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Thursday, July 01, 2004
Janiola’s IBF bout draws big support
By Rommel C. Manlosa
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
WITH the attention of the Filipinos focused on Cebu City yesterday, local sports heads worked to get the interest of the world as they made another steady move in bringing the IBF Light Flyweight eliminator bout between local boy Wendell Janiola and Mexican Jesus Martinez here.
Cebu City Councilor Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem and Waterfront Hotel Phils.
president Patrick Gregorio, who also chairs the Cebu Visitors Convention Bureau, expressed their willingness to back the No.5-ranked Wendell Janiola, who may just get another crack at the world title if he beats the No.6 and current North American Boxing Federation 108-pound champ Martinez.
The fight, planned in August, is seen to be the next big hit since Gerry Peñalosa’s title defense back in 1997.
Next step
“It’s really appropriate to bring the Janiola-Martinez eliminator to Cebu. And it’s just right to support Janiola as he takes another step to a world championship. We shouldn’t be all about Pacquiao and Pacquiao, we have so many talents and we need to support the young guys to make it big in international arena,” said Manny Pacquiao’s manager Marty Elorde.
Jakosalem, the chairman of the Professional Games and Amusement Committee of the City Council, needs to convince Mayor Tomas Osmeña for the City’s support.
“We need the blessing of the Mayor but I think he is willing to support this move. This is going to be big and we would like Cebu City to be a part of it,” said Jakosalem.
Gregorio, who has been zealously promoting Sports tourism in Cebu, for his part, will sit down with the promoters for specifics of the fight.
Push
“We are going to try our best for this. I won’t promise anything but I will do everything in my power for Cebu sports,” Gregorio said.
With a Japanese promoter pushing to bring the fight to Japan, Stonewall Boxing Club manager and promoter Joy Ouano can only hope something big would come for the fight to materialize here.
“We cannot afford to gamble and have Wendell fight in another country. He has been cheated twice and that must change this time,” said Ouano.
According to Ouano, the promotion would cost at least P1.5 million.
(July 1, 2004 issue)
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