Saturday, May 10, 2008 Bogo honors Elorde By Edri K. Aznar Sun.Star Staff Reporter
THE late legendary Gabriel “Flash” Elorde’s achievements as one of the best—if not the best—Filipino pugilist in the world will forever be remembered in his hometown of Bogo after the legendary boxer got a section in the newly inaugurated Bogo City Public Library and Museum last May 8 at Bogo City.
In the museum lies some of Elorde’s memorabilia, including his World Boxing Council (WBC) junior lightweight belt, boxing shoes, gloves and some newspaper clippings of his fights which was brought to Bogo City by his son Martin Elorde from Manila.
Along with Martin was the wife of “Flash,” Laura Elorde, who attended the inauguration of the museum.
“I feel honored,” Laura told Sun.Star Cebu.
The public library and museum was a life long dream of Sra. Nilda Espinosa-Martinez and was made possible by his son Mayor Celistino “Jhunie” Martinez with the cooperation of Bogo City.
Boxing gym
Meanwhile, Mayor Martinez is planning to build a boxing gym named in honor of Elorde early next year to help the youth stay away from the streets and to hopefully discover another “Flash” Elorde.
“We are hoping to produce another ‘Flash’ Elorde,” said Mayor Martinez.
The great “Flash” Elorde held the WBC junior lightweight crown from March 16, 1960 to June 15, 1967 after dethroning Harold Gomes at the Araneta Coliseum and successfully defended his title for seven years, making him the longest boxer to ever hold the belt in that weight division.
He also obtained the World Boxing Association super featherweight title from Johnny Bizzarro in Feb. 16, 1963 and held it until June 15, 1967.
He was the first Asian to be inducted in the International Boxing Hall of Fame and was also inducted in the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
Elorde finished his career with a record of 88 wins, 27 losses and 2 draws with 33 wins by knockout.
Boxing was Elorde’s passion and his wife remembered the words he uttered while he was still alive.
“Even if I die in the ring and I would live again I would still want to be a boxer,” told Laura quoting the words of the great “Flash” Elorde.
Following the footsteps of the great “Flash” Elorde, are two of his grandsons, Juan Martin “Bai” Elorde (6-0, 1 KO) ]]
