By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

 

MARCH 2, 2013 was when I watched the first of two boxing matches between Mexican Moises Fuentes and our Donnie Nietes for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) light flyweight title battle held at Mall of Asia.

Unfortunately, I failed to interview the two protagonists. The result was a majority draw verdict for the two world class boxers to the dismay of the Filipino home crowd particularly because either one of the two confident clashers could have won the close battle. Fortunately, I got acquainted with Fuentes’ chief second, his country mate Michael Lopez, after the fight. We eventually became close friends after Lopez learned that my father was a Mexican. Lopez said a second world title fight for the two ring gladiators would take place because of the draw decision, and yes, it was done on May 10, 2014, as mandated by WBO.

The second meeting was held this time at Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu city and the same WBO light flyweight diadem was at stake. Unlike their first collision, the 5’6½” former WBO minimum weight (106 pounds) world champ Fuentes lost the clash via 9^th round technical knockout to the huge delight of the pro-Nietes Filipino crowd.

Being a diehard boxing aficionado, I traveled to Cebu City with my son Moises and watched their second confrontation. Unlike in the first fight, my son and I mingled this time with the Fuentes camp after the fight on the invitation of Lopez in one of Waterfront restaurants. It was there when I personally met for the first time, the former WB0 featherweight world titleholder the famous Mexican pugilist Marco Antonio Barrera, who I soon learned was Fuentes manager. (Barrera was one of the arch-foes of our Filipino former world champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao whom Pacquiao defeated twice, consecutively).

As expected, the Mexico City-born Barrera and I had a long exchange of views about his boxing career particularly on his twice world title matches with Pacquiao. He honestly and humbly admired Pacman’s talent and abilities, not only his stinging punches but especially his speed and footwork. When I told him that my Mexican grandmother Severiana’s real maternal name is Barrera, he appeared pleasantly surprised. “Who knows, we might be related with each other then,” was his reaction. Yes, I appreciated that. Who knows, he could be right.

Aside the multiple yummy foods that the Waterfront resto served, Michael, my son Moises and I finished three bottles of beer each, but the handsome retired boxer Barrera only downed one bottle. Fuentes didn’t have one, being an athlete.

And last November 25, I was shocked to learn from my son Moises that his tucayo Fuentes had died due to brain injury. Until I scanned Fuentes’s profile, it was then when I confirmed the news that the former world champ was gone, gone for good after being comatose for 13 months due to a blood clot he suffered during his match with his compatriot David Cuellar when he lost via 6^th round knockout last October 16, 2021 in Cancun, Mexico. Fuentes, 37, ended his boxing career with a total of 33 professional fights, 25 victories with 14 of them via knockouts, 11 by decisions, 7 defeats and which 5 of them via stoppages and single draw. That draw was against Nietes. For sure, the globe boxing enthusiasts, particularly the Mexicans (including this writer) will really miss him.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.” LUKE 1: 30-31

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