown once more against Mexican Hugo Cazares with whom the Japanese battled to a split draw in Osaka last Wednesday.
Vic Darchinyan is another possibility even as he’s coming off a loss to IBF bantamweight champion Joseph Agbeko but the problem is the Australian is staying clear of Donaire. Darchinyan, who lost his IBF flyweight crown to Donaire on a fifth round knockout two years ago, is booked to defend his “super” WBA and WBC 115-pound titles against Tomas Rojas in California on Dec. 12.
WBO bantamweight titleholder Fernando Montiel was also considered but the Mexican is pencilled to face Gerry Peñalosa in Cancun on Dec. 19.
Nonggayi could be his next opponent although the unbeaten “Golden Master” is hardly a box office draw. At least, he holds a world title that Donaire wants.
“Nonggayi is like (Moruti) Mthalane,” said Donaire referring to his South African victim whom he stopped in the sixth round in Las Vegas last year. “You wonder how many will watch the fight because Nonggayi has no US fan base. Still, I’m willing to fight anyone Top Rank and Cameron will put in front of me.”
Donaire said he will go back to the gym with trainer Jonathan Peñalosa this week just in case Dunkin phones.
But realistically, Donaire said it’s unlikely he’ll fight again this year.
“The balance of the advertising money for the year is going to Pacquiao-Cotto so I don’t think there’s going to be too much left for anything else,” said Donaire. “It’s probably just as well as I’ve just recovered from dengue and I’m scheduled to visit Dr. (George) Canlas this week for a check-up on my right hand which by the way, is healed.”
Meanwhile, Donaire is keeping busy with his TV and social commitments. He taped his fifth appearance on GMA-TV’s Celebrity Duets yesterday and may host a TV documentary, to be produced by Solar Sports, on Manny Pacquiao’s training for Miguel Cotto in Baguio.
Last Wednesday, Donaire met with President Arroyo near the golf course of Malacañang in a special audience where he gave the Chief Executive one of only eight team jackets made for his recent fight against Rafael Concepcion. President Arroyo rewarded Donaire with a P1 million bonus for beating Concepcion to claim the interim WBA title.
After accepting the President’s bonus, Donaire said he would donate the entire amount for typhoon victims and rally Fil-Ams in the US to send relief goods. He also vowed to support Games and Amusements Board boxing chief Dr. Nasser Cruz’ program for out-of-school youth. Dr. Cruz was present at the meeting with the President. Also attending were Ambassador Mae Jimenez of the Ahon Foundation, Donaire’s wife Rachel, team coordinator Mark Tandoc and GMA-TV vice president Ida Henares.
It was later decided that Donaire would use the P1 million reward to buy 40 “bahay kubos” to shelter typhoon victims in an area to be designated by the President’s staff. GMA-TV pledged to support Donaire’s effort by providing the “kubos” with living amenities, like stoves and beds. Each “kubo” will be about 14 square meters with provisions for a kitchen, sitting area and bedroom.
“We want a ‘kubo’ that’s simple, safe, clean and durable – something that’s fit for living in, not for recreation,” said Donaire who shopped around for a “kubo” maker in Imus last Thursday.
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