Monday, August 13, 2007 RP pugs take pride over Mexico By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.
FILIPINO fighters Sunday took the spotlight from their much-favored Mexican opponents in their clash at the Arco Arena in Sacramiento, California for the Boxing World Cup-Philippines vs. Mexico.
Team Philippines disappointed the Mexican crowd by dumping the Latinos, 5-1. Mexico took the championship crown two years ago in Thailand after dumping their Thai counterparts, 5-1.
Gerry Peqalosa fought the game of his life with a dramatic victory taking the crown from reigning WBO Bantamweight champion Jhonny Gonzales with a knockout in the seventh round.
The Negrense veteran from San Carlos Cityr had a hard time in the early rounds because Gonzales took advantage of his height and long reach. But with much experience, a strong left hook from Pe$alosa landed at the right rib area of the Latino that caused him to hit the canvas. The Mexican tried to stand on his feet but failed.
Another impressive fighter was Z Gorres who knocked down Eric Ortiz in 2:15 of the eighth round. The ring physician recommended to the referee to stop the fight because of damage in the right forehead of Ortiz.
Gorres is the new Junior Bantamweight Intercontinental champion.
AJ “Bazooka” Banal, on the other hand, finished his fight with Jorge Cardenas in the third round through a left straight-right hook combination on the Mexican’s left rib that brought him kissing the canvas.
Also nailing victories for Team Philippines were Diosdado Gabi who defeated Jose Angel Beranza via a unanimous decision and Micheal Domingo who triumphed over Miguel Roman.
However, the night did not go well all the way for the Filipinos when 21-year old Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista tasted his first defeat to Daniel Juan Ponce de Leon in the middle of the first round. A solid right straight punch landed on the Pinoy’s right eye that caused his knees to collapse. But the heart of a fighter pushed him to stand on his feet to continue fighting. However only his spirit remained strong as his body has gave in.
