Cebu Boxing 2007

Bleacher Talk
Jan. 7, 2007

Cebu Boxing 2007

If boxing in 2006 was all about progress for Cebu Boxing and obviously the stature of Philippine Boxing in the international arena, expect 2007 to be even better. 2006 was the year for Cebu to be finally declared to the boxing world and media that the country's world-class boxers come from this island in the Pacific (and nearby BoholI should add).

It was the year of seeing Gerry Peñalosa, Randy Suico, Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista, Z Gorres, Jimrex Jaca, Caesar Amonsot and Along Denoy carrying the tri-colors of the country on top of the square rings of Las Vegasand other parts of the U.S.Others who should be mentioned include Abe Concepcion of Binangonan and Diosdadi Gabi of Davao. So what will happen in 2007? A lot! 2007 will still see this success being sustained, with the country's best continuing to make us proud in the international scene, albeit in different ways.

For a slow start, the country's biggest draw, Manny Pacquiao, is not going to have a sensational first half of the year. He'll be bothered and bogged down by the legal problems regarding who has the right to be his promoter: Top Rank or Golden Boy Promotions. He'll most likely end up facing a nobody in Macauon April 28 in what will be more of a tune-up type of a fight. While we fans would rather see a Pacquiao-Barrera grudge match, this April fight will actually be good for the Pacman. All his problems off the ring are going to take its toll on his conditioning and it's better that he face an "inferior" opponent. Don't expect to see a perfectly-conditioned Pacquiao in this fight. If he faces an "A" opponent and not be 100% fit both physically, and more importantly mentally, he might just end up with a big "L" on his record. It wasn't too long ago when he faced Erik Morales for the first time amidst all the problems he had when he dumped his then managerial team of Murad Muhammad and Rod Nazario in favor of Shelly Finkel. He was not in the right frame of mind in that fight and ended up losing a fight that he could've won convincingly. We don't want history to be repeated again, do we?

Aside from Pacquiao, the year will belong to the "others" in this Pacquiao and others show. This early, we're already looking forward to the Boxing World Cup on March 4 where "Boom Boom" Bautista goes after the WBO super bantamweight title of Daniel Ponce de Leon and Gorres attempts to win the WBO super flyweight belt of Fernando Montiel in a Philippinesvs. Mexicobattle. A third title will be on the line, with either Rodel Mayol or Bert Batawang going after Hugo Cazarez's WBO light flyweight title in a match that has a good chance of stealing the show from the other two title fights.

The 2007 sentimental favorite of fans will be Peñalosa. Time is running out in his comeback trail, but he's proving that he still has the stuff to win another world title. With Johnny Gonzales refusing to defend his WBO bantamweight title here at the World Cup, I really hope Gerry gets that crack this year before it's too late. Another boxer who I'd like to see to do well and earn a shot at the WBC bantamweight championship is Malcolm Tuñacao. He's had an up-and-down career ever since losing his WBC flyweight title, but it looks like he's ripe for another title run. Will he finally get that shot at WBC champion Hozumi Hasagawa?I'd also like to see Rodel Mayol learn his lessons and get another shot at WBC minimumweight champ Eagle Kyowa if he doesn't fight in the World Cup card on March 4. I've always believed that Mayol has the tools to become a world champion as long as he keeps himself focused and determined. AJ Banal is already being described as another world champ in the making and 2007 will be another year of polishing and no-need-to-rush development as he slowly breaks into the international scene.

Other boxers who may not (yet) be destined for the lights of Vegas, but who will also do their fair share of making us proud are WBF welterweight champion Dondon Sultan, the comebacking Rev Santillan, Donnie Nietes, Rocky Fuentes, Michael Domingo and Mark Jason Melligen.

While Cebu's cream of the crop work their way through the international scene in their attempt to get that elusive crack at a world championship, the local Cebu scene is going to be busier than ever. Seeing our boxers doing well abroad will have a tremendous ripple effect that will spread to our up and coming boxers. Now that they're seeing the likes of Pacquiao, Bautista and Gorres being recognized abroad and earning in the thousands of dollars range, they'll also work their butts off to get to the same level. Boxing gyms will be filled up with aspiring boxers while the amateur scene is going to be exciting once again.

All these have now made the boxing promotions business click. Sammy Gello-ani and Wakee Salud now have the support and connections with the biggest names in boxing in Golden Boy and Top Rank. I don't think we're going to hear both promoters talking about "not making money" in local events anymore.

2007 has just begun and I can't wait for everything to start happening already. And if everything goes as planned, this includes this corner being more actively involved (once again) in the ring.

This is where I'd like to borrow from one of our favorites in boxing, referee Mills Lane: "Let's get it on!"

***

Time-out: Happy birthday to our favorite dentist, Dra. Pinky Chupungco Navarro! Catch her at Clinica Gorordo in Lahug. >>> You can reach me at bleachertalk@yahoo.com.