Moralde leads gold medalists in RRD-SZD Pahalipay boxing tourney

John Vincent Moralde of NHA-Buhangin won the gold medal by besting Arnel Agustin in the 45-kilogram finals of the 2008 Pahalipay ni Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and Vice Mayor Sara Z. Duterte sa Pasko Boxing Tournament, Saturday, December 27, at the City Hall Drive.

Harvesting gold medals too were Glen Ramos of Quirino who defeated Yancy Uyanguren of Boulevard in the 46-kilogram finals and Vincent Diez of Bucana stopped Almer Santiago in the 40-kilogram championship.

Alejandro Mencera of Toril outpointed Glengie Ramos of Quirino (48-kgs.), Anastacio Gallardo Jr. of Talomo defeated Mark Jonel Batuto of Toril (42-kgs.), Julius Silva of Bankerohan trounced Guiller Ramos Jr. of Quirino (48-kgs.), Engelbert Moralde of NHA Buhangin won over Carlo Ganot of Boulevard (48-kgs.), Edwin Moralde Jr. of NHA Buhangin over Lyndon Dandoy of Boulevard (50-kgs.), Richard Moralde of NHA Buhangin over Jay-ar Paulino of Panabo (50-kgs.), Jamepol Carpina of Roxas over Richard Masupat of Boulevard (55-kgs.), Cipriano Borja of Matina over Garry Pugoy of Boulevard (55-kgs.), Christopher Ruyo of Talomo over German Sipot of NHA Buhangin (42-kgs.), Elmer Conde of Boulevard over Peter Ramos of Quirino (57-kgs.), Leconhil Legaspi of Maa over Gejun Labajo of Panabo (58-kgs.) and Ebenezer Piquero of NHA Buhangin over Anthony Lucenara of Quirino for the other gold medals.

Councilor Edgar Ibuyan, the ABAP-Davao Chapter president, awarded the medals to the winners.

Gonzales, Viloria win in Los Angeles

Gonzales, Viloria win in Los Angeles



Two more Filipino fighters added luster to the Filipino boxers’ winning image in the United States a week after Manny Pacquiao’s domination of Oscar dela Hoya over 8 rounds in their Dream Match.



Upcoming Filipino junior lightweight Glenn “Rapid Fire” Gonzales and former WBC 108lb world champion Brian Viloria both recorded well-earned victories over their Mexican opponents in today’s Alameda Swap Meet in Los Angeles, a Top Rank promoted card televised on Mexican Telefutura’s SOLO BOXEO boxing program.



“Rapid Fire” Gonzales (9-0-1, 5 KOs) of the Braveheart Boxing Club of North Cotabato Vice Gov. Manny F. Pinol won by unanimous decision against tough Guadalupe de Leon (7-5, 4 KOs).



It was a shutout victory for Gonzales as all the judges scored all 6 rounds in favor of the undefeated 23-year old southpaw from Palma Perez, M’lang, North Cotabato.


This is the second victory in as many fights in the U.S. for the 5’7” Gonzales who is currently rated no. 6 featherweight in the Philippines. He scored a unanimous decision against veteran Robert DaLuz from Jacksonville, Florida in a 6-round match at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada in July.



Viloria (24-2, 14 KOs) meanwhile scored a 2nd round knockout over Benji Garcia (13-11-3, 1 KO) in their flyweight match-up, one of the event’s two 10-round headliner bouts.



Viloria dropped Garcia on his hands and knees with a left-right combination to the face. Referee Jack Reiss counted Garcia out at 1:17.



In the event’s main header, unbeaten WBC #1 super featherweight Urbano Antillon (25-0, 18 KOs) scored a fourth round KO over Juan Ramon Cruz (15-6-1, 11 KOs).

Gonzales Makes Weight; Maraon Foe A No-Show

Gonzales Makes Weight; Maraon Foe A No-Show



Los Angeles, California - Upcoming Filipino junior lightweight Glenn Gonzales had to sweat out extra poundage to make the 127 weight limit for his 6-round bout against Mexican Guadalupe de Leon at the Alamade Swap Meet Friday afternoon (Saturday morning in the Philippines) here in the City of Los Angeles.

Gonzales, 23, who is undefeated in 8 professional fights with 1 draw and 4 KOs, will be making his second US appearance since arriving here in April of this year.

His teammate Jundy Maraon, an undefeated bantamweight, however, will not be seeing action in the card because his Mexican opponent failed to make the trip from Mexico in time for yesterday's weigh in.

Top Rank officials, however, assured Maraon that he will be paid the purse stipulated in his contract for the fight.

(Maraon will fly home to the Philippines Saturday night to fight in the Dec. 20 boxing event in M'lang, North Cotabato to end over a year of lay-off from active competition because of injuries.)

Gonzales, 5' 7", enjoys a weight advantage over De Leon who came in at 126 lbs. during yesterday's weigh. The Mexican is also shorter by about two inches than Gonzales.

"De Leon may not have an impressive record (7 wins, 4 losses and 4 KOs), but I was told this boy is tough," said Mexican-American Josh Sanchez, who acts as assistant trainer to Braveheart Boxing Club trainer Noli Pinol.

The Gonzales-De Leon bout is one the undercard of the Urbano Antillon-Ramon Juan Cruz junior lightweight encounter and the Brian Viloria-Benjamin Garcia bout.

the agony of antonio l. aldeguer

the agony of antonio l. aldeguer

By Manny Pinol
for philboxing.com/thepinoyboxers.com

There is no other Filipino boxing patron whose dedication to the sport and love for his young wards is as deep as that of Cebu City's Antonio L. Aldeguer, the man behind the popular ALA Boxing Gym.

Tony, also called "Bidoy" by those close to him, has invested a fortune and spent almost half of his lifetime in pursuit of a dream of one day producing not just one but many world boxing champions.

He has the means to do it having been born to an old rich Negrense family which owns vast tracts of land in Negros Island.

I have seen him when he was still seriously involved with amateur boxing. He would join the provincial sorties of his young amateur boxers -- Baguio City, Bulacan, Rizal and elsewhere -- working in the corner of his boys and sometimes even wiping off the sweat of the young kids after the fight.

But after a series of disappointments courtesy of the then officials of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) and highlighted by the unfair and unjust judging of a fight where one of his boxers -- now the world bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa -- lost, Tony bade amateur boxing for good.

Aldeguer's epic involvement with professional boxing started shortly after and through the years he built a name for himself as a boxing manager willing to spend a fortune to produce the best boxers.

He built a world-class boxing gymnasium and even assigned his son, Michael, to personally handle the affairs in boxing accompanying the boxers to places where Tony could not personally go because of his business commitments.

The sad part of Tony's boxing story is that in spite of his dedication, love, devotion and sacrifice, Lady Luck seem to be miserly in showering him with blessings.

Indeed, he was able to produce a world champion in Donnie Nietes, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) miniflyweight champion. But this accomplishment pales in the face of the heartbreaking reversals suffered by his more popular -- and apparently more favored -- wards.

Z Gorres, called the Dream, is simply that: a dream, a boxer whose fighting style is so boring that the name "Zzz" fits him to a tee.

Then came AJ "Bazooka" Banal who appeared so invincible that it was presumed that his coronation as a world boxing champion was only a matter of time.

But a fight against a virtual nobody from South America made the Bazooka myth burst like balloon.

He tried to salvage the career of a young boxer from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, Michael Domingo, and for a while it looked like Tony found a respectable boxer who could really fight and who could give him a legitimate world championship.

Then came the sad news: Domingo was diagnosed to be afflicted with Hepatitis B. That's the end of his career, unless they can come up with a medical miracle to cure the disease.

But the greatest disappointment, and I think I know how Tony feels, is Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista. Drummed up as the next Manny Pacquiao, Boom Boom was carefully nurtured by Tony's handlers to pile up one win after another and build up an impressive fight record.

Then, just as everybody thought Boom Boom was for real, he was bombed by the awkward Daniel Ponce de Leon in a shocking first round knockout. Reasons for the loss were offered just to keep the flicker of hope of a Boom Boom championship.

After a few victorious outings, there was renewed optimism that Boom Boom may yet make it, that the loss to Ponce de Leon just came on Bautista's off day.

That was until Heriberto Ruiz finally drove the last nail on Boom Boom's coffin.

I cannot fully imagine how Tony Aldeguer feels now. At this point perhaps, he is starting to ask himself why fate has been so unkind to his dream of producing world boxing champions. That would be understandable.

For a dedicated, devoted and helpful boxing patron like Tony Aldeguer, the turn of events for him could really be frustrating. Added to his pain are the relentless insults heaped on his failed boxers, most especially Boom Boom, once a darling of the media.

But if I know Tony, he will not give up easily. He has spent more than 20 years of his life in boxing and while he is nursing a wounded heart, not to mention pride, I expect him to continue his search for another world champion.

Donnie Nietes, who is scheduled to defend his WBO miniflyweight crown very soon, will not be Tony Aldeguer's lone champion for long.

With his dedication and devotion to the sport, Tony Aldeguer, just like a patient and persevering miner, will strike gold in due time.

When that time comes, his sacrifices will be rewarded and the blessings due to a person who dreams of nothing but to help young boys find a way out of poverty will soon pour on him like sparklers on a New Year's Day.

MARAON FIGHTS IN U.S. DEC. 12; GONZALES TAKES THAI NOV. 25

All's well that ends well.

Following a commitment from Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao that he will take care of two of Mindanao's promising boxers who have been waiting for fights in the US for six months, Top Rank has finally scheduled a fight for one of them.

"We will be able to squeeze in one of them in the Dec.12 card of Top Rank with Telefutura," Pacquiao's lawyer, Jeng Gacal, told Vice Governor Manny Pinol, the boxers' manager, Tuesday.

Gacal said upon instructions from Pacquiao, he immediately talked to Top Rank President Bob Arum about the plight of the two boxers.

"There seems to be a miscommunication somewhere because Bob is not aware that Top Rank has signed up Glenn Gonzales and Jundy Maraon," Gacal said.

Gonzales, a featherweight (7 wins, 4 KOs, 1 draw) and Maraon, a bantamweight (10 wins, 8 KOs, 1 draw), both 23 years old, were signed up by Top Rank late last year through the recommendation of Pacquiao.

The 3-year promotional contract was facilitated by Top Rank executive Todd duBoef and was used as the basis for the issuance of the working visa to the two boxers.They were promised 4 fights a year but since arriving in the US in April this year, only Gonzales has fought, on July 5 winning a bout against Florida-based Robert daLuz.

"We wanted to accommodate both of them but the card is already filled up and that's Top Rank's last fight promotion for the year," Gacal said.

Vice Gov. Pinol said that Gonzales, known as "Rapid Fire" and 5' 7" tall, will have to come home to the Philippines on Nov. 12 for a 10-round non-title fight with a still unnamed Thai opponent on Nov. 25 in the big town of Midsayap in North Cotabato which will mark its foundation anniversary.

"We have to keep him active or else he will rust. Glenn needs at least a dozen more fights before he could take on the big names." Vice Gov. Pinol said of his cousin whose development as a fighter he nurtured since the boxer was an amateur at age 12.

Gonzales, a southpaw who caught the eye of trainer Freddie Roach when he was still a 4-round fighter, was a silver medallist of the Asian Youth Boxing Championships as a member of the Philippine national boxing team.

A shattered bone in his left hand, however, stunted his career as he had to undergo a bone graft and had to rest for one year.

Maraon's opponent has not been named yet, said Atty. Gacal, but he added it would be most likely be a Mexican.

Tall for a bantamweight at 5' "6, Maraon, called "Pretty Boy" because of his good looks is a village chief's son in Suminot, Zamboanga del Sur who joined Vice Gov. Pinol's Braveheart Boxing Club through the latter's young brother, M'lang Mayor Lito Pinol three years ago.

A tremendous puncher, Maraon, also a southpaw, is considered as one of the most powerful boxers in his division. "It is not often that you a see a boxer who can knock out an opponent with one punch but Maraon is one of those rare power punchers," Vice Gov. Pinol said.

The only blemish in his record was a draw with Pacquiao boxer Ernel Fontanilla who suffered a small cut in the forehead following a smashing left unleashed by Maraon in the 2nd round of their fight in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Oscar Larios bout.

"Fontanilla was on the way down but Buboy (Fernandez, Pacquiao trainer) saw a way out by asking the doctor to stop the fight because of that small cut and it was declared a draw," said Vice Gov. Pinol.

In one of his sparring sessions in Watsonville, California where he is being supervised by Mexican assistant trainer Josh Sanchez, Maraon knocked out cold in sparring a top US bantamweight amateur fighter.

"Such is the power of Maraon and this makes him a very exciting fighter," said Vice Gov. Pinol.

Gonzales and Maraon are two of a dozen outstanding but largely unknown boxers from Mindanao who now fight under the Braveheart Boxing Club of Vice Gov. Pinol.

Pinol fighters back to RP after Top Rank's Arum fails to fulfill promise

Featherweight Glenn "Rapid Fire" Gonzales and bantamweight Jundy "Pretty Boy" Maraon, who were earlier signed up by Top Rank boxing promotions, are flying home to the Philippines Nov. 12 to take a few fights before aiming for the national boxing titles in their respective divisions.

North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Pinol, the boxers' manager, said he decided to bring home the two boxers after they failed to get the fights promised to them by Top Rank in a contract which they signed last year.

"I have emailed Bob Arum (Top Rank president) and Todd duBoef asking them to release us from our contractual obligations with them because they failed to give the boys the 4-fight a year commitment in the promotional contract that we signed," he said.

Since arriving in the US in April this year, only Glenn Gonzales was given a fight on July 5 at the Planet Hollywood where he outpointed Florida-based featherweight Robert daLuz in 6 rounds.

"The boys have languished in Salinas City training hard and waiting for the fights that never came," Vice Gov. Pinol lamented.

He said the problem started when Manny Pacquiao's MP Promotions, through his errand man Michael Koncz, informed him that MP Promotions and Top Rank have an agreement that all Filipino fighters appearing in Top Rank cards must go through MP Promotions.

This agreement between Top Rank and MP Promotions was invoked only after Gonzales and Maraon were signed up by Bob Arum through the recommendation of Pacquiao himself.

Vice Gov. Pinol said he talked to Manny Pacquiao personally about the arrangement shortly before his fight against David Diaz in Las Vegas and an agreement was reached on the purse percentage that would go to MP Promotions.

"Manny Pacquiao is not to be blamed here. He wouldn't be interested in the purse percentage. That's loose change compared to the millions of dollars that he earns. It's actually Koncz whose blocking the way," he said.

"Obviously Koncz would like me to go through him. I still maintain my self-respect. I am interested in getting fights for my boxers but I would not go down to the level of begging especially from somebody like Koncz," Vice Gov. Pinol said.

"I understand that the odds are stacked up against us. Between maintaining a close relationship with Manny Pacquiao and fulfilling a contractual commitment to two unknown and unproven fighters, Bob Arum will certainly opt not to offend Pacquiao," Vice Gov. Pinol said.

He said he tried to communicate with Manny Pacquiao but with his preparation for the fight against Oscar dela Hoya in high gear, all efforts proved futile.

"Manny should know that an injustice is being perpetrated against his fellow boxers," Vice Gov. Pinol said.

On Nov. 25, Gonzales, 5' 7" (7 wins, 4 knockouts and 1 draw) will go up against a Thai fighter while Maraon, 5' 6" (10 wins, 8 knockouts and 1 draw) will fight a still unnamed Filipino fighter, in a big boxing event that will mark the foundation day of the town of Midsayap in North Cotabato.

"After two or three more local fights, we will line up Gonzales against the Philippine featherweight champion Vinvin Rufino and Maraon against the current bantam titleholder Malcolm Tunacao," Vice Gov. Pinol said.

"I'm not in a hurry. My boys are young (Gonzales and Maraon are both 23 years old) and we will be in boxing for a long, long time," he said.

Aside from Gonzales and Maraon, Vice Gov. Pinol's Braveheart Boxing Club also manages undefeated jr. featherweight Rolando "Smooth Operator" Magbanua, 23 (5' 5" tall; 11 wins, 7 KOs), the explosive and undefeated featherweight Lorenzo "Thunderbolt" Villanueva, 22, (5' 7" tall; 9 wins all by KO); miniflyweight Rommel "My Little Assassin" Asenjo, 19, (5' 3"; 9 wins, 7 KOs, 2 losses) and the Philippine rated No. 1 lightflyweight Edrin "The Sting" Dapudong 23, (5' 4"; 12 wins, 6 KOs, 2 losses); No. 1 bantamweight Glenn "The Rock" Porras, 23, (5' 5"; 16 wins, 12 KOs, 2 losses); and No. 1 jr. featherweight Reynaldo "Boy of Steel" Belandres, 23, (9 wins, 7 KOs, 1 draw).

Magbanua will fight former world superbantamweight champion Ratanachai Sor Vorapin of Thailand in a Cebu City card promoted by Sammy Gello-ani Nov. 30 while Villanueva, described by trainers as "a boy who hits like a mule", will fight another Thai on Nov. 25.

Magbanua takes big break vs. Thai on Nov.30 in Cebu

Former national amateur boxer Rolando Magbanua takes the big break of his young career when he meets the veteran Ratanachai Sor Vorapin in a 10-round non-title bout in Cebu City Nov. 30.

The fight, staged by Cebu City promoter Sammy Gelloani, is part of Vorapin's comeback following a knockout loss suffered in the hands of Michael Domingo in his defense of his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental bantamweight title earlier this year.

But while the Thai former world superbantamweight champion holds a distinct advantage because of his vast experience with almost 80 professional fights, at 31, he will be 8 years older than the righthanded Magbanua who hails from Pigcawayan town in North Cotabato and one of the promising boxers of the Braveheart Boxing Club owned by Vice Gov. Manny Pinol.

Magbanua, who holds the monicker "Smooth Operator" because of his fluid boxing style fine-tuned by Cuban coach Honorato Espinosa, stands 5' 5" and holds a clean record of 11 wins in 11 pro fights with 7 knockouts.

In his last fight, it took Magbanua only a 1:30 minutes in the first round to dispose of Thai Petchamchai Sithsoei pummelling the foreign fighter with tremendous body punches before connecting with a crisp uppercut that sent the latter crashing through the ropes.

The fight with Vorapin will be Magbanua's biggest bout since turning pro three years ago. He recently dropped out of college to concentrate on his boxing career.

The fight with Vorapin was initially offered by Gelloani to jr. featherweight Reynaldo Belandres (9 wins, 7 KOs, 1 draw) but he could not go down to 120 lbs. which is the weight limit Vorapin would like to fight in.

Belandres, 23, a legitimate jr. featherweight called "Boy of Steel," is also set to appear in another bout in the undercard of the Vorapin-Magbanua bout.

Belandres' last fight against veteran Jun Eraham for the Phil. Boxing Federation (PBF) jr. featherweight title ended in a draw after he suffered a cut in the 4th round.

OLYMPIC GOLD IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME

Braveheart
By Manny Pinol
for philboxing.com/thepinoyboxers.com

OLYMPIC GOLD IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME


There is a new sense of hope and optimism that engulfs people involved deeply with amateur boxing with the ascension of new and respectable faces to the hierarchy of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP).

There is the sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan, owner of the country's largest telecommunications corporation, PLDT Smart, who assumes the chairmanship of the board of trustees, and his trusted ally, Ricky Vargas, who takes over the ABAP presidency.

It is also expected that when the Vargas group takes over the ABAP in January next year, the grip of the Fortaleza cabal that choked the development of the sport due to favoritism and self-interest would finally come to an end with the appointment of Patrick "Pato" Gregorio as the new ABAP Secretary General.

The presence of Manny Lopez as ABAP vice president will hardly matter by then. I am convinced that Ricky Vargas will not allow himself to become a stooge of Lopez because then he will have to reckon with his boss, the ABAP chairman, MVP, as they call Manny V. Pangilinan through his initials.

The change that has long been dreamed of by those involved in amateur boxing simply because they love the sport is finally dawning.

Never mind the process used in effecting the changes. This is one instance where the Machiavellian doctrine of "the end justifies the means" takes a positive face.

You see, there was no way Pangilinan and his people would have qualified for the positions they occupy now had the old ABAP rules on elections been followed to the letter. In fact, the Lopez group effectively blocked the effort to field former congressman Tonyboy Floreindo for the ABAP presidency by refusing to acknowledge his election three years ago as Region XI chairman.

But obviously what they did before the elections last Wednesday was to convene the 17-man board of trustees of ABAP and amend its by-laws creating three more board of trustee seats which they gave to Pangilinan and Vargas, representing the private sector and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman (PSC) chairman Butch Ramirez as Region XI representative.

With the amendment approved and adopted, the elections were held and voila! we now have a new leadership in the ABAP.

That deft maneuver speaks of the kind of leadership Lopez wielded in the ABAP -- invoke the rules when they protect his turf (as when they shut the door on Floreindo) and bend the rules when his interests are at stake (as in bargaining for the position of vice president just so he would qualify to run for vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Thank God that kind of leadership has finally found its end.

I talked to Ricky Vargas yesterday by phone facilitated by Pato Gregorio and I heard from the other end of the line the voice of a person who seemed eager to learn rather than ready to impose.

His first move? To call all amateur boxing stakeholders to a consultation in Bacolod City in December shortly before the 2nd National Open for this year sponsored by PLDT Smart to learn from them and chart a new and reinvigorated direction for amateur boxing in the country.

This is the trait of a person, call him a leader, who realizes that the position that he has now does not give him the license to assume that he alone knows what it takes to realize the cherished dream of a people for the first Olympic gold.

People who think that as leaders they alone have the intellect to determine what is right become despots. And despots have always failed and thrown to the wastebasket of society.

With the vast resources of PLDT Smart, all that Pangilinan and Vargas need now to win the Olympic gold is to reach out to people who really love the sport, launch a national search program, upgrade the capabilities of local trainers and implement a national training program for young talents who have the potentials to be Olympians.

At the national level, it would be good if the ABAP leadership could convince Malacanang to issue an Presidential Order directing the different Regional Development Councils (RDC) to adopt amateur boxing as a priority sports program with the aim of winning the Olympic gold.

When these things are done, it will just be a matter of time when we hit the bullseye.

It could happen in 2012 or maybe 2016. But with the right aim, sufficient bullets and a target shooter who draws energy and inspiration from the fact that the crowd is supporting him are all that we need to realize that national dream of winning our first gold in the Games will not be a matter of luck but just a matter of time.

Grassroots boxing program transform North Cotabato into a virtual gold mine for outstanding pros

Kidapawan City - A grassroots boxing program started in 1998 in the Province of North Cotabato has transformed this agricultural province in Central Mindanao into a virtual gold mine for outstanding professional boxers.

The program called "Paboksing Para sa Masa" (Boxing for the Masses), has already produced seven top professional fighters, one of whom is already in the United States signed up by Bob Arum's Top Rank Promotions.

Started by then Governor Manny Pinol (now Vice Governor of the Province), the program involved the conduct of amateur boxing competitions during village and town fiestas where barefoot kids are allowed to trade punches for three rounds with the winner receiving P100 (roughly $2.25) and the loser P50.

The winner also enjoys the benefit of a free high school education should he be recruited by a team of scouts led by Vice Gov. Pinol's brothers, Noli who is a boxing trainer, and Socrates, now a board member, along with Dante Lerio, brother of Olympians Arlan and Danilo.

In 2003, in an effort to improve the level of competency among local boxing trainers, then Governor Pinol made a trip to Havana, Cuba along with his friend, Recah Trinidad, the Inquirer sports columnist, and recruited a Cuban boxing coach, Honorato Espinosa, 65, who holds the honor of having produced the world boxing power's first Olympic gold in Munich.

Espinosa stayed in the country for 18 months and conducted boxing clinics for local trainers not only in North Cotabato but also in other provinces in the country, including Bohol.

The Cuban coach's influence is shown today by the good boxing postures and tremendous body punching skills of the North Cotabato professional boxers.

In the last boxing event held Oct. 19, three of the top professional boxers of North Cotabato disposed of their opponents through vicious body punching.

Top junior featherweight prospect and former national amateur team member Rolando Magbanua, fighting before a hometown crowd in Pigcawayan last Sunday, banged Thai Yothchailek Sithsoei's midsection four times to probe for a chink in his opponent's armor.

As the Thai tried to cover his body, Magbanua saw an opening and unleashed a beautifully executed right uppercut that caught Yotchailek neat on the jaw sending him crashing through the ropes for a full 10 count with barely 1:30 minutes into the first round of a 10 round bout.

Magbanua, 23, called "Smooth Operator", is now 11 wins with 7 knockouts and is being primed for a crack at the Philippine junior featherweight title.

Nineteen-year-old Rommel Asenjo, fondly called "My Little Assassin" by his handlers, had to go through a more rigorous fight against a taller and talented young Thai fighter, Dechailek Sithsoei, taking some good rights as he pursued the foreign boxer with powerful body punches.

Asenjo floored Dechailek with a stunning left to the jaw but the Thai came back using his long reach in tagging the Filipino southpaw before going down to the canvas for good in the 5th round after receiving punishing body blows.

Asenjo, a miniflyweight and a favorite of Cuban coach Espinosa, is now 9 wins with 7 KOs against 2 losses both by decision.

Body punching also helped Glenn "The Rock" Porras, 23, score a first round knockout against Surigao del Sur's Rolando Malinao.

Porras, a southpaw, floored Malinao early in the fight with combinations to the body and the head but the latter came back and pummelled Porras with powerful combinations sending the North Cotabato boxer defending himself in the ropes.

A well-timed left to the midsection caught Malinao in the solar plexus chopping him down. He fell like timber for a full 10 count. Porras is now 18 wins with 14 KOs against 2 losses by decision.

The other outstanding boxers from North Cotabato greatly influenced by the Cuban fighting style are featherweight Glenn "Rapid Fire" Gonzales, 23, (7 wins, 4 KOs, 1 draw), bantamweight Jundy "Pretty Boy" Maraon, 23, originally from Zamboanga del Sur (10 wins, 8 KOs, 1 draw), jr. featherweight Reynaldo "Boy of Steel" Belandres, 23, (9 wins, 7 KOs, 1 draw), featherweight Lorenzo "Thunderbolt" Villanueva, 22, (9 wins, 9 KOs) and jr. flyweight Edrin "The Sting" Dapudong, 23, (12 wins, 6 KOs, 2 losses).

What makes the North Cotabato boxing program exciting is the fact that there are other young professional boxers in the 4-round and 6-round categories who are showing a lot of potentials, including another Cuban coach Espinosa favorte Jermie Jabel, 5' 5" an 18-year-old miniflyweight who has a record of 6 wins with 4 KOs and bantamweight Rey Juntilla, 20, (6 wins 4 KOs).

About 20 more amateur boxers aged 14 to 18 who are all being sent to high school by Vice Governor Pinol are now quartered in his farm in Paco awaiting for the day when they too will try their luck in the pro league.

"They have to go through the virtual eye of the needle," said Vice Gov. Pinol emphasizing that discipline, courage, strength and the willingness to sacrifice are demanded from the young boxers before they are allowed to turn pro.

Those who do not make it to the pro league are encouraged to pursue a college degree under the provincial scholarship program.

"The professionals are now showing their talents, the young amateurs are going to tough crucibles while barefoot boys in the farflung villages are being given the chance to display their potentials," said Vice Gov. Pinol.

With this program, the Vice Governor believes North Cotabato will become a virtual gold mine of future boxing talents who will dominate Philippine boxing in the years to come.

Pigcawayan fighters dominate Thai opponents

Pigcawayan, North Cotabato - Junior featherweight Rolando Magbanua and mini-flyweight Rommel Asenjo more than lived up to their townmates' expectations after scoring impressive victories against their Thai opponents in this frontier town of about 60,000 people Sunday, October 19.



Magbanua, known as "The Smooth Operator," easily disposed of Yodchamchai Sithsoie with successive body punches followed by a mean uppercut which brought the Thai fighter down to the canvass at 1:29 in the 1st round of their 10-round non-title match.



It took a few minutes before Yodchamchai could recover from the effect of Magbanua's powerful punches.



The former national amateur team member, who comes from Poblacion 2 in this town, improved his still unblemished professional record to 11 wins and 7 knockouts with his TKO victory over Yodchamchai.



Asenjo meanwhile scored a knockout against the much taller Denchailek Sithsoie at 2:50 in the 5th round of their own 10-round non-title fight.



The southpaw Asenjo, who is from Bolacaon 2 here, showed the crowd early in the fight why he is called "Little Assassin" when he brought Denchailek down with a punch to the Thai's jaw 1 minute into the first round.



With his win, Asenjo avenged his controversial points loss to Denchailek's stablemate in Thailand in February this year.



He now has a 9-2 win-loss record with 7 knockouts.



In the undercard matches, top Philippine bantamweight contender Glenn Porras scored a knockout over Roldan Malinao of Butuan City at 1:25 in the 1st round of their 10-round fight.



Light-flyweight Jermie Jabel, another Pigcawayan native, also wowed his cheering townmates who filled the municipal gymnasium to the rafters with his 1st round knockout win over Jimboy Jacinto of Bislig City in their 6-round match.



Rey Juntilla, another very promising bantamweight of the Braveheart Boxing Club, completely dominated Bernard Amper of J. Elorde Stable of Manila in their 6-round bout to score a unanimous decision in his favor.



The professional boxing event dubbed "Bakbakan sa Pigcawayan" was part of the fiesta celebration of the town which only recently was one of the areas affected by the conflict between the government and a rebel group.


In his message during the short opening program North Cotabato Vice Gov. Manny Piñol said the event is a way of showing to everybody that life is back to normal in North Cotabato.

Pigcawayan Mayor Herminio Roquero meanwhile thanked Vice Gov. Piñol, who also manages the Braveheart Boxing Club, for giving the people of Pigcawayan the opportunity to see the two outstanding fighters in action against foreign opponents.

Ring War in Davao on Oct.10 at Rizal Memorial Colleges

Jose Abad Santos mayor Alexander Wangkay, new WBC international super bantamweight champion Balweg Bangoyan, Davao City vice mayor Sara Duterte and Davao del Sur governor Douglas Cagas celebrate the victory.

Boxing commentators North Cotabato vice governor Manny Pinol and Joaquin Henson (center).



Guests from Holland.

Before the bouts.

WBC international bantamweight title fight on Friday night at RMC gym in Davao City

Jose Abad Santos mayor Alexander Wangkay holds the WBC international
bantamweight belt at stake on Friday’s championships bout between
challenger Balweg Bangoyan (left) and champion Sande Otieno (right) of
Kenya at the RMC gym in Davao City.(DAVAO SPORTSWRITERS ASSN.)

WBC international bantamweight champion Sande Otieno during the
weigh-in at Metro Lifestyle Fitness Center.(DAVAO SPORTSWRITERS ASSN.)



Challenger Balweg Bangoyan during the weigh-in, Thursday at Metro Lifestyle
Fitness Center in Davao City.(DAVAO SPORTSWRITERS ASSN.)

Bangoyan, WBC champion Otieno at Dwenzyl's Resort

Jose Abad Santos mayor Zhander Khan (extreme left) presents to the
media challenger Balweg Bangoyan and WBC international bantamweight
champion Sande Otieno of Kenya and trainer Paul Otieno on Monday night
at the Dwenzyl's Resort and Seafoods Restaurant. The championship
fight is on October 10 at the RMC gym.(DAVAO SPORTSWRITERS ASSN.)

Magbanua, Asenjo face Thais on Oct.19 in Pigcawayan

Pigcawayan, North Cotabato - This frontier town about 60,000 people, scene of many conflicts in the past, will experience a different kind of encounter -- a more exciting and enjoyable spectacle -- when two of its young boxers go up against opponents from Thailand at the municipal gymnasium here on Oct. 19.

Former national amateur team member Rolando Magbanua, a junior featherweight who has remained undefeated in a young professional career with 10 wins and 6 knockouts in his record, and the flashy and exciting Rommel Asenjo, former Palarong Pambansa gold medallist, will showcase their talents before their townmates on the even of Pigcawayan's town fiesta.

Magbanua, 22, who stopped veteran international campaigner Ruben Santillanosa in his last outing, will be going up against Thailand's Yodchamchai Sithsoei in a 10-round non-title main event of a card sponsored by the Association of Barangay Chairmen of Pigcawayan and the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Capayuran.

Magbanua, called "Smooth Operator" because of his artful movements inside the ring, is one of the top prospects of the Braveheart Boxing Club of North Cotabato for an international title.

Asenjo, 19, on the other hand hopes to avenge his points loss in Thailand earlier this year as he takes on another Thai fighter Denchailek Sithsoei in another 10-round miniflyweight encounter.

Asenjo, a southpaw who is called "Little Assassin", holds a record of 8 wins with 6 knockouts as against 2 losses, both coming by decision in very close fights. One of that loss is a controversial points loss to a stablemate of Denchailek in February this year in Thailand.

North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Pinol, who manages both Magbanua and Asenjo, said that fights of the two Pigcawayan boxers before the hometown crowd is part of the fiesta celebration of the town which only recently was one of the areas affected by the conflict between the government and a rebel group.

"This is our way of sowing to everybody that life is back to normal in North Cotabato," the vice governor said.

Pigcawayan Mayor Herminio Roquero said the whole town is excited over the prospect of seeing the two outstanding fighters get into action against foreign opponents.

In the undercard, top Philippine bantamweight contender Glenn Porras who is preparing for a crack at the Philippine title takes on a local opponent for 10 rounds.

At least 6 more professional fights and a long list of amateur bouts will be featured during the event promoted by Fortstone Sports Promotions of Board Member Soc Pinol.

`Ring War in Davao’ on Oct.10 at RMC gym

The WBC international bantamweight championship bout between champion Sande Otieno of Kenya and challenger Balweg Bangoyan of Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur is on October 10, 5:30 p.m., at the RMC gym.

Ticket prices are P150, P300, P500, P1,000 and P2,000.

Watch the exciting fight presented by ABC president Paolo Z. Duterte and ZK International Promotions.

The event is dubbed “Ring War in Davao”.

There will be a lot of surprises on Friday. Get your tickets now at the RMC gym or Fernandez Optical along Anda Street and look for Mrs.Adriano.

Thanks to Pagcor, BJ Marthel, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte for the support!

The other backers are Fabian's Catering Services, BAMA Trading, Viajeros Economy Inn, JCR T-shirt Gallery and Printing Services, Aquabest, WOW!, Jollibee, Nice Hotel, MAXD Motors, Royal Mandaya Hotel, New Asia Restaurant, Metro Lifestyle Fitness Center, Grand Men Seng Hotel, Bangka Buffet ni Kuya Ed, Felis Resort Complex, Regency Inn, Apo View Hotel, DWENZYL Resort Seafoods Restaurant, Chippens, Banoks and Rico Yu Uy.

Porras, Magbanua score KO’s in Bakbakan sa M’lang

Bantamweight Glenn “The Rock” Porras improved his knockout record to 10 in 16 wins while Junior Featherweight Rolando Magbanua maintained his impressive no-loss record after both pummeled their opponents to submission in last Saturday’s “Bakbakan sa Mlang” at the M’lang Municipal Gymnasium.

Hometown hero Porras, who comes from Barangay Luz Village in M’lang, pounded Dondon Jimenea of General Santos City to submission in the 5^th round of their 10 round non-title main event match.

Jimenea tried to frustrate the hard-hitting Porras with hit-and-run tactics but the latter’s strong body punches eventually took its toll on the cocky Jimenea who told his corner that he has had enough.

Magbanua meanwhile brought down Ruben Santillanosa of Upi, Shariff Kabungsuan in the 2^nd round before finally scoring a TKO in the 4^th.

The former RP boxing team member from Pigcawayan, North Cotabato showed little respect for his opponent who was billed as a veteran of several fights in Australia , scoring impressively with head and body punches against Santillanosa.

Magbanua improved his record to 10-0-0 with 6 knockouts while Santillanosa dropped to 7-16-2.

Young Rey Juntilla from Dalapitan, Matalam also scored an impressive 2^nd round TKO against Charlie Lamela of Mangagoy in their 6-round Bantamweight match.

Juntilla now has a record of 5-0-0 with 3 knockouts.

Other winners, all scoring unanimous decisions, in the 7-fight event promoted by North Cotabato ABC Federation President Soc Piñol of Braveheart Sports Promotions were Edrin Dapudong who fought Julius Alcos of Cebu City (10 rds. - 108 lbs.), Jermie Jabel who battled Kenneth Parreño of Gen. Santos City (6 rds. - 108 lbs.), Randy Lagos of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat who faced Roy Taguibalos of Digos City (4 rds. – 115 lbs.) and Rey Mercado, also from Lebak, who went up against Elbert Guardario of Davao City (4 rds. – 105 lbs.).

Talented junior featherweight goes for PBF title on Oct.11 in Davao

One of the country's talented junior featherweights, the undefeated Reynaldo Belandres, takes his first crack at a national championship title when he goes up against the veteran Jun Eraham for the Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) title Oct. 11 in Davao City.

Belandres, 21, a native of Dalapitan, Matalam, North Cotabato and a former member of the Philippine National Amateur Boxing Pool, holds an unblemished record of 9 wins with 7 knockouts in a young boxing career that started only a little over a year ago.

Eraham, 25, a tough veteran of many fights has a record of 8 wins against 15 losses and 2 draws and is considered by local boxing experts as a spoiler who relies on his vast experience inside the ring in his many difficult fights.

Belandres, however, has the distinct advantage of having sound boxing fundamentals which were polished by former Cotabato amateur boxing coach Honorato Espinosa of Cuba who stayed in the province for over one year.

While the PBF may not be as prestigious as the regular Philippine championship recognized by the Games and Amusements Board, it is nevertheless an important fight for the young Belandres.

"This is a coming out fight for Reynaldo Belandres," said his manager, North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Pinol who has handled Belandres even during his days as an amateur fighter.

Vice Governor Pinol said a victory over Eraham could open the door for a possible championship fight against either Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista or Ciso "El Terible" Morales, who is also undefeated in his pro career.

"We're initially looking at these two top Filipino fighters to test the mettle of Reynaldo before we bring him the US for the big fights," he said.

Vice Gov. Pinol, however, said that the dreamed fight of Belandres against Bautista or Morales could only happen if the handlers of the two Cebu-based boxers would accept the challenge for either of them to defend their WBO titles against the North Cotabato fighter.

The Belandres-Eraham title fight is one of the main undercard of the World Boxing Council (WBC) superbantamweight International Championship between defending champion Sandy Otieno of Kenya and Davao City's Balweg Bangoyan.

The Otieno-Bangoyan championship bout, to be held at the RMC Gym in Davao City, will be aired on a delayed basis over NBN Channel 4 and is promoted by Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur Mayor Zander Khan.

Uyanguren leads RRD-Inday Sara Kadayawan boxfest winners

Yancy Uyanguren led winners of the 2008 Mayor Rody and Vice Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Kadayawan Boxing Tournament, Sunday, at the City Hall Drive.

Uyanguren defeated Jay-ar Banzon while the other winners were Julius Silva over Elrian Castante, Mark Anthony Barriga over Glendon Ramos, John Vincent Moralde over John Bryan Noces, Jaime Gerbolingo over Quirino Mellejor Jr., Victorio Saludar over Arnel Agustin.

Carlo Ganot over Lyndon Dandoy, Richard Moralde over Charlito Quiapo, Jerwin Ancajas over Jean Paul Carpina, Mark Gil Maglasang over Arman Mabait, Alfred Deano over Edwin Moralde Jr., Jaime Quitoriano over Ruben Lanasa, Cepriano Borja over Argie Laput, Isaac Tuling over Ronald Dagaang, Engelbert Moralde over Jerry Munez.

ABAP-Davao president and Davao City councilor Edgar Ibuyan thanked Mayor Rody and Vice Mayor Sara Duterte for their continued support to amateur boxing development.

Saguilla, 4 Other North Cotabato Boys Go For Gold

Iloilo City (May 8) - Two-time National Youth Championships gold medallist Ramshane Sarguilla of North Cotabato hurdled his toughest assignment in the 2008 Youth Championships thus far outpointing Panabo City's Arnold Deano and positioning himself for a possible third gold in the amateur boxing competition for boys 17 years old and under.

North Cotabato head coach Dante "Bruce" Lerio told www.thepinoyboxers.com that the 14-year-old Sarguilla had his hands full against the tough Deano, member of the boxing team that has dominated the National Amateur Boxing Competitions in the last few stagings.

"They (Panabo Team) really prepared for him (Sarguilla)," said Lerio adding that the North Cotabato boxing ace has always proven to be a big headache for other boxing teams.

"But the boy (Sarguilla) is really good. He is a classy fighter," said North Cotabato Cong. Bernardo Pinol, Jr., one of the sponsors of the team, who was at ringside along with Iloilo Governor Neil Tupas.

Sarguilla, considered by experts as a future Olympic hopeful, has won the gold in the National Youth in 2005 when he was 11 and against in 2006 when he was 12. In the absence of the National Youth Championships in 2007, he won the Manny Pacquiao amateur boxing championships in Gen. Santos City last year.

But two other North Cotabato boys who fought alongside Sarguilla today for a chance to vie for the gold lost their bouts.

Benjie Artaba, the 5' 7" tall 17-year-old of Pres. Roxas town lost to Misamis Oriental's Joven Toring in a very close fight with a score of 25-24 while 12-year Roberto Cano was defeated by Wilbur Renteplecca of Palawan.

Artaba and Cano, however, added two more bronze medals to North Cotabato's medal harvest bringing to 4 the bronze medals won by the Braveheart Boys.

Those fighting for the gold medal in the final day of the competition are:
1.Federico Ame, 11, No Weight Division;
2.Ryan Daquipil, 12, powderweight division;
3.Lieme John Ovalo, 14, Jr. Mosquitoweight Division;
4. Ramshane Sarguilla, 14, Jr. Lightpaperweight Division;
5. Gilbert Gonzales, 15, Featherweight Division.

"Five of the 15 boys fighting for the gold is an excellent accomplishment," said Congressman Bernardo Pinol Jr., who along with Vice Governor Manny Pinol and the Provincial Government of North Cotabato has supported the amateur boxing program in the province.

North Cotabato actually sent 16 boys and two coaches to the Iloilo National Championships, all of them participating in the Youth Tournament but only 15 were able to fight as one of boys 15-year-old 5' 5" tall Arnel Gepullano was the sole entry in the Jr. Bantamweight division.

All of the boys who participated in the tournament are products North Cotabato's grassroots amateur boxing program which included the hiring of Cuban national coach Honorato Espinosa.

Espinosa who stayed in North Cotabato for over a year trained local coaches including Bruce Lerio and assistant coach Roland Brato.(www.thepinoyboxers.com)

North Cotabato's Braveheart Boys advance in Nat'l Amateur Boxing Championships

Iloilo City (May 8) - North Cotabato's Braveheart Boys won 5 of their seven assignments on Thursday ensuring themselves of four slots in the final fight for gold even as the three other remaining young boxers see action on Friday in the battle for silver medals.

Eleven-year-old Federico Ame, a sidewalk vendor's son from Midsayap, North Cotabato, continued his winning ways in the No Weight Division by outpointing Mathew Jagnes of Palawan.

Ame's victory was followed by teammate Ryan Daquipil, 14, also of Midsayap, who retired Edwin Aboboto of Pototan, Iloilo and then by Gilbert Gonzales,15, of M'lang, North Cotabato who stopped Rogelio Doligues of Saranggani Team A in the featherweight division.

Towering Benjie Artaba of President Roxas town, who at 17 is already 5' 7" tall, outpointed Edison Rotante of Bago City while Liemme Ovalo,14' also of Pres. Roxas outpointed Rogen Ladon also of Bago City.

The victory of Ame, Daquipil, Gonzales and Ovalo assured North Cotabato of 4 silver medals with the big chance of converting these to gold on the final day of the competition.

Falling on the wayside today in the face of superior opponents were 15-year-old Joemer Lumacad who lost to Zamboanga City's Angelo Marcial and Lyounney Lerio who was defeated by Gerson Nietes of Bacolod.

Lumacad and Lerio, nevertheless, have garnered bronze medals by virtue of their earlier victories.

Seeing action tomorrow for the silver medal and the chance to fight for the gold are 12-year-old Roberto Cano, 14-year-old Ramshane Sarguilla, a 2-time National Youth gold medallist and the tall Benjie Artaba.

Both Sarguilla, considered by experts as an Olympic hopeful because of his natural boxing skills that earned the admiration of boxing coaches including Nonito Donaire Sr., father of world flyweight champion Nonito Jr., and Artaba are highly favored to win their assignments tomorrow.

The North Cotabato team members, jointly sponsored by the Provincial Government of North Cotabato and 2nd District Congressman Bernardo Pinol Jr., have also assured themselves of 4 silver and 5 bronze medals with two days left in the National Youth Championships.(www.thepinoyboxers.com)

NORTH COTABATO BOYS SCORE 6 WINS ON DAY 1

Iloilo City - The brave young boys of North Cotabato made their presence felt in the National Youth Boxing Championships right on Day 1 when they scored 6 wins in their first 6 assignments on the way to the finals.

North Cotabato head coach Dante "Bruce" Lerio told www.thepinoyboxers.com last night that the youngest in the 16-boy team, 11-year-old Federico Ame scored the first victory by outpointing Mario Britania of Negros Occidental in the No Weight division.

Ame, child of a sidewalk vendor from Midsayap town, started the series of victories by the boys from North Cotabato by outpointing a member of the Negros Occidental team which is considered as one of the strongest groups in the tournament.

First day winners:
1. Federico Ame, 11, (North Cot) defeats Mario Britania (Negros Occ), No Weight division;
2. Ricky Ayson, 14 (North Cot) defeats Arnel San Llamas (Masbate), Jr. Lightmosquito Weight division;
3. Leopoldo Lumacad, 13 (North Cot) defeats Paul Saguipan (North Samar), Jr. Mosquito Weight Division;
4. Darwin Pedregoza, 16, (North Cot) defeats Melvin Jeto (Puerto Princesa), Pinweight Division;
5. Joemar Lumacad, 16, (North Cot) defeats Irvin Borbon (Cebu City), Lightflyweight Division;
6. Lyounney Lerio, 16, (North Cot) defeats Calinan, Davao City boxer (name not immediately available), Pinweight Division

The 10 other members of the North Cotabato boys team, bannered by 2-time National Youth Gold Medallist (Boys Category) Ramshane Sarguilla, 14, are set to see action today.

Also in the team are the big boys who are being closely monitored because of their potentials as future professional boxers. They are Gilbert Gonzales, who at 15 is already 5' 6" tall and is fighting in the featherweight division; Benjie Artaba, 17 and 5' 7" in height who is in the bantamweight division; Arnel Gepullano, 15 years old and 5' 6" tall in jr. bantamweight division; and the 14-year-old "natural talent" Ramshane Sarguilla who earned the admiration of pro trainer, Nonito Donaire, Sr., father and trainer of world flyweight champion Nonito Jr.

"It is not often that you get to see a boy with natural boxing talents. Sarguilla has what it takes to be an Olympian -- fast, shifty and brainy," Donaire said of the young North Cotabato boxer after seeing him in sparring.

North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Pinol said the team members are among the young boys selected during the Paboksing Para sa Masa program of the Provincial Government.

Under the program, boys with potentials in amateur boxing are brought to the Provincial Capitol compound where they train. They go to school at the Amas Public Elementary and High School located right in front of the provincial capitol compound in Kidapawan City.

They are trained by a group of coaches who underwent a year-long coaches' training program conducted by Cuban national coach Honorato Espinosa who stayed in North Cotabato for over 1 year.

Those who have the potentials are allowed to turn professional after their amateur stint while those who are not expected to make it big as boxers are encouraged to go to college under North Cotabato's college scholarship program.

Among those who have graduated from the program are professional boxers Glenn Porras (WBO Asia Pacific Youth Bantamweight Champion), Glenn Gonzales (WBO Asia Pacific Youth Featherweight Champion currently in the US under contract with Top Rank Promotions), Edrin Dapudong (WBO Asia Pacific Miniflyweight Champion), Jr. Featherweight Reynaldo Belandres (7 wins, 5 KOs, 0 loss), Jr. Featherweight Rolando Magbanua (7 wins, 5 KOs, 0 loss), Jr. Featherweight Lorenzo Villanueva (7 wins, 7 KOs, 0 loss) and Strawweight Rommel Asenjo (6 wins, 6 KOs, 2 losses).(www.thepinoyboxers.com)

2 Davao pugs qualify for Palaro

DAVAO CITY – Two boxers who are training under the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines – Davao City Chapter have qualified for the upcoming “Palarong Pambansa” on April 20-24 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

They are Engelbert “Agila” Moralde, 16 and his younger brother, John Vincent “Mulawin”, 13, both of NHA-Buhangin, this city. The Moralde brothers are sons of ABAP-Davao City Chapter Assistant Secretary Erlinda Moralde. Their father, Edwin, is the chief technician of GMA Super Radyo.

It would be the second time for Engelbert to qualify in the Palaro as he was among the more than 200 Davao athletes who participated in last year’s national event and won a gold medal, the lone medal took home by them. His brother will also try his luck in winning a gold medal in this year’s Palaro after qualifying for the first time.

Three more Moralde brothers are also training under ABAP-Davao City Chapter.

The Department of Education will be shouldering the expenses of the athletes.

Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan, ABAP-Davao City president, is only hoping for the two boxers to take home gold medals so as to give pride again for the city. (PR)

Pacman fight show at Davao City Recreation Center

Davao City Vice Mayor Sara Duterte is one of the spectators.

RGMA Cup action

The Eureka dancers taking a rest.
Rehearsing their moves before peforming inside the ring.

Eureka boys and the GMA dancers.

GMA dancers.


Action on Day 2, March 13.
Amateur boxing officials.

Raffles for the spectators.

Stay focused kid.

Preparing for an uppercut.

RGMA Cup set at City Hall Drive on March 12 to 14

The RGMA Cup boxing tournament is on March 12 to 14 at the City Hall Drive.
Media giant GMA is backing the event with the support of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines-Davao Chapter under Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan and Sports Development Division-City Mayor's Office headed by City Sports Coordinator Christopher "Bong" Go.

HEADBUTT SAVES DAY FOR THAI CHAMP;PORRAS, ASENJO LOSE BY DECISION

Kuchanamburi, Thailand (Feb. 22) - A violent intentional head-butt by Pan-Asia Boxing Association (PABA) bantamweight defending champion Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat in the 8th round of the 11-round title fight saved the day for him as he eked out an unappreciated points win over challenger Glenn Porras of North Cotabato, the Philippines.

The head-butt, witnessed by a crowd of about 1,000 stunned Thai boxing fans and whose sickening sound of a forehead ripping apart the right eyebrow of the Filipino challenger was heard by everybody except the referee, was executed by Na Rachawat was Porras was pummeling him with violent body and head shots sending him on the verge of a knockdown in the 7th round.

The goring by Na Rachawat was so strong that the impact almost knocked down Porras and as the Filipino challenger backed off with blood streaming from the cut and getting into his right eye, the Thai champion launched an attack.

"I was dazed. I could not see and I lost by strength because of that head-butt," Porras later said. But he came back towards the end of round 8, squinting his right eye and launched a counterattack to stop the Thai champion's advance.

Strangely, the Thai referee did not even stop the action to declare the cause of the injury and ask the doctor to examine Porras' injury. No point was deducted against the champion for the head-butt.

Porras started strong staggering the champion with accurate head shots as early as the first round and succeeded in drawing blood by breaking the nose of Na Rachawat as early as the 3rd round.

The crowd roared as Na Rachawat came back in the 4th and 5th rounds, going to Porras' midsection. But in the 6th he lost wind and allowed the Filipino challenger to dominate the fight until the fateful 8th when the Thai champion succeeded in inflicting the injury on Porras.

He attempted to gore the Filipino challenger again in the 9th round but failed to connect. This time the referee warned him.

The cut was so deep that a flap of Porras' right eyebrow covered the upper portion of his right eye which required a total of eight stitches.

It was Porras' admirable courage that allowed him to weather the momentary attack of the Thai champion after the injury and even come close to flooring Na Rachawat towards the end of the fight.

The Thai fans, who earlier boisterously cheered Na Rachawat, fell silent as the decision declaring him winner by unanimous decision was announced. Not even Na Rachawat's victory strut around the ring received a gesture of approval from the crowd.

But as is the fact of boxing life in Thailand, a challenger must knock out his opponent to win the fight. And Glenn Porras was aware of that from the very start.

In the undercard of the PABA championship, young Rommel Asenjo lost by decision to former WBO International Jr. Flyweight Champion Sansaknoi Sor Bonsaeng but won the admiration of no less than PABA President for Asia Allan Kim.

"It was a fight that could have gone either way depending on where it would be held," said Capt. Jun Flores, a Fil-Am boxing aficionado and friend of Vice Governor Manny Pinol who joined the latter in the trip to Thailand.

"No complaints. We knew from the very start what would happen if the boys do not knock out their opponents. We will try again next time," said Vice Governor Pinol.(Emmanuel Piñol)

Wide screens available at Rizal Park for Pacman fight after Araw Parade on March 16

The 71^st Araw ng Dabaw Socio-Civic Parade is scheduled on March 16, the same day, ring idol Manny Pacquiao fights Juan Manuel Marquez.

Councilor Susabel Reta, Vice Chairperson from the Government Sector of the Executive Committee, said wide screens will also in set up at the Rizal Park to give the parade spectators a venue to watch the much-awaited fight at noon time, just in time the parade will be over.

The fight in the U.S. is scheduled on March 15, March 16 in the Philippines.

This year’s Execom is chaired by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, co-chaired by Eduardo Bangayan, Roger Layson from the private sector, secretariat handled by Patricia Melizza Ruivivar.

Working committee heads are Ruben Bangayan for finance ways and means, Abdullah Aquino for agro-industrial fair, Mo.Assumpta David for the Datu Bago Awards, Richard Vilar for cultural activities, Flor Colina for publicity, Roy Ryan Rigor for barangay events, Charito Santos for employees’ activities, Police Sr.Supt.Jaime Morente for safety and security, Celso Gempesaw for traffic management, James Zimmerman for socio-civic parade and Atty.Jessie Marvin Melodias for physical arrangement.

The grand opening is on March 14 kicking off with a tri-people offering followed by historical vignette performances, Peoples declaration of unity and cooperation, promenade to the Museo Dabawenyo and Mutya ng Dabaw search.

March 15 will have the opening of the Trade Fair and Flea Market dubbed “Tabo”, on site performances and merrymaking at the Rizal and People’s Parks dubbed “Kasadya”, a feature of Davao’s outstanding performers with the Recognizing Outstanding Davao Youth (RODY) Project Specials called “Garbo sa Dabaw”.

The Parada Dabawenyo starts at 8 a.m. on March 16 and after the socio-civic parade, showdown performances of street bands will also be featured, winding up with a music concert of national popular artists called “Pahalipay ni Mayor concert”.

Bakbakan sa Maasim

MAASIM, Sarangani (January 16, 2008) - Vice Governor Steve Solon awards the championship belt to Ritchie Mepranum. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)


MAASIM, Sarangani (January 16, 2008) - Ritchie Mepranum connects a right jab to the head of Allan Ranada during the main event and championship bout of Bakbakan sa Maasim Tuesday, January 15, at the municipal gym. Mepranum, Philippine Boxing Federation flyweight defending champion, won the bout via a unanimous decision and improved his record to 19 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss and 8 by way of knockout. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)




MAASIM, Sarangani (January 16, 2008) - Ritchie Mepranum delivers a left hook to the body of challenger Allan Ranada during the main event and championship bout of Bakbakan sa Maasim Tuesday, January 15, at the municipal gym. Mepranum, Philippine Boxing Federation flyweight defending champion, won the bout via a unanimous decision and improved his record to 19 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss and 8 by way of knockout. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)