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Source: ABS-CBN News

-- Filipino lightweight prospect Mercito “No Mercy" Gesta continued his rise to world title contention after knocking out Columbian foe Oscar Cuero in the eighth round of their match Saturday night in Las Vegas (Sunday morning in Manila).

Gesta knocked down Cuero in the seventh round after a strong body shot, and again in the eighth after a right to the head. Cuero was able to beat the count, but referee Robert Byrd stopped the bout at the 1:38 mark.

Gesta remains undefeated with a record of 25 wins, no loss and one draw. It is his 13th knockout victory in his career.

The Gesta-Cuero bout was the opening match of the Brandon Rios-Richard Abril event.

Gesta, a native of Cebu, was aggressive right from the opening bell, but Cuero was not willing to engage and opted to back away from Gesta most of the night.

Cuero was also penalized for excessive holding in the fifth round.

Top Rank president Todd DuBoef previously said that Gesta is "knocking on the title's door."

Gesta had offered to fight in the main event of the fight against Rios after his original opponent, Yuri Gamboa, opted to back out. But Abril was chosen to replace Gamboa and Gesta kept his spot in the event opener.

Source: ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes made a smashing debut as a junior flyweight by knocking out Mexico’s Armando Vazquez in just 1 round at the La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City on Saturday.

Nietes tagged Vazquez with a crushing right hook, knocking down the Mexican during the main event of Pinoy Pride 5, according to a Philboxing.com report.

Vasquez failed to make the count, prompting referee Bruce McTavish to award Nietes the knockout victory 2:26 into the opening round.

Before landing that knockout punch, Nietes had to survive a stunning left hand he received from Vazquez.

With the feat, Nietes improved his record to 28-1-3 (16 KOs). Vasquez, on the other hand, settled at 18-6.

Nietes, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight champ, is now poised to face the winner of the WBO interim junior flyweight title bout between Jesus Geles and Ramon Garcia Hirales.

Other Pinoys prevail

Other Filipino pugs also bannered the country's flag after winning their respective undercard matches.

Jason Pagara, a Cagayan de Oro native, won the WBO Asia Pacific Youth lightweight crown by knocking out Tanzanian Deo Njiku in the 2nd round.

In the 1st round, Pagara dominated Njiku by sending the Tanzanian down the canvas twice.

Njiku survived the knockdowns and used his powerful rights to make the fight even.

Pagara, however, used a counter left hook to end the fight in the succeeding round.

The Filipino now has a record of 26-1-0 while Njiku dropped to 11-5.

Meanwhile, North Cotabato's Lorenzo Villanueva successfully defended his WBO Oriental featherweight crown against Indonesia's James Mokoginta via technical knockout (TKO).

Cebu's Roli Gasca also prevailed against Thailand's Ngaotawan Sithsaithong by TKO.

Source: ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – Two Filipino boxers are going after regional titles when they face their respective opponents in the undercard of "Pinoy Pride 5."

Jason Pagara and Lorenzo Villanueva will have separate matches against a pair of African fighters in the supporting bouts of the event, which headlines the light flyweight match between world minimumweight champion Donnie Nietes and Mexican Armando Vazquez.

Pagara will battle Deo Njiku for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Youth Asia-Pacific junior welterweight title.

The Misamis Oriental native Pagara, who has a record of 25 wins, 1 loss and 14 knockouts, is coming off a 1st-round knockout victory over Billy Sumba last January.

Meanwhile, the undefeated Villanueva will be fighting Ramadhani Shauri for the WBO Oriental featherweight championship.

The Filipino featherweight, who hails from Midsayap, Cotabato, has 20 wins.

Pinoy Pride 5, jointly promoted by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, will take place at the La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod on Saturday.

Source: GMA News

-- National boxing coach Roel Velasco is confident that the present crop of athletes discovered by the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) has a strong chance of winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics.

Velasco, a bronze medalist in the 1992 Barcelona Games, said that brothers Rey (flyweight) and Vic Saludar (lightflyweight) are among the boxers that ABAP hopes may finally deliver the long-awaited Olympic gold.

"The core of our national pool are young and determined in their quest to give honor for our country. I believe our first Olympic gold can come from this batch," said Velasco, who also mentioned Charly Suarez and Annie Albania as two other gold-medal prospects.

"Bukod sa determinado, masunurin sa mga itinuturo ng kanilang coach, kaya naman nagiging successful sila. Wala pang ere sa katawan," he added.

Rey, the elder of the Saludar brothers, said their quest for glory did not end in winning medals in the Asian Games.

"And target po namin noong kami ay mapili sa national team ay ang makamit ang minimithing Olympic gold medal. Kaya ito ang pipilitin naming maabot hanggang kaya namin sa pamamagitan ng puspusang preparasyon," the 23-year-old Saludar said.

Bowler Biboy Rivera and world billiards champion Dennis Orcollo supported the Guangzhou Asian Games gold medalist’s statement.

Rivera, who won the singles gold in the recent Asiad, said that with the schedules of coaches finally settled, he can now prepare and train without any more interruption.

"The Philippine Bowling Congress has allowed me to train exclusively with my personal coach, Madoka Amano, so wala nang sagabal sa ensayo ko. Nahirapan kasi ako nitong nakaraang taon dahil sa ensayo sa personal coach ko tapos ensayo na naman sa national team coach, kaya medyo naapektuhan ang laro ko," he said.

For his part, Orcollo said that he will be competing in several international events as his preparation for the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

"Ang unang paghahandaan namin ay ang World Pool Masters in Las Vegas later this year. Then I’ll also compete in several world-class tournaments in the US para paghandaan na rin ang SEA Games.

Source: Jake Donovan, Boxing Scene

-- The message was sent loud and clear – Fernando Montiel, time to brace for Nonito Donaire.

There is still a bit of unfinished business before their February 19 superfight becomes a reality, as Montiel has a December 11 tune-up scheduled against fringe contender Eduardo Garcia.

But the unified bantamweight titlist can go into his fight knowing that future opponent certainly lived up to his end of the bargain.

In what was supposed to be the stiffest test of his young career, Donaire made it look easy in systematically picking apart former bantamweight champion Wladimir Sidirenko. The Filipino standout scored three knockdowns and beat his foe to a bloody pulp before stopping him in the fourth round of their televised co-feature Saturday evening at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.

It was clear from the outset that Donaire had every intention of making good on his pre-fight promise to become the first to stop Sidirenko. The size difference was overwhelming enough; so too was the disparity in power – Donaire threw nearly every punch with mean intentions while Sidirenko punches like he’s apologizing.

Donaire took advantage, to the point of bulling the former titlist. A combination midway through the round rocked Sidirenko and drove him into the ropes. It was a lot better than what he would experience by rounds end. Donaire scored with a left uppercut, overhand right combination to floor the Ukrainian.

The knockdown came late enough in the round to where the bell spared Sidirenko from further punishment. Donaire tried to capitalize in round two, bouncing confidently and shooting his jab while trying to create an opening for something big.

It wouldn’t come at that particular moment, but it didn’t discourage Donaire from applying the very same formula in the third. His persistence paid off, as Sidirenko was floored for the second time in the fight, this time courtesy of a counter left hook.

Things wouldn’t get any better for Sidirenko, though the good news was that he would soon be put out of his misery.

Donaire closed the show in the fourth, butchering and bloodying his older, shorter foe before finishing him off with a classic one-two. Sidirenko staggered before dropping to a knee for a delayed reaction knockdown, Referee Marcos Rosales began his mandatory eight count, but recognized a finished fighter in front of him and waved off the contest.

The official time was 1:48 of the fifth round.

With the win, Donaire improves to 25-1 (17KO) and reasserts himself as one of the very best in the sport. The talent was always evident, but the competition was lacking.

Not the case here, as Sidirenko came with stellar credentials – a three year tour as bantamweight champ, though he’s falling on hard times. This was the third loss in his last four fights as the 34-year old falls to 22-3-2 (7KO).

Meanwhile, Donaire keeps rolling. The lone loss of his career came in his second pro fight, as he extends his current win streak to nine-plus years and 24 fights.

This win was by far his biggest since his breakout performance three years ago when he stopped Vic Darchinyan in five rounds for the flyweight crown.

Donaire now has a chance to trump both of those wins with the Montiel fight up ahead. Some fighters tend to fall apart when booking big fights too far in advance. Donaire never once took his eye on the prize, instead more determined to make a statement against Sidirenko.

“I’m really motivated for the Montiel fight,” states Donaire, who will finally make his long awaited HBO debut once that fight officially airs. “I wanted to win. I was motivated enough to know that I can dominate anyone.”

Though he pretty much won every second of the fight, it still took a little longer than Donaire expected. Though he didn’t predict an early exit going into the fight, the pace of the bout once the opening bell rang led him to believe it would be a quick night’s work.

It wasn’t exactly a grueling task, but Donaire insisted that it was a lot tougher than was perhaps suggested to be the case.

“He’s a tough guy. I looked in his eyes in the first round – I always know when I hurt someone, and I knew that I hurt him, but he kept coming.”

Sidirenko eventually wilted, officially stepping out of the way and clearing a path for Donaire to truly prove his worth as one of the very best in the sport. He’s already regarded as high among the best little big men in the sport, though the only remaining dispute over were he ranks in the pecking order comes down to who he’s beaten.

Sadly, there was a considerable drop off in competition in the period in between the Darchinyan bout and Saturday evening’s contest.

His most notable win in that span was a fourth round knockout of Raul Martinez earlier last year – further proof that with the right fight and motivation, you get the best out of Donaire.

There’s no better opportunity for Donaire to showcase his A-game than what lies ahead in just over two months. To his credit, Donaire himself recognizes the fight as his chance to validate any praise that has already been heaped upon him.

“I still have to beat Montiel before I’m worthy of (pound-for-pound status), but I’m honored that anyone thinks of me in that regard.”

Source: AFP,

ANAHEIM - Filipino bantamweight star Nonito Donaire says that despite a 23-fight win streak over 9 1/2 years, only now is he finally motivated to produce his best boxing performances.

Donaire will fight for the interim World Boxing Association bantamweight crown on December 4 against former WBA champion Wladimiro Sidorenko of Ukraine with a showdown against Mexico's Fernando Montiel set for February if he wins.

"I want to make a statement of who Nonito Donaire really is," the "Filipino Flash" said Monday. "I've never really been motivated. I'm reaching the more fully me, the better me. This is finally the chance I have been looking for."

Former world flyweight champion Donaire, 24-1 with 16 knockouts, vows he will not be complacent when he faces Sidorenko, 22-2-2 with seven knockouts.

But Donaire made clear his desire to win and finalize a planned February 19 date with World Boxing Council bantamweight champion Montiel, 43-2-2 with 33 knockouts.

"When I have Montiel in my sight, as my target, I feel totally motivated. I have no fear," Donaire said. "They are going to see a different guy going in there. I'm motivated with Montiel on the horizon. This is where I want to be.

"I want to send a message to Montiel but I won't take Sidorenko lightly."

Sidorenko lost the WBA bantamweight crown to Panamanian southpaw Anselmo Moreno in 2008 and dropped a title rematch in 2009 but bounced back from his only defeats with an August decision over Tanzanian southpaw Mbwana Matumla.

"He's there to bring his name up in beating me," Donaire said. "It may be a different style than what I have seen but I have always been one to change my style to take advantage of my opponent.

"I'm really confident and working really hard. I'm in good shape. I want to be the first guy to knock this guy out and that's what I'm going to try to do."

Donaire trainer Robert Garcia has been impressed with his fighter's workouts.

"He's already sparring 12 rounds. He went 12 rounds on Saturday and I was surprised with his skills and conditioning," Garcia said. "He wasn't even breathing hard so I'm pleased with his fitness. We're not taking it easy.

"We're looking forward to getting that big date against Montiel."

Four bantamweight rivals will begin a tournament centered around the International Boxing Federation crown a week after Donaire fights Sidorenko, with semi-final bouts on December 11 at Tacoma, Washington.

Colombian Yonnhy Perez, 20-0 with one drawn and 14 knockouts, will defend his IBF crown against Ghana's Joseph Agbeko, 27-2 with 22 knockouts, in a rematch of the title fight Perez won by unanimous decision last year.

The other fight pits unbeaten Mexican Abner Mares, 20-0 with one drawn and 13 knockouts, against Armenian-born Australian southpaw Vic Darchinyan, 35-2 with one draw and 27 knockouts.

Mares, the fighter Donaire picked as the man to beat in the field, fought a majority draw with Perez last May. Donaire said he would welcome the chance to face the eventual tournament winner.

Source: GMA News

Filipino-American Brian "The Hawaiian Punch" Viloria primed himself for another world title shot after scoring a seventh-round technical knockout (TKO) win over Thailand's Liempetch Sor Veerapol in the "Boxing at the Bay: Friday Fight Fest" at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The former 2000 Sydney Olympic Games gold medalist and former two-time world champion Viloria floored the Thai three times, two of which came in the eighth round, forcing Filipino referee Ferdie Estrella to halt the bout at 2:09.

The win hiked Viloria's record to 28 wins, 15 by knockout, and could earn him a mandatory shot at the World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight crown of Mexican champion Julio Cesar Miranda.

Viloria, who only has three losses, is listed as the organization's No. 1 contender. His camp led by manager Gary Gittleson hopes to arrange for the fight as early as February or March.

"I felt pretty good," said Viloria, who turns 30 on November 23 and is scheduled to marry fiancee Erika Navarro on December 3.

"I worked a lot in the gym, especially with my body shots. I thought I need to improve on my combinations a little bit more but overall I think we did well."

The loss dropped Veerapol's record to 19-8-1. It was his third consecutive loss in the Philippines after dropping his first two matches to former world champion Marvin Sonsona and Johnriel Casimiro.

Viloria, wearing shiny green trunks with gold trimming, set the pace early in the match, connecting with solid rights and combinations in the first four rounds.

After receiving two UFC-type takedowns in the opening minutes of the fifth, Viloria countered with a series of body shots that sent Veerapol down in the 1:20 mark for the first knockdown of the 10-round bout.

Two rounds later, Viloria sealed Veerapol's fate when he connected with a left hook to the jaw that dropped the Thai to the canvass.

Veerapol managed to get up and beat Estrella's eight-count but Viloria let loose a number of blows to the Thai's head and body that sent him down anew, thus ending the match.

"He was really strong and it showed with his good conditioning," said Veerapol through an interpreter.

Triumphant Pinoys in undercards

Rodel Mayol, seeking to get back on the winning track after losing his world title, beat Thai Pompetch Twins Gym with a seventh-round stoppage in a one-sided match.

Mayol, who lost his World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight crown to Mexico's Omar Nino Romero after just one title defense early this year, improved his ring record to 26-5-2 with his 21st KO.

Denver "The Excitement" Cuello scored a first round TKO victory over Kongkrai Kiatpracha of Thailand in a match that succeeded Viloria's bout.

Cuello knocked down Kongkrai thrice in the first round, thus ending the action in just two minutes and eight seconds.

Many thought Manny Pacquiao was in action in one of the undercards but it turned out to be a deadringer for him in Al Sabaupan, who scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Arnel Dunal.

Marlon Tapales also beat Rey Migrino with a 10-round decision, while Edward Penerio did the same in eight rounds over Allan Ranada.

Source: JVP, GMA News

-- It's a mark of how fickle the sport of boxing can be that just two years ago, AJ Banal was considered damaged goods. Perhaps it wasn't that he had lost, but how he lost.

Leading on all scorecards in the 10th round of a scheduled 12-rounder against Raul Concepcion, Banal took a series of right hands that sent him down face first in a neutral corner. Banal wasn't unconscious, however, as he took the 10-count on his knees, resigned in his defeat.

The loss to Concepcion, which was a contest for the interim World Boxing Association (WBA) junior bantamweight title, would move him out of the public's eye. And that might not be a bad thing. At 19, the pressure to be the next breakout prodigy weighed heavily on his shoulders. Now, at 21, time is still on his side.

"I have put my loss to Concepcion behind me now and I have learned a lot along the way," says Banal (22-1-1, 18 KO) of Cebu City, Philippines. "I have matured a great deal. When I was still starting out, I was always eager to put on a good show and knock out my opponents as early as I could. I've learned not to rush things so I do not put myself in a bad position."

On October 30, Banal hopes to put himself in a good position for a second title shot when he faces former two-division world champion Luis Alberto Perez (26-4, 17 KO) of Managua, Nicaragua. The fight will take place at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City, with a catch weight of 120 pounds.

Though the 32-year-old Perez has lost three of his last four fights, the veteran "El Demoledor" (Demolition Man) could be Banal's toughest opponent to date.

It's not the first time Banal has faced top competition though.

Three years ago Banal defeated little-known Mexican Juan Alberto Rosas in his first fight outside of the Philippines. But three months ago Rosas rebounded from that loss to become the International Boxing Federation's (IBF) super flyweight champion, beating Simphiwe Nongqayi of South Africa.

Many of Banal's sparring partners are familiar faces, like fellow ALA Boxing Gym stable mates Michael Domingo and Mark Jason Melligen. It's a new face in the gym that Banal's trainer Edito Villamor believes will take his performance to the next level.

"We have some adjustment in our training program, physically and mentally," said Villamor, who is being aided by strength and conditioning coach Pio Gerardo Solon.

Solon first worked with Banal in the "Bazooka"'s most recent win, a fifth-round knockout of Korean Big Yoo.

"Things like advanced plyometrics, circuit training regimen and more. Maybe that's what was missing from our training before. AJ is a different fighter from when he was a teenager," added Villamor. "He's more focused, more dedicated and mature now. He still has the fire n his eyes to become world champion."

Banal's possible re-emergence in world-class territory couldn't have come at a better time, as the promotional company Top Rank Inc. has committed to help ALA Promotions' fighters.

With the support of one of the sport's top promotional organizations, run by ALA president Michael Aldegeuer, Banal suddenly has the ball back in his court.

"I believe if I win this fight, I will be elevated to world-class status," said Banal.

Source: ABS-CBN News

-- The comeback fight of Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, which was supposed to be held in Dubai on April 9, was postponed due to promotional setbacks.

According to Edri K. Aznar of SunStar.com, Philippine promoter ALA Promotions said the Dubai-based company KO Promotions failed to meet some requirements and make the deadline.

Promoters behind the event “Philippines vs The Rest of the World” said they will negotiate for an April 23 fight date.

“They didn’t meet certain requirements. They weren’t able to meet the deadline (last Monday) that’s why I decided to pull the plug. But they came up with another plan and restructured the whole program,” ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.

Bautista (27-2, 20 KOs) was slated to face Saichon Sotornpitak (10-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round non-title fight at the Dubai Tennis Arena.

Other Filipinos that were reported to be included in the “Philippines vs The Rest of the World” are Milan Melindo, Jason Pagara, Larry “Bon Jovi” Canillas and Bobby Pacquiao, the brother of 7-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.

Ronnie Nathanielsz of PhilBoxing.com, however, said that Bobby is not included in the event.

“Besides, Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz told us Bobby was not going to fight for a purse of only $20,000,” wrote Nathanielsz.

Melindo (20-0, 5 KOs), meantime, was scheduled to defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Intercontinental flyweight title against Colombian Devis Perez (12-1-2, 6 KOs).

Jason Pagara (21-1, 10 KOs) was slated to fight Kenyan John Gicharu (13-5-1, 6 KOs) while Larry Canillas (9-1, 8 KOs) was set to face Fred Sayuni (6-3-4, 3 KOs) of Tanzania.

Source: Joaquin Henson, Philippine Star

-- The world’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao renewed his commitment to bring honor to the country – in and out of the ring – as he vowed to support Filipino fighters with the potential to achieve greatness in a statesmanlike speech before a jampacked audience of over 700 at the 10th Gabriel (Flash) Elorde Memorial Boxing Awards Night and Banquet of Champions in the Sofitel Hotel off Roxas Boulevard last Thursday.

Pacquiao, 31, was named an Elorde Hall of Famer for earning seven consecutive Boxer of the Year honors and becoming the first fighter ever to capture seven world titles in seven weight divisions. Six others were cited for their reigns as world champions last year – Nonito Donaire Jr., Gerry Peñalosa, Donnie Nietes, Brian Viloria, Marvin Sonsona and Rodel Mayol – although only two – Nietes and Mayol – join Pacquiao as titleholders today.

Pacquiao spoke about leaving a legacy and how bringing honor to the country “echoes into eternity” in an emotional speech where he thanked the support of fans and media for his success.

The ring icon said he will always be grateful to the Filipino nation. “I know our people are behind me in every fight, praying for my victory,” he remarked. “I realize my responsibility to our country which is why I work so hard to win, why I try to sign every autograph and pose for every picture I’m asked for. I only wish there were three Manny Pacquiaos to accommodate everyone asking for autographs and pictures.”

Pacquiao, dressed to the nines in a black suit with a striped tie, said he draws inspiration from Elorde, who reigned as world superfeatherweight champion for over seven years, and acknowledged the contributions of former titlists like Peñalosa and Luisito Espinosa in also bringing glory to the country.

It was the night before Pacquiao launched his campaign for the lone congressional seat in Sarangani province and his sentimental message evoked speculation of a possible retirement from the ring, perhaps after a megabuck showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. late this year. Although Pacquiao is at the peak of his career and experts insist he has at least three more competitive years left to fight at a high level, his mother Dionisia has expressed a preference for an early retirement.

Pacquiao and wife Jinkee were mobbed by fans as they entered the Sofitel tent where the Elorde family hosted not only the Awards Night and a sit-down dinner with a five-star P3,000 a-plate meal but also a six-fight boxing card.

Elorde’s widow Laura, 83, welcomed the guests, among whom were Rep. Bongbong Marcos and wife Lisa. Former world champions Dodie Boy Peñalosa and Rene Barrientos, Games and Amusements Board boxing chief Dr. Nasser Cruz, Monsignor Melchor David, US Embassy official and referee Gene LoBianco, former PBA coach Binky Favis and wife Ella, Thai promoter Naris Singwacha, boxing judge Alex Villacampa, Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz and international matchmaker Jun Sarreal. She was accompanied by her seven children – Malou, Bebot, Johnny, Teresa, Marty, Rita and Cucuy – 20 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Flying in from the US to attend the affair were Mrs. Elorde’s sister Lilia Lee, Malou and Bebot’s son Ivan and his family.

Wheelchair-bound Z Gorres arrived from Cebu to attend the festivities with wife Datches and received a thundering applause as program emcees Liza Elorde and Ted Lerner mentioned he was on the road to recovery after undergoing brain surgery in Las Vegas last year.

Pacquiao gave Gorrres a check for P1 million while Trainer of the Year awardee Buboy Fernandez, who could not attend, sent P50,000 in cash as his personal contribution for the fighter’s medical expenses.

Promoter of the Year awardee Michael Aldeguer also came in from Cebu and brought along his ALA stable stars, including Nietes, Milan Melindo, Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista, Michael Domingo and Jason Pagara.

Johnny Elorde, whose company organized the event, said the 10th edition was significant as it commemorated his father’s 25th death anniversary, the 50th anniversary of D’Flash’s knockout over Harold Gomes to win the world superfeatherweight crown at the Araneta Coliseum in 1960 and the late champion’s 75th birthday.

Johnny also mentioned that there was a “twist of luck” in the celebrations with the number 7. D’Flash held the world title for seven years from 1960 to 1967. Pacquiao has won seven world titles in seven divisions and was inducted as an Elorde Hall of Famer after seven straight Boxer of the Year awards. Seven Filipino fighters reigned as world champions last year and they ruled seven weight divisions.

Other awardees included North Cotabato Vice Gov. Manny Piñol as Manager of the Year, Silvestre Abainza as Referee of the Year and Mark Jason Melligen as Most Promising Boxer. Amateur fighters Charly Suarez and Annie Albania were cited for bagging gold medals at the last Southeast Asian Games.

In the fight card, Vinvin Rufino defeated Adonis Aguelo on points to retain his Philippine featherweight crown and Gretchen Abaniel repulsed Thailand’s Fahpratan Looksaikongdin via a unanimous 10-round decision to keep her WIBA minimumweight title. Flash Elorde’s grandsons Juan Martin (Bai) and Juan Miguel (Mig) chalked up knockout wins. Bai, 25, disposed of Thailand’s Kan Hamonkol in a superfeatherweight bout to raise his record to 10-0, while Mig, 23, stopped Anthony Balubar in a bantamweight contest.

Source: Emmanuel B. Villaruel, Freeman News

-- The ALA Boxing Gym stalwarts led by three-division regional champion Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista are all primed up for ring war in the desert through the “Philippines vs. The Rest of the World” fight card on April 9 at the Dubai Tennis Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Interestingly, it’s a first time in the annals of Philippine boxing that all five Filipino fighters set to strut their wares in the slambang show co-presented by ALA Promotions and KO Promotions will go up against foreign foes from different countries.

Arnel Joshua Armamento of KO Promotions unequivocally admitted that boxing is not that popular in Dubai, but he foresees its potential in market that is why they’re taking the initial step of introducing the sport in the Arab emirate that boasts of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

“Boxing is not that really big (in Dubai). It’s a challenge for us to bring the sport in there because there’s a great potential in the market,” said Armamento during a press conference formally launching the event yesterday at The Nook of City Sports Club-Cebu.

Armamento noted though that the Arabs are slowly getting interested in boxing because of the overwhelming popularity of Filipino sports hero Manny Pacquiao that resonated on all corners of the globe.

“Because of Manny Pacquiao, the Arabs are slowly getting to know more about boxing. I believe there’s really a market in boxing in Dubai especially the Filipino community,” said Armamento, whose promotional outfit was also instrumental in bringing PBA games and major concerts featuring top Pinoy entertainers in Dubai.

In the main event of the six-nation extravaganza that will be telecast by ABS-CBN, Bautista (27-2, 20KOs) will slug it out Saichon Sotornpitak (10-1, 5KOs) of Thailand in a 10-round duel under the featherweight division.

During his return from a nine-month layoff, the 23-year-old Bautista was impressive, scoring a spectacular seventh round TKO of Marangin Marbun of Indonesia to clinch the interim WBC International featherweight crown on October 16 last year at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino


Prior to that, the Boholano warrior from the municipality of Candijay held the bantamweight and junior featherweight belts.

In the supporting main event, former WBO Asia-Pacific lightweight titlist Bobby Pacquiao, younger brother of the ultra popular Pacman, will go up against an Indonesia opponent that will be announced at the soonest possible time.

Armamento said that with the inclusion of Bobby in the card, Dubai Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum has invited Manny Pacquiao to grace the ground-breaking spectacle in the most populous of the seven emirates comprising UAE.

“The Crown Prince of Dubai has relayed that if ever Manny Pacquiao will accept his invitation, he will house Pacquiao at the Burj tower. Not only that, Pacquiao can also go shopping anywhere he likes,” said Armamento.

“But as of now I’m still waiting for the confirmation from Wakee Salud,” added Armamento, referring to Cebuano topnotch promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud, Pacquiao’s confidant and close associate.

In the equally-explosive undercards, rising ALA Stable stars Milan Melindo, Jason Pagara and Larry “Bon Jovi” Canillas are all raring to see action in the squared arena.

Melindo will defend his WBC Youth Intercontinental flyweight title against Devis Perez of Colombia, Pagara will trade bombs with John Gicharu of Kenya and Canillas will lock up horns with Fred Sayuni of Tanzania.