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Tuesday, September 20, 2005
To watch, cheer on Cebu’s Gejon in WBA world-title fight in Japan
By Rommel C. Manlosa
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
Before he goes back to rigorous training, boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao will be at ringside to root for challenger Eriberto “Ioka” Gejon Jr.’s title fight for the World Boxing Association minimumweight belt.
Gejon left last Sunday with his trainer Brix Flores for Yokohama, Japan, where he will challenge Japanese champion Yutaka Niida on Sept. 25 at the Arena.
“Definitely, I will be at Gejon’s corner. (I hope) my mere presence can help boost his confidence,” Pacquiao said during a visit to Cebu Sunday night. “As a role model, I feel it is my duty to support whoever goes for anything that would give our country honor.”
No champion
The Philippines is without a legitimate world champion after Pacquiao vacated his International Boxing Federation super-bantamweight title last year.
Rex “Wakee” Salud, manager of Gejon, played host to Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee during their short stopover in Cebu. Salud treated Pacquiao to dinner at Ocean’s Park restaurant in Banilad, where Pacquiao was mobbed by fans.
“I believe that Pacquiao’s presence will help boost the morale of Gejon. Just like when he was at my gym before he left for the US (for the Velasquez fight), he psyched up Gejon to do better in training and prepare for this big fight,” Salud said.
Salud, who has produced a number of world champions, is confident of Gejon’s chances.
“Everybody knows that Gejon has the edge over Niida, but it all depends on the outcome of the fight. We all know the ways of Japan, but I am not losing any hope. Gejon is very prepared; he has worked hard to get this chance and he will not waste this chance to be crowned world champion,” said Salud.
Salud guided Doddie Boy Peñalosa, Gerry Peñalosa and Malcom Tuñacao to the world title – all winning the title in only their first try. Salud believes he hasn’t lost the charm.
“Doddie Boy, who became two-time world champion, Gerry and Malcolm did it in their first try. I believe Gejon can also do it,” said Salud.
Gejon sports an undefeated 21-0-1 slate with 13 knockouts, while Niida is 18-1-3 with only eight knockout victories.
Sparring partner
Gejon has a good sparring partner in Rodel Mayol, who is another top world-title contender, while Niida has reportedly hired a Mexican boxer to prepare for the taller Mandaue City warrior.
Salud will leave for Japan with Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee, former Cebu city councilor George Rama and 10 other businessmen on Friday to join Gejon and Flores.
(September 20, 2005 issue)
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