Saturday, August 11, 2007 RP, Mexico in boxing war
FREDDIE Roach was daring as usual. Johnny Gonzalez let out a big cry of "Viva Mexico." Huge Philippine and Mexican flags were unfurled. The drums of war are beating, and the noise is heard all over the boxing world.
With their respective flags serving as a perfect backdrop, Filipino and Mexican fighters came face-to-face during the final press conference for the boxing World Cup Thursday at the Arco Arena in Sacramento with Oscar dela Hoya of the Golden Boy Promotion's hosting the affair and presiding over the forum.
It was to be the first of two meetings before the Philippines and Mexico clash in a highly anticipated six-match battle Saturday (Sunday in Manila) in what promises to be a slam bang affair to determine who is better between the two nations.
The final meeting of the boxers will be at the weigh-in scheduled Friday (Saturday in Manila).
Spearheading the Filipino are Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista and Gerry Peñalosa, who will be fighting for the world super bantamweight and bantamweight crowns, respectively.
Also seeing action are AJ Banal, Diosdado Gabi, Michael Domingo and Z Gorres.
The Mexican line-up includes the current WBO champions Daniel Ponce de Leon and Johnny Gonzalez. Also fighting for the Mexicans are Eric Ortiz, Jose Angel Beranza, Miguel Roman and Jorge Cardenas.
Dela Hoya started off the show by introducing World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, who is preparing for a defense of his crown against Rocky Juarez.
The Golden Boy then announced an added attraction featuring Brandon Gonzalez from Sacramento against Angel Polanco against Rio Grande, Texas.
"First let me thank the press for being here, my trainers Joe Hernandez and Ramon Morales. I am very well-prepared and proud to defend the title. It's an honor to fight for the Mexican team. We know the Philippines are very tough fighters. And we are ready," Philboxing.com quoted De Leon as saying.
Bautista responded by declaring: "The Filipino is one of the best in the world."
When it was his turn to speak, Gonzalez was bolder: "The first time we fought against Thailand, and now its the Philippines. It’s gonna be a war this Saturday, and I’m sure the Mexican team will be the winner. Thank you to Oscar De la Hoya and Golden Boy for making us part of the tournament. Viva Mexico."
Roach, the celebrated trainer of Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao, was exuding with confidence his wards are going to take home the bacon.
"We're gonna take the World Cup to the Philippines," Roach said.
All the other fighters were asked to give their remarks during the conference.
By Sunday, it will be their fists who will do the talking. (CRAM)
