Friday, July 25, 2008 Nathanielsz steals show in Banal press con
VETERAN boxing writer, commentator and columnist Ronnie Nathanielsz took the lion’s share of the limelight from the protagonists in yesterday’s press conference for the Laban na Banal extravaganza at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino and redefined the role of a “moderator” in a press conference.
Just as he was about to introduce the men in the presidential table, Nathanielsz quipped: “This is the moment we have been waiting for, and we have also been waiting for another hour because the press conference was supposed to start at 11.”
The event started at 12.
Before introducing the fighters, Nathanielsz also offered his advice, a tidbit or a piece of history.
On Milan Milendo, who is set to face Carlos Melo of Panaman for the WBA Intercontinental light flyweight championships he said, “You better watch these guy, he’s got fast hands.”
Potential
On AJ Banal, Nathanielsz shared he covered the Cebuano’s first fight. Though it ended in a draw, he said that early, he saw the potential the boxer had.
President Arroyo, who was also in Cebu yesterday, wasn’t also spared by the veteran scribe.
After introducing Eric Gomez, the vice president of Oscar dela Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, Nathanielsz said, “You want President Arroyo here to discuss the dela Hoya vs. Pacquiao fight?”
Even Michael Aldeguer, the president of ALA promotions, wasn’t spared.
After hinting that Michael has aged a lot since taking over his father, (He’s now wearing glasses and has streaks of white hair), he also teased the young Aldeguer to promote an event featuring his wife, Christine, who has also taken up boxing.
Jousts
“I saw her working out and she’s got great skills. That’s why Michael is such a good boy,” said Nathanielsz, who added he covered the late Flash Elorde’s fights at the Cebu Coliseum in the 1960s.
However, Nathanielsz saved his best in his friendly verbal jousts with the international matchmaker, introducing him as Sampson “Fernando Montiel” Lewcowicz have different opinion regarding the winner of the Montiel vs. Z Gorres fight, which ended in a split decision for the visitor.
Nathanielsz also used the Montiel vs. Gorres fight to assure the Panamanian boxers that there won’t be a hometown decision saying: “We were even screwed in our own hometown!” (ML)
