THREE "NEW" PRINCES OF PHILIPPINE BOXING WIN ANEW AS GORRES SOLIDIFIES MANDATORY CHALLENGER STATUS!

26 October, 2006 by Reylan Loberternos


“ALA BOYS” SCORE ANOTHER SWEEP!

Tagbilaran City, RP-The new generation "ALA Boys" of the Philippines added some repute to their already formidable stable as Z Gorres, Alex John Banal, Milan Melindo and Mark Jason Melliguen secured contrasting yet altogether impressive victories over their respective foes in the fight card dubbed as “War in the Ring” held at the Mandaue Sports Complex in Mandaue City, Philippines October 21, 2006.

GORRES BEATS MANAKANE TO A PULP!

WBO # 1 ranked super flyweight contender Z “The Dream” Gorres (26-1-1, 14 KOs) bombarded Indonesian Sony Manakane (9-3-1, 4 KOs) with a barrage of unanswered punches, prompting the visiting fighter’s corner to throw in the towel with one minute and eleven seconds left in the fourth round. Gorres’ exceptional boxing skills and uncanny ability to elude punches proved to be too much for the visiting Indonesian, as the reigning Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super flyweight champion baffled his foe with dazzling feints and accurate shots.

“THE DREAM” SETS SIGHT AT WBO BELT!

Further solidifying his WBO super flyweight mandatory challenger status, Z hopes to finally get a crack at the championship diadem presently held by the sturdy champion Fernando Montiel (32-2-1, 24 KOs) of Mexico. If plans don’t miscarry, fight fans might well be treated to what could be one of the best match-ups to date, before the year ends!

“BAZOOKA” OUTFOXES “FILIPINO ASSASSIN”!

Seventeen-year-old boxing phenom Alex John “Bazooka” Banal (10-0-1, 8 KOs) hurdled yet another tough test by defeating the very durable Angky “Time Bomb” Angkota (17-4-0, 11 KOs) of Indonesia in ten rounds with scores of 100-89, 99-90, and 98-91 for a hard-earned (but obviously wide)unanimous decision victory. Banal considers his triumph over Angkota as a sweet revenge for his stablemate Donnie “Ahas (Snake)” Nietes (14-1-2, 9 KOs), along with other Filipino pugs Sonny Boy Jaro (24-5-4, 15 KOs), Rocky Fuentes (16-5-2, 10 KOs), Isidro Lorona (10-9-1, 4 KOs), and former two-time world champion Joma Gamboa (33-10-2, 22 KOs), who all lost to the Indonesian “Time Bomb.” It may be remembered that Nietes sustained that solitary loss in his remarkable record via controversial fashion. In that particular fight, Angkota lost a tooth, even so he weighed six pounds over the limit, and still won what many considered as a hometown split decision victory.

17-YEAR-OLD TEACHES VET NEAT BOXING LESSON!

The fight started with Angkota going strong and engaging Banal with an exchange of solid punches in the first two rounds. It was however in the third round when “Bazooka” started to utilize his vast boxing artillery, catching the Indonesian with stinging jabs and solid shots to the breadbasket, fully taking control of the fight from then on. Angkota grew a lot more frustrated as the fight went on and was finally deducted a point in the fifth round due to successive low blows. The showboating and very game Indonesian nevertheless entertained the fans with his rugged and dancing spectacles in some instances during the fight, predominantly after being hit with a solid “Bazooka” punch. Angkota’s midsection proved to be his Achilles heel as he grimaced in pain every time Banal caught him with a body shot.

MELINDO STOPS FOE WITH JUST ONE PUNCH!

Milan “Finesse” Melindo (7-0-0, 2 KOs) added another dimension to his boxing arsenal by knocking out his veteran opponent with a wicked left hook to the jaw in the 3rd round. The twenty-one-year-old ring general made his foe look like a greenhorn, eluding every punch and counterpunching with three or four punch combinations prior to delivering that perfect punch to end the night for his counterpart.

“FINESSE” OR “PISTON PUNCH” OR BOTH!

A proud son of Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, Milan looks up to former world champion Gerry Peñalosa (51-5-2, 34 KOs), who just earned a TKO victory over Mauricio Martinez (31-7-1, 21 KOs), as his hero. He as well admires Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera (63-4-0, 43 KOs) for his boxing skills and excellent defense. This writer has dubbed Melindo as “Finesse” primarily due to the graceful way he moves atop the squared circle and the elegant manner he delivers his punches. An acquaintance, who also follows this boxing dynamo’s budding career, however suggested the monicker “Piston Punch,” owing to the way Melindo swiftly and rapidly delivers those accurate jabs and punch combinations.

“MJM GRAND” BOXES HIS WAY TO VICTORY!

In what most people who saw the fight considered as a sub-par performance, Mark Jason “MJM Grand” Melliguen (5-0-0, 4 KOs) eked out a shutout victory in his first eight-round assignment, with identically scores of 80-72 in all of the judges’ scorecards. The very-hard-to-please crowd expected another knock out victory for the twenty-year-old southpaw, who seemed not to be himself in the first six rounds. It was not until the seventh round that he started to move the way he did in his previous assignments, jabbing with a lot of movement and creating angles to go for a good shot. When asked how he felt about his performance after the fight, he said that during the first six rounds, he felt uncomfortable because that was what they had practiced for the fight, but was however hugely different to his fighting style and it seemed like he had difficulty adjusting to it. “Dili man gud to akong duwa. Mao man to among gipractice ni coach. (It wasn’t really my game. That was what coach and I practiced in the gym.),” Melliguen said. Nevertheless, winning every round in a fight he felt uncomfortable with definitely tells a lot about this kid’s tremendous potential and talent, don’t you think?

HOT NOVICE IMPRESSIVE THUS FAR

Lanky sixteen-year-old bantamweight neophyte Joseph Omanz (2-0-0, 2 KOs), the latest addition to ALA group, also wowed fans by rendering his opponent unconscious with one vicious punch en route to his second KO victory for this month alone.

THE THREE “NEW” PRINCES OF PHILIPPINE BOXING

13 October, 2006 by Reylan Loberternos


“FILIPINO CONNECTION’S” PERSONAL CHOICES

Tagbilaran City, RP-Let me introduce the next generation of boxing stars coming out of the Philippine islands, one of which maybe the next Manny Pacquiao. The three that I like most are Alex John Banal, Mark Jason Melliguen, and Milan Melindo. If you have seen or read about any of these young Pinoy protagonists, just read on and distinguish whether my observations correspond to yours or not.

“BAZOOKA” BETTER THAN “PACMAN” WAS AT THIS AGE?

Seventeen-year-old boxing sensation Alex John “Bazooka” Banal (9-0-1, 8 KOs) has recently been compared to Filipino ring idol Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (42-3-2, 33 KOs) who also started his professional boxing career at the very tender age of sixteen. Like Pacquiao, this dynamite-fisted super flyweight, now ranked by the WBO Asia-Pacific as its #2 contender, is also a southpaw and coincidentally born in the mountainous province of Bukidnon, Philippines.

FOES DON’T LAST LONG WITH BANAL

Only one of Banal’s nine opponents so far has made it through the last round, as compared to Pacquiao’s only four KOs in his 1st ten stints within the squared circle. AJ has also arguably had better competition, with four of his most recent fights against foreign counterparts. His latest victim was Thai flyweight champion Sing Carryboy (11-1-0, 9 KOs) who sported an immaculate record going into the fight, but could not withstand “Bazooka’s” punishing blows, as he refused to continue the bout before the start of the seventh round. Two months before that fateful evening, erstwhile-unbeaten Indonesian super flyweight champion Ali Rochmad (12-1-0, 9 KOs) was decked twice in the opening session, before Banal connected with a cracking left to the jaw in the fifth round to end the night for the challenger.

DEADLY BOXER-PUNCHER COMBINATION!

Unlike Pacquiao, Banal has had a vast amateur background. He bagged the Gold in the 2000 edition of the Philippine National Games, when he was barely eleven years old. Two years later, AJ repeated that feat, while also winning numerous amateur boxing tournaments in various parts of the Philippine archipelago. This kid has excellent footwork and sound fundamentals, with a variety of punches to boast. With the posed question above, you be the judge!

“MJM GRAND” PACKS A PUNCH!

Another bright spot on the Philippine boxing scene is twenty-year-old welterweight and two-time Southeast Asian Games Silver medallist Mark Jason “MGM Grand” Melliguen (4-0-0, 4 KOs). This heavy-handed lefty was already among the Class-A members of the Philippine Olympic Boxing Team before he decided to try his luck in the professional ranks. This be-medalled athlete has so far subdued all his foes, three of which did not go past the first round. The unexpected jump might be attributed to the fact that Melliguen’s powerful fists, one of his biggest assets, are providing a bigger premium in the professional ranks than in the amateurs, where speed and skill are the top priority. But, don’t get me wrong on this because “MGM Grand” has got some skills too! His two runner-up finishes in a tournament that pitted the best boxers in the Southeast Asian region should be more than enough proof of his exceptional talent. For a pugilist his size, he’s fast on his feet and can certainly box if he has to.

MELINDO IS SYNONIMOUS TO “FINESSE”!

Two-time Philippine National Games gold medallist Milan “Finesse” Melindo (6-0-0, 1 KO) might not be as vicious as Banal and Melliguen are, but his graceful and slick boxing style is definitely a beauty to behold. Many observers have described this twenty-one-year-old boxing phenom as an outstanding ring tactician who exudes ring generalship like a grizzled veteran. He can literally dominate his foe with just one hand, without even unleashing his killer fist. Accuracy, precision, and efficiency are his forte.

ONE THING THe THREE HAVE IN COMMON

All three of these young hopefuls are under the umbrella of ALA Boxing Stable, arguably the Philippines’ best, owned and managed by respected boxing impresario Antonio Lopez Aldeguer. Chief trainer and two-time world title contender Edito “ALA” Villamor (29-2-1, 26 KOs), who once fought eight exciting rounds with the legendary Ricardo “Finito” Lopez (51-0-1, 38 KOs), heads the competent cast of knowledgeable coaches. Villamor, after two unsuccessful attempts at capturing a world championship belt, hopes to finally snatch one or more, as his students reach the dream that he failed to achieve.

THREE PRINCES STRUT STUFF ON GORRES CARD!

On the 21st of this month, AJ Banal is going to face yet another dangerous opponent in IBF Pan Pacific light flyweight titlist and Indonesian flyweight champion Angky “Time Bomb” Angkota (17-3-0, 11 KOs) in what could be the Pinoy pug’s toughest assignment so far in his budding career. This will be on the undercard of a tune-up bout between another ALA boy WBO super flyweight #1 contender Z “The Dream” Gorres (25-1-1, 13 KOs) and Indonesian Sonny Manakane (9-2-1, 4 KOs) for the former’s possible crack at the WBO super flyweight belt before the year ends. Mark Jason Melliguen and Milan Melindo will also have the chance to showcase their talent on the same fight card.

TO WHOM WILL “PACMAN” PASS THE TORCH? (The Final Episode)

02 October, 2006 by Reylan Loberternos


MANNY PACQUIAO USED TO BE A “BOXER”!

Tagbilaran City, RP-Contrary to popular notion, Filipino boxing icon and pride of General Santos City Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (42-3-2, 33 KOs) used to win most of his bouts by out-boxing and out-pointing his foes early in his career. As a teenage boxing sensation, he had blinding speed, coupled with tremendous footwork and boxing skills way beyond his years. It was however two fights after Rustico Torrecampo, the lone Filipino to stop the “Pacman,” put a dent on Pacquiao’s previously immaculate record, when Manny discovered and started to maximize the power in his left hand. He then went on to rack up twelve successive victories, eleven of which did not last the distance, en route to snatching his first world championship belt from erstwhile champion, Chatchai Sasakul (56-3-0, 36 KOs) of Thailand, exactly thirteen days before his 20th birthday.

GOT "TOO" USED TO USING ONLY LEFT HAND

Pacquiao continued his left-hand-happy ways, adding another world championship belt to his waist by dethroning IBF super bantamweight champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba (36-5-1, 23 KOs), and later on subduing future Hall-of-Famer Marco Antonio Barrera (63-4-0, 42 KOs) in eleven rounds of humiliation that “Pacman” inflicted on the “Baby-faced Assassin.” Technique finally caught up with him when he sustained an injury to his favorite fist after scoring three first-round knockdowns on Juan Manuel Marquez (45-3-1, 34 KOs). The bout ended in a draw, with Marquez counterpunching his way to retaining his WBA and IBF featherweight belts. Prior to his first encounter with Erik “El Terrible” Morales (48-4-0, 34 KOs), veteran trainer Freddie Roach worked with his prizefighter to develop a wicked punch using the right hand that they called "Manila Ice." Owing to the nasty cut suffered by Pacquiao in the fifth round of their first fight, it was, however, only in their second bout when that savage right hook was used effectively and efficiently.

WILL MANNY SHIFT BACK TO BOXING?

While it can’t be denied that Pacman’s incredibly exciting devil-may-care attitude atop the ring earned him tremendous fan following, it has also however made some boxing critics judge him as a one-dimensional fighter, especially after the draw with Marquez and the unanimous decision loss to Morales. Considering the fact that father time will one day catch up to him, or any fighter for that matter, no matter how fast or strong he may be, developing one’s boxing skills is necessary to keep pace with the younger, stronger, and faster generations whose goal is to take away his throne. Some might say that I’m speaking too soon, as Pacquiao is still yet to reach his prime. Nevertheless, wouldn’t it be great if he mastered the necessary skills earlier than later? Go figure…

"PACMAN" OUTBOXES BOXER IN LARIOS!

In his latest ring appearance, Pacquiao showcased his highly underrated boxing abilities by outfoxing former world champion Oscar “Chololo” Larios (56-5-1, 36 KOs) in twelve rounds. Except for only a scary moment in the third round, Pacquiao totally dominated Larios from pillar to post, earning him nods from boxing pundits around the globe and fortifying his stature as a multi-faceted pugilist. As Pacquiao and Morales once again engage to close their trilogy this November 18, is it a very far-fetched idea that the Pacman is going to outdo El Terrible in his own game? Or just lump him up.

YOUNG FILIPINO “BOXERS” PAR EXCELLENCE

Speaking of boxing skills, I can’t help but mention Philippines’ rising stars who excel in this department, both in the professional and amateur ranks. Names like Z “The Dream” Gorres (24-1-1, 12 KOs), former WBC flyweight champion Malcolm “Eagle Eye” Tuñacao (20-1-3, 14 KOs), and Diosdado “Prince” Gabi (27-3-1, 19 KOs) stand out in the professional scene, while guys like Joan Tipon, Harry Tañamor, and Violito Payla head the very talented amateur core. These are the kind of pugs who rely on technique to frustrate and neutralize power… guys who use their brains more than brawn.

Z’S DREAM COULD BECOME A REALITY!

Gorres, the reigning Orient & Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super flyweight champion, is one of the two ALA boys to first ink a promotional deal with Golden Boy Promotions, the other being super bantamweight sensation Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista (20-0-0, 15 KOs). Z’s solitary loss happened the night he was suffering a toothache and was obviously not in fighting condition. He was however quick to recover from that minor debacle, not losing since, piling up twelve wins highlighted by five knockouts, earning him lofty standings in various world sanctioning bodies. If plans don’t miscarry, “The Dream” is setting his sight on the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super flyweight belt currently held by Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (32-2-1, 24 KOs) before the year ends or early next year. For the time being, according to a reliable source, Z is going to defend his OPBF super featherweight belt against a still-to-be-determined opponent on the 20th of this month in front of his hometown fans in Mandaue City, Cebu.

This article is the final episode of a three-part special.