Saturday, August 18, 2007 Sayson: Hanging out with boxing’s elite By Homer Sayson Second Overtime
CHICAGO - Anthony Andales went with me to the recent World Cup in Sacramento. I arranged for his media credentials and he got a ringside seat beside me at Arco Arena during the event.
In exchange for the privilege, Anthony had duties which included providing pictures for SunStar Cebu’s coverage and helping me with interviews. He also served as co-anchor in my radio gig with dyAB.
Don’t be silly, Anthony did not have to carry my bags.
The son of Berting and Antonia Andales, Anthony was born and raised in Duljo, Cebu City. But he is now based in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he works as an aerospace design engineer for Dassault Falcon Jet.
A boxing nut, Anthony regularly contributes for Philiboxing.com. Known among his followers as “Duljo-man,”Andales covered the Jermaine Taylor-Kasim Ouma bout in Arkansas last Dec. 9, 2006,. He was also at ringside for the MarcoAntonio Barrera—Juan Manuel Marquez duel at the Mandalay Bay on March 17 this year.
His last assignment was the Oscar de la Hoya versus Floyd Mayweather showdown this past May 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, together with yours truly.
But the World Cup was easily “the most fun,” he says, “because the protagonists were all my friends, Filipinos who fought gallantly for our national pride.”
After the World Cup, which the Philippines dominated, 5-1, Anthony got to loosen up a little bit and celebrate.
He had late dinner at Denny’s with the Donaires—Nonito Sr. and his sons, Glen and reigning IBF flyweight champion Nonito Jr. They sparred with platefuls of eggs and sausages, merrily swapping tales in between bites.
From Denny’s at 3rd and J streets, Anthony hopped on a cab to our hotel at 1100 H. He shed his Barong Tagalog, put on a more casual jeans and polo shirt, and proceeded to a resto bar just steps from the Best Western-Sutter House.
At Sofia’s, Anthony smoked expensive cigars and shared a few bottles of Miller Lite beer with MaxBoxing.com writers Doug Fischer and Steve Kim. They yapped and yammered until evening turned to dawn.
While at Sofia’s, Anthony also met WBO lightweight champion Michael Katsidis. They became friends, fast and furious.
Katsidis is an Australian from Greece, who shot to fame by conquering ALA fighter Czar Amonsot last July 21. In an exclusive, Katsidis revealed to “Duljoman” his plans to set up a training camp in the Philippines for his next fight.
Katsidis also told Anthony the skinny on why he became the honorary captain of the RP Team to the World Cup. And he explained how his sudden bond with Pinoy fighters was forged.
Anthony was operating only a few hours sleep when he jetted back to Arkansas last Sunday. He was nursing a little hangover, his eyes were burning from the endless torrent of cigar smoke, and he was tired like an overworked mule.
Still, Anthony can’t wait for the next big thing—Pacquiao-Barrera II.
EMAILS. It’s been a while since I’ve entertained readers’ e-mails. Naturally, my Inbox is flooding with letters.
Let me thank some of those who e-mailed: Jun Remigoso, Stephen Alloso, Rodrigo Padilla of San Diego, California, Sammy Concepcion, Jacob Baculan, Rad Punis (digital.ph) and Lolek Montalbo (koontz_circle@yahoo.com).
Thanks also to aspiring sports writer Jaime Benedicto, Don Yballe of LA, Renato Serrano, Jerome Agosto, and Fil Mercado from Phoenix, an old family friend who is keeping the faith that Rey “BoomBoom” Bautista will rise from the ashes.
After so many years of nothing but dead air between us, my high school pal, lawyer Joel Seno, sent me a wonderful note saying how much he loves this column. Thanks a lot, Nyor.
