Southern boxers dominate world boxing arena

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

 

LIKE my other blood country Mexico, that keeps boxing as its number two favorite sport (after football), I believe we Filipinos should also pursue this sport with the same fervor. Undoubtedly, our enthusiasm for boxing started during the peak heydays of Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, the only prized fighter in the world that captured (so far) eight world titles in different divisions.

But what most probably don’t know is that we’ve already had five world champions this year: Light flyweight Donnie Nietes, super bantamweight Nonito Donaire, Jr., flyweight Johnriel Casimero, bantamweight Marlon Tapales and the latest, the 24 year-old super flyweight Jerwin Ancajas. And if lucky, the Philippines will have six world titleholders this year if Pacman can handle his November 5 battle against WBO world welterweight titlist Jessie Vargas of Mexico.

Nietes, 34, undefeated for almost nine years is the Philippines longest world reigning champion. He vacated his 108 pounds belt to step one ladder higher (112 lbs) to fight on September 25 in Carson City, California against Mexican former world holder Edgar Sosa, conqueror of Ilocos Sur’s son, former world flyweight champ Brian Viloria. And if successful to get his third world title, Nietes will next hunt the WBO super flyweight (115 lbs) crown in the hands of Roman Gonzales of Nicaragua. Hmmm. That will be a tough task knowing that Gonzales is now the pound-for-pound king after the retirement of Floyd Mayweather, the conqueror of Pacman.

What’s worth noting is that since professional boxing was first introduced in the Philippines, almost all of our former and present world champions hailed from the south.  First there was the late flyweight king Pancho Villa from Negros Occidental, middleweight Ceferino Garcia of Biliran and Gabriel Elorde of Cebu, to name some. Our five reigning world champs are from the south: Nietes (Negros Occidental), Casimero (Leyte), Donaire (General Santos City), Ancajas (Davao del Norte), and Tapales (Lanao del Norte). If you include Pacquiao who was born in Bohol, that will be six.

Our latest from Luzon is Viloria and before him was WBC featherweight Luisito Espinosa, the legally adopted son of Dagupan City in 1997 during the time of former Mayor Alipio Fernandez, Jr. I met Luisito many times here in the city during his prime with his former manager the late Hermie Rivera. But again unknown to many, Pangasinan had already produced one world champ, the Bugallon born and Baguio City raised Roberto Cruz. Cruz grabbed the vacant WBA (World Boxing Association) junior welterweight title from Raymund “Battling” Torres of Reynosa, Mexico via sensational first round knockout held at Los Angeles Dodger Stadium in California on March 21, 1963. Unfortunately, his first title defense was a failure. He lost to American Eddie Perkins via unanimous decision held at Araneta Coliseum and eventually retired.

I bumped into Cruz sometime in 1980 with my three kids Jazy, Babyruth and Jennifer at the old Pantranco station in Quezon City. Proud of being both Pangasinenses, we spoke in our local dialect and talked particularly about sports professions.

I believe it’s time for us Luzonians to win a world boxing crown, again. What the south can always attain I honestly believe, we, Luzonians can also achieve. Siya nawa.

*          *          *          *

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: And Almighty God said to Adam and Eve “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” GENESIS 3: 19

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments