GLENN "Rapid Fire" Gonzales of M'lang, North Cotabato made a successful US debut Saturday (Sunday in Manila) when he beat journeyman Robert Daluz of New York on points at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Philboxing.com reported Gonzales, one of several promising boxers to emerge from the Braveheart Boxing Club of North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Piñol, beat Daluz in points in a six-round clash which served as one of the undercards of WBO junior welterweight champion Rocardo Torres and challenger Kendall Holt.
With the win, 22-year-old Gonzales raised his record to 7-0-1 with four knockout victories. Daluz dropped to 11-12-2 with nine KOs.
Gonzales, a very talented southpaw who is being trained by Piñol's brother Noli, is the reigning WBA Asia Pacific featherweight champion. He is also a former Asian Youth silver medal winner.
During his amateur days, Gonzales suffered a broken bone in his left hand that required a bone transplant.
While it may not be a smashing debut, the victory of Gonzalez definitely gave a big boost to boxers from Mindanao out to make a name for themselves in America like Manny Pacquiao.
At least five other fighters from Braveheart are eyeing to campaign in the US this year. They are Glenn Porras, Edrin Dapudong, Reynaldo Belandres, Lorenzo Villaniueva and Rolando Magbanua.
