Friday, August 17, 2007
Sayson: Edito Villamor: ALA stable’s secret weapon
By Homer Sayson
Second Overtime
CHICAGO - He is one of the most valuable pieces of the ALA boxing empire, a tireless team player with selfless goals and an unbridled, unceasing love for the sport.
But every time the lambent lights of recognition gleam on the ALA boxers, he is rarely seen or heard. Not a shadow, not even a whisper.
He isn’t mute, or acting hard to get. He just doesn’t want to be found. Or heard.
But on the heels of our success last week at the World Cup in Sacramento, where our pugs drilled the Mexicans, 5-1, it’s high time to unmask this unsung hero.
Given his patent discomfort with publicity, writing this piece was, shall we say, quite a challenge. I felt like a rookie dentist trying to pluck a reluctant molar from a stubborn, defiant patient.
In the end, however, my persistence prevailed.
“The fighters deserve all the credit. I’m just here to assist them with their needs and make sure everything is okay,” he said coyly.
Of course, he was being too modest. The truth of the matter is, Edito “Ala” Villamor deserves a mountain of credit for our World Cup triumph, alongside the great Freddie Roach.
His job’s nomenclature is chief trainer. But in reality, Edito multi-tasks as the chef, driver, nutritionist, massage therapist, and guidance counselor.
And when these ALA boxers train at the Wild Card Gym in these United States, Villamor serves as father figure to Boom-Boom, Z Gorres, AJ Banal, Michael Domingo, Bert Batawang, et al.
Edito’s story began 19 years ago, when he first laced on a pair of leather gloves. He was a terrific amateur, who won various accolades including a cherished national title. And he turned out to be an even better pro.
In the glorious 90’s, Edito held the RP flyweight title, a belt he defended three times. At his peak, he was rated No.1 in all of boxing’s alphabet soups—WBC, WBA, IBF, OPBF, etc.
He fought for 11 years and bowed out with a stellar record of 29-2-1 with 26 KOs.
As a trainer, Edito is also a champion. He appreciates the delicate balance required to raise young boys in a brutal sport for men. He can be crusty like a drill sergeant, and doting like a protective mother.
He is firm but fair. He allows his boxers to play a little, to surf the Internet or watch TV, but the 9 p.m. curfew is religiously observed, no questions asked. And when that alarm clock wails in the drowsy early morning, the pugs wake up and hit the ground jogging.
Volumes have been said about the sacrifices fighters go through when they are penciled for a fight. The training camp is stern, the sparring hours are long, while the diet is restrictive and denying.
The sacrifices Edito makes are just as hard.
When the boys are in the US, Edito leaves behind in Pagsabungan, Mandaue his lovely wife Gina Villagonzalo-Villamor and their three children—Ala Rad Vince, 6, Justy Ala, 4 and Pretty Ail, 2.
Gina, who deals Island Souvenirs and USA Sports products, is expecting another child in a few weeks. The growing Villamor family makes future sojourns to the US even harder for Edito, the 37-year-old master trainer.
Still, there is nothing else Edito would rather do.
“I want to work for Sir Tony Aldeguer (ALA), his son Mike, and Sir Sammy Gello-ani for as long as I am able to,” he said. “They are simply the best.”
And so is Edito, the best at what he does.
He breathes so much wisdom, trains with unrestrained passion, and he teaches with limitless patience.
Edito doesn’t just tell his boys how to throw a stiff jab or fire a mean combination. He teaches them life lessons like being respectful to others, being courteous to the media. Heck, he even teaches them table manners.
It is no wonder that ALA boxers consistently conduct themselves well in private and in public.
They’ve all been taught well. By a dedicated young man that the entire world ought to know by now.
Edito “Ala” Villamor.
(homsay@hotmail.com)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (August 17, 2007 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
