I started to be a boxing fan during the start of Manny Pacquiao’s big fights but as the years passed, I realized…I’m turning out to be a boxing enthusiast! I don’t pass on watching every featured game in TV and I’m looking forward to hopefully watching a game in the big screen and soon in the arena or ring side itself (hopefully in US or Vegas)! Wow! And as an enthusiast I am so looking forward to the Boxing World Cup-Philippines versus Mexico and indeed it made my heart beat rise up until the end! But of course! 6 Filipinos are fighting to make us proud!
Held at ARCO Arena Saturday night, the first fight was between Diosdado Gabi and Jose Angel Beranza. And after powerful shots and punches, in a unanimous decision the Filipino boxer Gabi won the the first match giving the Filipino’s the 1st streak of its victory.
Held at ARCO Arena Saturday night, the first fight was between Diosdado Gabi and Jose Angel Beranza. And after powerful shots and punches, in a unanimous decision the Filipino boxer Gabi won the the first match giving the Filipino’s the 1st streak of its victory.
1-0 The second match between Miguel Roman- undefeated fighter from Mexico and Michael Domingo of the Philippines. After an electrifying fight, still in a unanimous decision, Domingo won so its now 2-0!
2-0
The third match AJ Banal-a very young Filipino Boxer age 18 versus Jorge Cardenas ended with a knock-out which leaves us all sighing for just one more to finally get the cup!
3-0The fourth match Z Gorres vs. Eric Ortiz, a threatening but much awaited fight since if Gorres wins this, the World Cup would be under the Philippines fists. And indeed, the world cup has been decided and the Philippines now holds the crown! Gorres just sealed the deal. And we all rejoiced! It was such a great achievement!
4-0Then again we have to hold our breaths, the fight between Jhonny Gonzales and Gerry Penalosa instills fear and hope, and although the Philippine Team is now secure, then again we hope for the best for the two remaining title matches. Round 7 swept us with surprise! Penalosa fired off a sweeping left hand that landed perfectly under the rib cage of Gonzalez which led to a KO! I felt so happy for Penalosa! And more so very proud! At 35, physically fit and a very good man with no vices-he managed to hold another title and held the WBO Bantamweight Belt. You could see how enormously happy Gerry was with the tremendous smile in his face! I’ve always admired him and I agree indeed Gerry is a “thinking fighter”. From his fight with Ponce de Leon, he managed to weigh the circumstances, although he lost, all throughout the fight he held his guard so he was not much beaten up. I can say he is smooth, savvy and smart boxer -add the years of experience to that! Hurray!
I wasn’t even over with the victory of Peñalosa, when the fight of the night came in, Ponce de leon versus Rey “BoomBoom” Bautista”. Upon seeing De leon, I felt fear and I just whispered a silent prayer that it won’t matter if Boomboom does not win this title, as long as he does not get beaten up. But much to everybody’s dismay, Boomboom lost upon the first round and was knocked down by Ponce de leon. Filipinos may indeed be disappointed but my opinion… it was a great mismatch…Boomboom was 21 and Ponce de Leon is 27, a lot bigger, heavier and has longer arms. Indeed “De leon is too much for Bautista”.
On that note, it would be a blessing in disguise for Bautista, its better that he got knocked out from the 1st round than experience severe and total damage say he’s able to last up until the 12th round. From here let us not place much dismay in Boomboom, hey the guy is so young and this is a great lesson for him which comes with a great challenge- to correct, rebuild and start all over. After all he is only “21”…As the old Filipino saying goes “marami ka pang kakaining bigas boy…”
But all in all, it’s not bad! Hey! We’re bringing home the bacon! And we are now the title holders! And with a promise from Oscar “Golden Boy” de la Hoya that he will hand the fully-crafted trophy to our President personally. There is much to rejoice and the world cup only proves that the Filipino’s are indeed the “King of the Ring”. To all the boxers who fought –thank you for making us all proud! Congratulations Philippine Team! 
