One down, one up for PH

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

 

WE watched last Sunday (November 6) how our two world well-known prized fighters battled their foes in world title matches. One done, one up. Yes, we saw how the Filipino-American Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, Jr. lost his World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight tiara to the flashier Mexican hombre Jessie Magdaleno via unanimous decision in Las Vegas. Many say it was an stunning upset, but I dare say it’s really not so because Magdaleno’s fight record, 24-0, 17 by knockouts, speaks for Magdaleno while Donaire toted 37 wins and 24 of these via stoppages and three losses, now  four losses.

Magdaleno was impressive the way he jump-started his plan, using his youthful speed for a strong first half, then stayed at bay in the last six rounds to frustrate the three-division champion Donaire. The frustration in the face of Donaire was unmistakable on hearing the verdict from the three ring judges. He protested the decision, because he believed without a doubt that he clearly won the twelve-round clash.

“We clearly won the fight. He’s a hard puncher but we got control of the fight,” Donaire said. But I believe he was wrong.  Even the TV annotator thought otherwise, that in the closing rounds, the 2012 Fighter of the Year from General Santos City was really behind by points, and I have to agree. Donaire came back strong in the last four rounds and tried hard to finish the 24-year-old Mexican especially in the twelfth round but it was not enough to get the nod of the three judges, 116-112 twice and 118-110, all for Magdaleno.  A rematch would be better to prove himself because knowing Donaire being the smart fighter, I believe he’ll have the better chance to regain the title. Siya nawa.

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But how our national boxing treasure Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao reclaimed the WBO welterweight diadem from Magdaleno’s country mate Jessie Vargas via 12-round unanimous decision was another story.  It was really a lopsided match from the opening up to the last sound of the bell. The result did not surprise the spectators around the world. The only time the crowd got up to their feet was when Pacman knocked down Vargas to his knees in the second round but he failed to finish the defending titleholder.

One down and one up but the Philippines still remains a carrier of bountiful world boxing champions during this year despite the fall of Donaire. PH continues having five world champions led by Pacman, WBO bantamweight Marlon Tapales, IBF (International Boxing Federation) super flyweight Jerwin Ancajas, IBF flyweight Johnriel Casimero and WIBA (Women International Boxing Association) Gretchen Abaniel. WBO former light flyweight king Donnie “Ahas” Nietes relinquished his light flyweight crown and is now campaigning in the flyweight class. I believe he’ll be champion again, soon.

Back to Top Rank Promotions czar Bob Arum.  When he talked about the big possibility for a Mayweather-Pacquiao return bout next year, probably April, I thought, forget it. The result will not only be the same but Mayweather will win by running away all the time to avoid the fast hands of Pacman. My guess is, it will no longer be so marketable. Personally, I wish the return bout won’t happen. It will be a lousy match, for sure and blame it all on Mayweather.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Humble yourselves in the sight to the Lord, and He will lift you up. JAMES 4: 10

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