Saturday, June 23, 2007 Quijano: Hitman meets El Terrible By Jingo Quijano Last Round
IN between listening to the usual le gal drivel in the courtrooms copiously hawked by my prolific compañeros, the boxing fanatic that I am, my thoughts usually drift to what else, but the “sweet science.”
Suddenly reality blurs, shapes change and before I know it, I am seeing my good friend Atty. Butch Morante in flaming orange trunks, being introduced by Michael Buffer, er, the interpreter, as the reigning middleweight champ.
He is preparing to defend his case, err.. title against the equally flamboyant Atty. Elmer Mansanadez, not to be outdone with his neon green gloves, a fierce determined look tattooed on his face.
A brief pre-fight commotion suddenly ensues.
A closer inspection reveals that Atty. Mansanadez forgot to bring his briefs, err... pre-trial brief and the fight, or rather, the hearing might be cancelled.
Referee, err... Judge Esther Veloso peers down on the protagonists from her podium, a growing look of annoyance now smeared across her pretty face.
Suddenly, I hear the bell. Or rather it is the gavel, banging down repeatedly and violently. Then I realize that the object of its aggression is not the boxers, er... lawyers in front of me but me…
“Atty Quijano, please come back and join us...”
I hear the snickering from my fellow alligators, err... litigators seated beside me. I stand up, apologize for spacing out and blame it all on senescence.
DREAM COME TRUE. Though I may never get to see the aforementioned counsels duke it out, this weekend, a dream fight of mine will come true and this match is not for the faint of heart.
Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton meets Mexican banger Jose Luis Castillo for the former’s IBO junior welterweight crown in a monster’s brawl that is a Fight of the Year candidate.
Both of these maulers have no reverse in their gearboxes, and it is almost certain that this fight will end in a knockout.
2005 Fighter of the Year Hatton is undefeated and is best known for being the one to end legendary Kostya Tzyu’s boxing career. He walks down his opponents, goes to the body with impunity all the time, every time, and does not stop punching.
He’s not exactly the epitome of a polished boxer but he gets the job done magnificently.
You know Jose Luis Castillo. You know him from his epic battles with the late Diego Corrales, the first of which was the 2005 fight of the year. He is a no-nonsense Mexican banger who likes to stand and trade. He’ll sample your right cross so you can taste his left hook. He won’t mind eating your jab just so he can feed you with a tasty uppercut.
HITMAN IS IT. The Last Round is predicting Hitman to win a close and savage seesaw battle. He is younger, more comfortable at this weight, and has better stamina. It won’t be pretty and it won’t be easy and that is why this is a dream fight of mine. It is a true test of skills and wills.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK. Not only does the Hitman fight the way the Last Round likes it, he also probably drinks as much cerveza as this columnist. Check out this quote from Castillo:
“ I would say he is a dirty fighter, but after our bout we will have a couple of beers. He would drink me under the table any day of the week so if we have a drinking competition I’d send Julio Cesar Chavez to take beer for Mexico against Hatton.” If you ever need a rep from the Philippines, guys, my e-mail add is just a jab away.
THE LAST ROUND. The last round goes out to Mayor Alma G. Navarro, a wonderful mother, a caring wife, doting grandmother and a true public servant. Happy Birthday and cheers!
