Sports Eye
Bitter sweet
By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.
FILIPINO boxing buffs who came to watch personally the world title fights of our very own Brian Villoria and Nonito Donaire, Jr. at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City went out from the Big Dome with a big smile.
Yes, and also the aficionados who gazed at their living rooms.
They’re all extremely pleased and contented how our two world renowned prizefighters and the four appetizers of the day’s battle triumphed all via knockouts. It was really a day for us, Filipinos, in sports. The April 19 was a time of merriments and even just for awhile disregard the economic crisis we are facing of during these days.
Yes, I was also elated and celebrated the conquests of our boxers with my amigos through a round of beers. But sad to say I’m not much cheerful due to that humiliating and devastating defeat suffered by my half country men. And I’m not ashamed with them because I knew they really did their best. Unfortunately, their best were not good enough to conquer Philippine boxing.
It was a bitter sweet for me.
No need to explain. I believe you already know the blood of my father.
The six boxers especially Villoria and Donaire were at their best forms. You saw it, we saw it how they pummeled their opponents with much gusto.
“Iba talaga kapag lumalaban ka dito mismo sa iyong bansa kumpara kung dumayo ka,” said Armando Lalata, my drink mate and a boxing fanatic. “Kasi malaking tulong yong moral support ng iyong kababayan kapag pinagbubunyi ka,” he added.
I agree with him. That happened to me when I was still an active athlete. Morale boost really enhances your adrenalin and your determination to win. That’s for sure.
Ilocos Sur born Hawaii raised Villoria became champion anew in the 108-lb class by dethroning Ulises Solis in the 11th round for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight tiara. I observed it was that same kind of punch that kayoed Eric Ortiz in the first round that made him the World Boxing Council (WBC) titlist in September 2005.
I saw that fight, too, on TV and I was really amazed of Viloria’s performance.
After his first successful defense, he lost the crown to Omar Romero, also from Mexico, until the golden opportunity came last Sunday at the Big Dome.
Donaire, on the other hand was much more sterling, flooring unbeaten Raul Martinez three times in the first three rounds before knocking him out in the fourth canto to retain his IBF and International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight diadems.
The Bohol born General Santos City raised and U.S. based Donaire, 5’6″ in height, said he plans to move to the super flyweight class (115 lbs) because of weight problem.
And if his plan pushes through, like Manny Pacquiao I believe he could be champion too on this weight and even in 126 pounds, the featherweight division. He’s one of a kind in world boxing and got more many years before he will finally hangs up his gloves.
Let’s wait and see.
* * *
The Calimlim Cycling Cup held on April 19 in Mapandan was really a success.
It was organized by Mayor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr. with the able support of the town’s aldermen Mamerto Eden, Jr. and Vivien Perria and retired policeman Jesse Mosada.
The annual bikefest after an absence of four years was revived this year and Calimlim said he will continue the project the following years and should always be staged in conjunction with the celebration of the town fiesta. It’s his way to contribute in the sports development in the province, not only in cycling but also in basketball, chess, walkathon, volleyball, boxing, bowling, table tennis and probably billiards games and street dancing of which they bagged the Panagbenga festival crown this year held in Baguio City.
Mapandan, once called a bucolic town before but not anymore due to the initiative and leadership of Calimlim.
And remember, this tiny town with only 15 barangays already produced a national cycling and marathon champion, both in the person of the late Mamerto Eden, Sr., the father of councilor Eden, my kumpadre.
I doff my hat to you, guys.
Carry on the good works.
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