Pacquiao Wins!

Manny Pacquiao finishes off Marco Antonio Barrera with convincing position in the ring. He's too fast for an aging opponent. The judges scores unanimously in favor of our people's champ.

Round 11: Marco Wobbles and Throws a Foul Shot

In the round when Marco Antonio Barrera was stop by Manny Pacquiao about four years ago, a repeat was likely to happen. Marco wobbles after receving a hard hitting left hand that shook him and could have knock him down have not he regain his balance.
Barrera bleeds and suffers a cut just below his right eye.
He then throws a hard hitting foul shot while referee breaks the lock sending Pacquiao dizzying around the ring.

Four Rounds Per Hour

Just by looking below the timestamps of earlier entries, it takes one hour to finish four rounds. Round 8 has ended and round 9 is about to start as I write this. I seems to take forever before this one closes out. The coverage of channel 7 is typical commercial biased broadcasting. Unlike last April, Jorge Solis versus Pacquiao, channel 2 had shown two successive rounds in between commercials. I hope that the next Pacquiao fight will be channeled by ABS-CBN.

Still, no one has kissed the canvass. Pacquiao remains powerful and full of life. Barrera looks aging and tiring-- half of what boxing analysts has predicted.

Barrera Starts to Run Away

Second half of the fight and it looks like Marco is tired of absorbing super fasts punches. Pacquiao continues to hurl him left straight punch, his primary weapon for this bout. And Barrera seems to enjoy receiving them. He backs away a couple of times in the ring getting away from Manny's relentless boxing.

I Feel Like I'm Watching A Rerun

Yes, you read me right. The fight begins to bore me at this point. This is what happens when commercials take control of the event.

I just wished I am watching in a bus station or in a tv repair shop where dozens of people share the same sentiment and cheer for Pacquiao. That would surely bring the excitement a notch higher.

Especially when the two are exchanging power fists straight into the head. Pacquiao overpowers Barrera in round 6. Barrera counters a good right. Pacquiao delivers effective punching at this round.

More Punches from Pacquiao

The phone rang the same time round 5 is taking place. It was my dad, asking about the status of the fight because broadcast in his location was unavailable. I told him what round it is though.

I wasn't able to pay attention closely but I think Pacquiao looked more the stronger fighter with series of punches clobbering Barrera.

Pacquiao Hits

Commentators talks about range.

Manny seemed to have just found his rhythm and found his punches received unnoticably by Barrera. One punch slipped through the close arms defense of Marco, that one shooked his head back and forth.

Still no knock down at this point, I just remember Pacquiao has promised a knock out win.

I still hate commercials.

Sharp punching from Barrera in Third Round

The crowd seems to be ruled by Mexicans. They've been cheering "Barrera, Barrera" and "Mexico, Mexico". I wonder where are the Filipinos in the audience?

Tough battle continues to be shown by both fighters. But Marco launches sharper punches that landed on Pacquiao's face.

It is still early to predict who's the clear winner. Judges should score this round in favor of Marco.

Barrera Takes 2

Barrera thrown more solid jabs and counter-punches that landed straight into Manny's face. There's an exciting exchange before the bell rangs but most of the time, Manny appeared hapless and shorthanded.
Pacquiao shook his head left and right showing he's not hurt. Probably, Marco's punch doesn't hurt him.
This one I think goes to Barrera.

Pacquiao Takes Round 1

Round 1 is boring.
I really thought someone is gonna get hurt at the opening round. But it appears more of a knowing each-other-phase.
Barrera twice hinged Pacquiao's head when the latter tries to go deep. Some punches were thrown and received.
Pacquiao appears his usual snappy and jumpy state at the beginning.
Marco looks dead-serious. I haven't seen his teeth come out yet. He must be seething inside for revenge.
And Quinito, Chino and some vice-governor seemed to have just taken a quick break. Their voices are back doing their thing.

Both Fighter Enters

Red is the color of the day.

Marco and his cohorts are all wearing red bathrobe-like dress with a mexican rock song heard across the coliseum.

Manny is dressed with white robe. Roach and the rest of the cast are on red. Bilog ang Mundo, Pacquiao's recent song is played on the background as he enters the ring. Upon hearing that song yesterday, it somehow feels good to be a Filipino if and if you're one of the persons belting their voices in the cheering crowd

I Hate Commercials; Kyla Sings Beautifully

Without commercials, I wouldn't be able see Manny and Marco go head to head for free.
But commercials eat a lot of air time three times more than the duration of a round. That's a hair splitting reality. I guess this is just one of things that don't qualify in the norm, "the best things in life are free"
What makes it more funny and irritating is the commercials between anthems.
At least Kyla sangs beautifully from deep within her more exceptionally than the previous singers of past Pacquiao fights and more excellently than that of Bautista's blooper.

Pacquiao Coverage start 1309hrs on Free TV

From where I sit here, it's only on GMA7 where I could watch The Will To Win.

I had no time to spare in availing pay per view and it would cost probably around 300 bucks.

Anyway, during the pre-fights it was Filipino commentators who I hear from the background. As soon as the scenes of Pacquiao and Barrera getting amped for the fight are shown, unknown english voices beat out from the side audio boxes.

As a tradition, the national anthems of both fighters and that of America where the fight is being staged will be sang.

National anthem of Mexico came first sang by a brunette lady. I didn't catch her name though.

Let's Get It On

Today is the fight that the entire Philippines has been waiting for several months now.

Manny Pacquiao will go up against Marco Antonio Barrera. Dubbed as the Will to Win, Manny's objective is of course to further cement his stand and prowess against all super feather weights this world has to offer while Marco Antonio Barrera main driving point is to avenge his 4-year old 11 round knock out loss to the Pacman.

Since I am sitting home here in Angeles City, I will try to do a live blogging of his fight and show to you my round to round opinion once the fight started.

Historic

There is no other word I can describe the feat the University of the East Red Warriors has made last night other than the title.

Battling against a formidable foe, the Warriors swept the elimination round with 14 wins and undefeated. The last win came against the DLSU Green Archers, the kind of game I would describe as something like I-should-have-been-there skirmish between two teams who have a great chance of meeting again in the finals.

Except of course, the La Salle has to wade through the semifinals. The Warriors has earned themselves a rare reward by nailing the automatic championship berth when the final buzzer sounded in a game that went into overtime.

The Green Archers had the opportunity to deny victory to the opposing team, but it was all in the hands of their main guy JV Casio, who missed one of the pair of free throws in the dying seconds of the regulation. The game was tied at 77-77. And it was all UE all the way into the overtime. The Warriors trampled the Archers, 92-84 the final score.

Early in the game, there was a punch thrown and absorbed a minute left in the first quarter. A player was ejected, technical fouls were given out to both teams, but the commotion between competing players didn't stop the history from unfolding.

Warriors' Tale

Dindo Pumaren must be happy right now, and at the same time really nervous.

The University of the East Red Warriors are two games shy of sweeping the elimination round of the UAAP. They are the remaining team in the most celebrated collegiate basketball tournament that hasn’t tasted a loss. And if they continue to fire up the feat and turn out victors of the next and their last two games, they would catapult themselves straight into the Finals.

But it’s no easy task for Coach Pumaren and his roster of cagers. They still have to cruise past against winless University of the Philippine Fighting Maroons and the current second placer with 9-3 win-loss card, the La Salle Green Archers.

Winning those two would complement an astounding tale.

And in the end, winning the championship would mean putting the icing on the cake.

Let’s wait and see how the Warriors write the tale’s ending.

Boom Boom Knees Wobbles

I had to admit, I almost wept seeing Boom Boom falls in the first round. I was on my way to Antipolo for a photoshoot when the world cup of boxing between Mexican and Filipino fighters was unfolding.
While waiting for passengers in FX terminal in Edsa Central, I got a call from a friend about Gerry Peñalosa snatching the championship belt from his opponent Jhonny Gonsalez.
I was able to watch Gerry pummeled Jhonny in his ribcage because the bus I took from Laguna has a free tv on board. I was delighted that prior the main event, the Filipinos has won and taken the first 5 matches, leading the Mexicans team, 5 to nothing.
On the phone, I told Mark that I feel something is not right about Boom Boom's fight. He was facing Daniel Ponce De Leon, the same warrior boxer who trounced Gerry Peñaloza almost to retirement.
His call was just minutes before Rey Bautista, a promising and unbeaten boxer from Bohol, wobbles his knees into the ropes and on the verge of getting knocked down. He told me, its over.
I was dumbfounded. I never thought he would lost, not in the first round.
So I got out of the FX taxi and took a stroll were people had assembled like a mob just outside a goldilocks watching beneath the glass walls. They were peaking at a 14 inch tv with Boom Boom sullen face being shown.

Mayol Falls Down on 8

I have to write this, else, my mind will go ballistic trying to find the truth.

In the undercard fight of the War for 4: Erik Morales vs. David Diaz, Rodel Mayol received a devastating punch 1:13 left in the clock at 8th round from Ulises Solis for the IBF Mini Flyweight championship.

Ulises Solis is the brother of Jorge Solis whom Manny Pacquiao stopped also in the 8th round last April.

I didn't actually see this fight start and end.

I only saw the flashes of their fight in Channel 2, with the usual Spanish speaking host Diane telling the report.

Undoubtedly, the replayed scenes of Mayol kissing the canvass left him no chance of adding another title belt to the growing number of Filipino boxing champions. What caught my attention was when the host reportedly said, in reference to her after-fight interview, that Rodel admitted having less practice and preparations in challenging the current champion Solis.

Earlier Sunday, the sports page of my fave broadsheet had a news clipping telling a completely different story, that Mayol had prepared so much coming to this fight.

Suddenly, there is a knot in my head that let my hand scratch it quickly. Which news media is telling the story? I can't accussed anyone of them to craft a different scenario, because what purpose would it be if they change slightly the facts behind Mayol's plight.

The news reports was made on entirely different schedule. The broadsheet story came out before the fight, whilst the tv newsflash was shown hours after the bout concluded. There is greater chances that an interviewee would respond to questions with made-up answers before the battle, than reason out a humbling loss in an after-the-bout interview. Logically, losing in the 8th round would mean less practice and exercise in the gym.

Nonetheless, I feel sorry that Mayol had lost. It would have been a varied story, overall, had he snatched the title belt and strapped it in his torso.

Erik Morales Fails to Make History

It was reading my favorite Sunday newspaper that I got reminded that today is the day Erik Morales will try his fate to making a history.

The El Terrible has tasked himself to become the only Mexican to win 4 championships in different divisions. A feat that not even Julio Cesar Chavez has accomplished during his time.

Come 12 o'clock in the afternoon, I turned on the television and press the channel 9. It was already the Round 8. Replays of the early rounds has been flashed repeatedly as the fight went along.

This time, there were shorter commercial breaks in between rounds which made watching a lot better.

But watching Erik exhausted himself, he was denied the history he's about to make. The fight was decided unanimously in favor of his opponent, Dangerous David Diaz. It was his first title defense and his uppercut was his main weapon in trumping Erik. Probably the reason that let the judges decide on matters was his unconvincing stance that he can take care of Diaz. He just became powerless in the end.

Erik Morales, a Mexican, now 48 wins - 6 losses, has deserved to land a story in Pinoy Balls for the following reasons:

• He is the contra-bida of Manny Pacquiao during their trilogy fight last year and regarded by some as one of the best fights in history.
  
• He has brought the best of Manny and that alone is worthy of a reason
• El Terrible has a commercial with Manny and Freddie Roach that still runs as I write this. With that, Erik Morales has become a household name in our country.
• He patronized our beaches in Palawan when he came here.

After the fight, news reports tells the end of Erik's boxing career. But to me, he will remain an adopted son of Philippine boxing.

End of the Road

Pinoy Balls was created about a couple of months ago with hopes in providing information, insights, updates and opinions about the sports that the Filipinos partake. One of its core mission is to deliver news and highlights about the quest of the quintessential team that was built to catapult themselves in the elusive Olympic dream.

This blog has several times unable to deliver that goods. And I apologize to a lot of would be readers who are hungry for content regarding our National Team.

They've gone through several contests in preparation for the FIBA Asia tournament. For Asian ball players, this is the one chance where they can prove themselves to join and compete with the best of world basketball by placing at least runner up. It's only the elimination round and already, Team Pilipinas didn't make it.

Yes my dear friends. After a lot of practice, after so much hard work, and after a dozen of players' interviews viewed on tv and read on a lot of newspapers of their stories and personal testament to the countries quest for an Olympic glory, the national team will go home winless and empty handed.

They put their best performance but the end results tell a different story. They still have a chance and did not vow out of the Olympic qualifying tournament by yielding their first game to Iran.

They managed to keep alive the fragile string of hope by edging China in their second outing. But a team whose name is similar to the greatest basketball player ever to grace this side of the universe, has drain all hopes of the Filipinos to repeat what was made 35 years ago. The feat was the highest for an Asian country by placing third in the Olympics.

The reality now is that we are faced yet again with what are our limits. Basketball is a game where towering human beings usually rule. This loss could either signal an end of an elusive dream. Or it could also spark the fire again to dream and aim high.

I would like to be there when that time comes.

Not a Good Sign

For two consecutive games in the ongoing Jones Cup in Taiwan, Team Pilipinas looked very far from what they are perceived to be in terms of performance. I already mentioned this tournament is not the main goal of the heavily funded national quintet. Their main task is to earn a spot in the 2008 Olympics where they will, hopefully, have the chance to meet the best of basketball.

In order to that, RP-San Miguel National team must earn at least the runner up in the 2007 FIBA-ASIA which is by the way not an easy task. The team that Chot Reyes has been grooming to accomplish that dream will have to battle against China, Iran and Jordan in the elimination round. They must illustrate from themselves a dominant and winning team.

Apparently, our national team has lost two consecutive games right after a promising and good start. They defeated the defending American champions in their first outing but lost to Lebanon on Tuesday and bowed out again versus the Japanese national yesterday. The two losses both came from heart-breaking last second shots.

In their game against the Lebanese, the score was tied at 62 all with three seconds left in the game clock. A couple of passes between the opponents and into the hands of Rony Fahed who delivered a three pointer right before the time expires. The ball banked into the board and off inside the ring putting Lebanon on top, 65-62.

Japan made a similar dagger and pierced it into the hearts of hopeful Filipinos. The ball was intercepted from Dondon Hontiveros and resulted to a fastbreak pass to Yusuke Okada who made the final layup that sealed the game for the Japanese. One second remained in the clock but RP team failed to convert in the end. They led by as much as 12 points but they appeared powerless in the closing minutes and settled for an 86-84 score.

These two losses could determine how much determination and will does the team are composed of. Will they simply work their bodies out for the rest of the tournament for the simple fact that they are part of a national team made to prove the odds wrong? Or will they show us the core they are made of, bring the country the goods they are supposed to bring home after their work outs and practices in and out of the country?

Next week we'€™ll find out when they bag the Jones Cup trophy. And we will cheer them all the way. Nonetheless, the loss to Lebanon and Japan remains a bad sign for a case of a bad dream coming true.

RP-SMB: Jones Cup, the Final Leg

The RP-San Miguel National Team, before they plunged into Tokushima, Japan for the FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifying tournament, are headed into the final leg of their very rugged training schedule, The Jones Cup.
And the best way to start the 10-team competition is to beat the defending champion team USA. Playing under the banner of AIA or Athletes in Action, Team Pilipinas defeated the powerhouse US cagers led by the relentless shooting of Jimmy Alapag late in the fourth quarter. He shot a perfect 100% field goal percentage, 5 for 5, and led the nationals in a closing game outburst with contributions from Mark Caguioa, Mick Pennisi and Kerby Raymundo to finish the game, 72-67.

Manny Should Learn His Lesson

Manny Pacquiao is all set for a rematch against his old nemesis, Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera. It was finally decided that two should meet again inside the boxing ring after legal dispute between the Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank has reached its end.

The dispute, as every boxing fan can remember, started when the Filipino slugger tried to dance with the two at the same time. His contract with Top Rank was about to expire, and prior to his first rematch with Erik Morales last year sometime in September, he reportedly signed a deal and received a pre-bonus amount with the GBP. Later on, he surprised the boxing world by declaring that he was staying with Top Rank and inked a separate contract.

Eventually, GBP sued Top Rank and suddenly, Pacquiao's career was on a tailspin. After his last fight with El Terrible, there seemed to be no interesting fighter to match against him, with Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez and other interesting fighters under GBP's control.

On Friday, we received the news that the supposed fight between Humberto Soto and Pacquiao was canceled to give way for a much better and exciting match worth waiting. Barrera and Pacquiao will do the waltz on a boxing ring with gloves on their hands to be staged on October 6. This match and the future fights Manny is going to battle with an opponent handled by GBP, will be co-promoted by the two camps. For other matches when the opponent isn't a GBP, Top Rank will be promoting Pacquiao whilst the other remaining to have an interest in co-promoting it.

This is good news especially for Pacquiao himself as he will regain the wide options in terms of who will be on his next list. He's on the top of his game and he deserves worthy opponents. Let lessons be learned from this, before putting back that gloves on for practice.

Barakos Even Series Against Phone Pals, 2-2

Import James Penny of Red Bull dunked the ball late in the fourth quarter to even the best of seven series score, 2-2, against Talk and Text Phone Pals. It was an awkward looking dunk coming from deep in the right lane of the basketball court.
Penny however made it appear beautiful with his right hand reaching the ring after passing through defender JJ Sullinger in an almost effortless fashion.

It came at the right moment as it halted the rampage Phone Pals has brewed late, led by Mac Cardona and Sullinger. They've found their rhythm and attempted to bounce back from the game, scoring 20 points for the Filipino and a huge 40 points for the import. But this wasn't enough to contain the big cushion Barakos has created before halftime.

The exclamation point sealed the win for Barakos, 111-104 at the end game.

The semifinals between the two will be decided in the next two games and a possible third.

Step One to Tim Cone's Fear

In the ongoing Fiesta Conference in the country's professional basketball arena, four teams has emerged in the semis, who are now struggling it out in a best of seven series.

• Talk and Text Phone Pals Versus Red Bull Barakos
• Alaska Milkmen Versus San Miguel Beermen

This post is focused on the current situation of Tim Cone's team.

Having been able to accomplish a 2-0 lead in their raise to 4 wins duel, why is it that the coach of Alaska shows a low level of confidence? The loss last night I believe is a first step towards succumbing to the fear of these mighty milkmen. It can be remembered that they were once a great team in the 90's. I still remember the era of Johnny "The Flying A" Abarrientos, Bong Hawkins, Poch Juinio, Bolado, Jojo Lastimosa and the rest of the Milkmen who were able to bag several championships, including that great matchup against Sunkist Orange when Vergel Meneses can still voyage into the air. That year was a preparatory to their greatness into the decade.

In one of the previous conferences, Alaska has been in a similar situation when they are leading, one of which was already 3-1, and eventually lost the series. It can be regarded as traumatic and rule out any position wherein they will brag themselves assurances of winning the series and reaching the finals.

Last night, they drop the third game against the Beermen, 91-81 was the final score. Could this be the step one to repeating what happened in the past or they could face their fears and shrug any trauma of yesterday's lost?

Unity Cup Underway

Will the Batang Pier bag the grand slam or the Moneymen pass up for a tough challenge?
Forgive me for focusing too much on boxing lately, but, I am trying to absorb the euphoria of amateur basketball that is the PBL.
Philippine Basketball League showcases the future greats of Philippine basketball. And it is only in the creation of Pinoy Balls that I had the chance to watch out for these tournament, when all the majority of fans are watching PBA, and the NBA.
Right now, Harbour-Centre is leading (1-0) the Cebuana-Lhuillier Pera Padala in the best of five Unity Cup series that started last week.
Independence Day, June 12, game 2's tip off will commence at 3:30 pm, Manila time.
Watch out for Kenneth Bono, Doug Kramer and the rest of the Moneymen battles it out, as they hamper the winning momentum of Jason Castro, JC Intal and the Batang Pier cagers.

The Revenge Episode

Humberto Soto unleashes a shocking left hook.

Bobby Pacquiao humbly received it and kissed the Madison Square Garden canvass at the 7^th round.

His brother, Manny, was at the ring side at the start of the match in his support.

I was in the bus so I missed watching that fight.

Later on, the local Channel 2 showed video clips of Bobby losing.

Days before the fight, Manny was awarded Fighter of the Year by a group of American boxing writers.

It could have been a double celebration had Bobby win.

Instead, it made Manny furious and seeks to avenge his kin’s loss.

However, still, there is no confirmation as to who will be Pacman’s next opponent.

If it would be Humberto, I guess his mindset will be focused on revenge.

Now that’s a great next episode to watch out.

Stupid

Is Manny Pacquiao really afraid fighting Juan Manuel Marquez again in the boxing ring?

Yesterday, my favorite broadsheet quoted the WBC president saying that he is scared of facing the current super featherweight champ after declaring that Pacquiao formally denied through a letter, his gaining of the mandatory status in challenging Marquez.

Their last meeting was swarmed with controversies when the fight was decided a split draw, after Marquez was knocked down, three times in the first round. He managed though, to stay up until the last bell sounded. That failed Pacquiao to capture the title belt Marquez was currently holding that time, the WBA/IBF super bantamweight.

My take on the issue is this: Pacquiao is not scared. Actually, I’m not sure if there is anyone or anything he fears these days. He’s alleged to have his own private army as the news reports tell. He isn’t even afraid of any critics with regards to his nerve in singing, that’s why he basked into that career by launching his own music album. He even had his own concerts.

Declaring Pacquiao scared of Marquez or of anything or anyone is a little bit of an off shoot.

The news article cited further that Pacquiao has now three mistakes in his career.

1. Signing contracts with Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank
2. Losing in the political arena
3. Rejecting a bout against the current champion

Think about this, in any matter that involves signing a contract that would tie you up in certain conditions set in agreement between two parties, would you let yourself be in a situation where you’ll have to agree with two different parties of conflicting interest? Of course not! That is plain stupid.

Manny was reported having talks and plans of joining GBP, because last year, months prior Morales-Pacquiao II, his contract with Top Rank was about to expire. It was alleged that he even received a sum of money as a term of pre-payment for his supposed inking a deal with GBP. Then all of a sudden, he surprised everyone to have already closed a deal with Top Rank.

Think about this, if you’re studying engineering, would you be applying for a nursing job after you graduate? Of course not! That is simply stupid.

The boxer from GenSan was born from a poor family. He wasn’t able to finish high school. And he’s been into boxing since he was a young boy who fled his home and went to Manila to in search for a better life. He was once a baker boy and he showed us Filipinos how he rose from the pit of poverty with his pure boxing talent and raw power. Running for a congressional seat is clearly out of his league.

Lastly, I can’t think of any reason why he would deny an offer where he can show to the world that he’s the best pound for pound fighter (and not the Pretty Boy Mayweather) by facing just about any fighter, let Marquez feel his power once again and prove to the judges wrong about their 2004 match up ending in a split decision. Is he now a paycheck fighter looking for a bigger purse because he lost a lot last May elections? I am not sure.

But one thing is certain, these aren't really mistakes. These are results from very unwise decisions.

It's BOOM BOOM Time

~Photo Credits Goes to ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images~

I didn't have a ticket to Las Vegas neither a passport to present the airport guards for me to watch the World Awaits with "Boom Boom" battling "Rocky" in a square off that will determine who will be paired against the current division champion, Daniel Ponce DeLeon for a promising title bout.

Last Sunday, I can only scream at the top of my lungs witnessing Rey Bautista struggled a couple of times against Sergio Medina in a fight highly valuable for both boxers.

Battle of Zero Losses

It was a match of the undefeated. Rey, a native Boholano from Tagbilaran, sported an umblemished record of 22 wins, 0 losses, 17 KOs while Sergio "Rocky" Medina from Argentina was tucked in his wallet with 28 wins, 0 defeats and 16 KOs.

Channel 2 was the one who bought all the rights in showing the bout, featuring the main event between Mayweather Jr and Dela Hoya. As expected, it was packed with galores of advertisements twice or even thrice longer the duration than each round. Good thing I have with me a Sudoku puzzle to while away the commercials.

2-3-1

For majority of the Filipino fans who were glued on the tv sets, they may have observed a glitch on their tv screen. Round 2 was shown first before round 1, followed by round 3. I know I was dizzy the night before because of a couple of drinks with my kababata's, but I wasn't drunk the morning after. Maybe showing round 2 connotes to being channel 2 or number 2, that I can only guess. Somehow, that made the fight quite confusing on who's above and leading at the beginning of the match.

Since I highly regard Boom Boom to follow the footsteps of Pacquiao, and even better than him, I was quite rattled at the course of the fight. Medina is not a boxer you would take for granted. He did give Bautista, the fans and me, a chill on the nerves and spine.

Hardly a knock-out

I was expecting a knockout early in the rounds because Boom Boom is a power puncher. But it only came on the sixth round after a series of flurry exchanges. Bautista managed to corner Medina a couple of instances but the referee may have force Bautista lose his concentration. He persistenly warned Boom Boom to "go up" with his punches in the early rounds, even stopping Bautista in his tracks and finger point him like a kid who stole a candy in a candy store.

Round 5 came the deduction but instead of losing focus, a left uppercut in the 6th round made Medina scuffling backwards and knockdown was ruled. Although the replays showed a slightly different story, the punch seemed to have not clearly landed solidly on Medina's mestizo face.

I thought the referee was to stop the fight

Rocky fought back and rocked Boom Boom to his senses. An avalanche of punches came through him, and into the corner. The punches were drawn and received with a wide open face of Bautista. His right hand was on the ropes. Punches came like bullets of M-16, and his head gobbled back and forth. It appeared as though Boom Boom was helpless and the referee stopping the fight soon. However, referee instead came to the rescue and pulled a busy Rocky from annihilating Boom Boom in the corner and started the mandatory 8 count. It ruled there was a KO because he was clinging into the ropes. He struggled to keep standing in the rest of the round as Medina failed to close the round with another KO.

Date with Destiny

With the match looming to an end, Boom Boom finally end all worries by letting a solid right hook that shook Rocky down on his butt. The match was declared a UD with all three judges’ scores in favor of the Boholano.

Rey improved his record to 23-0-0 (17 KOs) and awarded a crack at the title belt against DeLeon who recently defeated Gerry Peñalosa. That’s a match worth waiting and I suggest he seriously train hard and further develop his power punch even more.

RP Team Replaces Hatfield with Villanueva

PDI reports the rewarding of Enrico Villanueva as the replacement for Rudy Hatfield in the roster of Team Pilipinas. PhilStar/Abs-CbnNews does the same thing.
Rudy is getting married and plans were already cooked up even before the national team was formed. Team Pilipinas is all set to compete on May 12-20 for the FIBA Asian Champions Cup which will be held in Tehran, Iran. The entry to the tournament was made possible after amateur team RP-Harbour Centre won the SEABA Champions Cup held in Jakarta, Indonesia.
So what's there to watch out for before the big tournament?
Set your celphone alarms and cancel your appointments on Tuesday evening, because a collection of PBA Fiesta Conference imports namely:

• Rod Neely of Ginebra,
• James Penny of Red Bull,
• Galen Young of San Miguel,
• Wayland White and Alex Compton of Welcoat,
• Marquin Chandler of Purefoods,
• Shawn Daniels of Air21,
• Rosell Ellis of Alaska,
• Jeff Varen of Coca-Cola,
• J.J. Salinger of Talk ‘N Text, and,
• Jamaal Williams of Sta. Lucia Realty

will test the core of Team Pilipinas. That's an exciting game to witness the national squad perform what they've been sweating out in their not-so-easy practices in and out of the country.

Time-Out

I took a break from writing for this blog to focus on re-organizing my other blog. It took me at least a couple of weeks to finally refocus on my writing routine and check out several sports update.

Palarong Pambansa Kicks-off at Koronadal City

PSC Chairman William Ramirez headed the opening yesterday of 2007 Palarong Pambansa in South Cotabato Complex, Koronadal City, South Cotabato. The Palaro is believed to be a good source of new talents and upcoming sports heroes. This is where the likes of Lydia de Vega(track and field), Erik Buhain (swimming), and Elma Muroz (long jump) were discovered.

Manny Pacquiao crushes Jorge Solis

This is quite old news already, but the pound-for-pound fighter from General Santos City has made an unknown fighter famous for being one of the many Mexicans whom he defeated. Solis kissed the canvass twice in the 8th round before referee called it quits. Now, Pacquiao is getting ready to fight another battle, but this time, in the halls of Philippine Election. He is running for a congressional seat in Gen San against the incumbent representative Darlene Antonio-Custodio.

Team Philippines Captures SEABA Qualifying Tournament

Amateur Team Harbour Centre-RP demolished team SM-Indonesia for the SEABA Club Championship crown. This highlighted the re-entry of the nation into the international scene after the suspension of the Philippines in FIBA sanctioned tournaments.

Call It Karma

The year 2007 appears to be not the year for the Pacman.

With the Barrera-Marquez conclusion last Saturday and Marquez unanimously winning it over Barrera, it seems that the fight was far from over and talks about Barrera finally hanging his gloves for retirement was deemed false. Well, not this year to say the least.

Manny Pacquiao was eagerly awaiting the winner between the two, hoping that he will sign another big contract fight later this year. He is billed to exchange punches with highly acclaim but unknown fighter Jorge Solis on April 14 in the Alamodome, San Antonio.

As he literally expressed that he want to fight whoever emerges as the winner, he may have to wait until September 15 or even longer. A Barrera-Marquez rematch has already been declared putting the WBC International Superfeatherweight champion on queue.

Some analysts even figured the Barrera-Marquez rematch to be the Fight of the Year. Pacman is obviously out of the picture.

It can be recalled last year, Manny was tiptoeing with Golden Boy Promotions in its attempt to lure the boxer to sign with them. GBP claimed that Pacquiao have agreed for a seven-fight contract but this was made prior the Morales-Pacquiao rematch. It turned out Pacquiao can not sign with any other promoter not until November fight was over. Later on, Pacquiao has renewed his contract with Top Rank with a four-year deal. Both camps are now on a legal dispute as to who has the legal right to promote Pacquiao.

Pacman may be the best pound-for-pound boxer, but with the rematch and Pacquiao fighting a nondescript boxer—that could definitely spur a monumental loss if ever Pacquiao gets KOd—the superfeatherweight division clearly belongs to the Mexican.

Karma? You tell me.

If he wins over Solis, there seems to be no other fighter to pair against Manny that could mount an equivalent popularity with that of Pacquiao-Morales trilogy. I doubt that even knockout sensation Edwin Valero could pull this one out.

With that, well, Manny can at least focus on fighting another battle, the GenSan congressional elections.

Import Chandler Saves the Day

Last night’s PBA main event witnessed a great game between two winless teams in the 2007 Fiesta Conference Cup. Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs and San Miguel Beermen both have suffered the worst team start with 0-3 win-loss card.

Prior the game, both teams have made major adjustments to their rosters hoping to stop the drain from losing. Purefoods re-tapped the services of Marquin Chandler whom he helped win big games last year, while San Miguel changed the coaching profile with Siot Tanquingcen leading the Beermen.

However, it appears Purefoods have been favored the wish from the blue fairy. With Chandler reinforcing the team, he amassed an impressive output of 33 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assist with a crucial defensive stop, completely denying the last shot of SMB import Paul McMillan that could have possibly put the game in overtime.

The TJ Hotdogs trailed in the entire ballgame but was able to bounce back. 1:36 in the game clock, Chandler drop-pass the ball to Richard Yee who was all alone in the shaded lane. Yee’s lay-up put the Purefoods ahead with 76-75.

McMillan retaliated with an awkward shot in the middle that came from a looseball, 76-77, the time was 44 seconds remaining.

In an effort to be heroic and lift the team further, Chandler forces a shot that went off the backboard and into the hands of a lone Rey Evangelista for a quick put back regaining the 1-point lead.

Chris Calaguio passed the ball and got interfered in the process, putting the Beermen trapped in the losing end.

Shooting from the free throw line, Chandler only made one of the two, cementing the final score 79-77.

The Beermen still have the chance to tie the ballgame but its import, McMillan failed to make the first free throw that came from a Chandler foul. The second shot was intentionally missed gambling for a rebound and a quick put back.

The plan, however, was foiled by Chandler when he blocked Dorian Peña underneath the basket with only 2 seconds before the buzzer.

Purefoods went home with their first victory while San Miguel added another loss to a string of consecutive defeats.

Gerry's Curtains are Closing

Gerry Launches a left straight into Ponce's head.Photo from Fightnews.com

Before the big fight, Gerry Peñalosa carried with him a genuine promise to the entire Filipino that he will bring pride and glory but not shame. He did not falter. He may have lost the bout according to judges' score sheets but boxing analysts and ringside observers didn't see the way the judges told their outcomes.

Recah Trinidad instead praised the former world junior bantamweight champion in his last Saturday's skirmish against the current title holder Daniel Ponce Deleon for the WBO Superbantamweight.

Peñalosa surpassed himself and came close enough to scoring an upset.

He blasted on the impression that the score cards (119-109, 120-108, and 119-109 by judges Chuck Giampa, Dave Moretti, and Nelson Vazquez respectively) tried to relay, that the fight was won by Daniel with a large margin and that Gerry managed to win only one round in the entire fight.

Ricardo Lois of Boxingconfidential also have a similar afterthought and even branded the fight, alongside with the Forbes-Hopkins results, as robbery matches. He saw the Gerry-Daniel action a draw and noted the varying opinions of ringsiders in which Deleon won by a round or two, and Gerry by a few points.

It would have been a great way if Gerry Peñalosa had won and would now call it quits. His illustrious boxing career now stands with a 51-6-2 record. He floored 35 opponents and I think that massive number isn't an easy task.

Nonetheless, I agree with Mr. Recah installing Gerry to the high post as one of the greatest warrior in Filipino Boxing.

Jorge Solis vs Manny Pacquiao set on April 14

To those who are die hard Manny Pacquiao fans, I bet they already know about Jorge Solis.

For those who don't, well, he isn't the politician he will battle this coming May elections in his hometown General Santos City. It is, however, confirmed Pacman will be running for a seat in Congress as far as the news reports are concern.

Jorge Solis is a nondescript Mexican fighter next in the line for Manny Pacquiao. Rooting from the town of Guadalajara, he is a tough nut to crack having an highly impressive record of 32 wins (23 made his opponents kiss the canvass), 0 loss and 2 draws. He is currently ranked 2 in WBC Superfeather Weight division and could spur a monumental loss and major upset to Pacman.

Dubbed as the Blaze of Glory, the opening bells will sound on April 14 at the home of the San Antonio Spurs, the Alamodome in Texas.

I was hoping for a Pacquiao-Valero tango because the war of words between a 'tricycle driver beater' and the supposed 'cab driver' has made an itch for boxing fans. But I guess the decision to enter the dirty political spectrum has mired the people's champ's focus on the boxing sport.

The result will definitely impact on his venture to politics and possibly the turn out of elections in May for his congressional stint.

Arwind Santos is the New Main Man

I was able to watched late night Philippine basketball over at ABC 5 with Air21 Express annihilating last conference's runner up San Miguel Beermen. Fourth quarter, more than 5 minutes left in the game, Air21 has already concocted a huge 14-point lead that made the Beermen appear lifeless and unwilling to bounce back.

There was no mob in the audience that could spur inspiration to the losing party but only bunch of eager fanatics of both sides. Since, a full house Araneta Coliseum happens only when Barangay Ginebra are wearing their jerseys and pushing balls.

However, last night's game was quite boring in the end. San Miguel beermen had a small fire burning down the stretch and trimmed the lead by as much as 8 points. I was waiting for the outburst to come but to no avail. Several three point shots from LA Tenorio went hay wire and turn the ball over to Air21.

It was, however, Arwind Santos who packed the goods for the Express. With a double-double outing, he helped his team trample on the Beermen, 88-78 as the final score. He put up a leading score of 18 points, 10 rebounds, shot 5 of 6 free throws and was hailed as the best player of the game.

I'll be keeping an eye on this guy. It is probable that he will make a name for himself that will put him in the pedestal where former greats such as Alvin Patrimonio and Vergel Meneses dwell.

RP's National Heroes

During my travel to Bohol and the islands beyond last December of 2006, I had the slightest idea that I would be having a photo-op with a promising national hero. His name is Chot Reyes and he has currently on his shoulders the biggest task put ever in Philippine Basketball history since the time when our country is in the limelight of the sport.

Coach Chot is to lead the newly revamped RP Team that were taken from a pool of professional PBA players. These players were announced late February as plans for hoisting the elusive chance of playing for the World Olympics is being revealed.

The 2007 national team will be composed of 5 guards, 5 forwards and 2 centers with 3 proxies that will join the team’s preparation. They are:

The Guards

• Jimmy Alapag, from Talk and Text
• Renren Ritualo, from Talk and Text also.
• Mark Caguioa, from Ginebra San Miguel
• Jayjay Helterbrand, also from Ginebra San Miguel
• Dondon Hontiveros from San Miguel Beer

The Forwards

• Kerby Raymundo of Purefoods
• Rudy Hatfield of Ginebra San Miguel
• Danny Seigle of San Miguel Beer
• Air 21s Ranidel Ocampo
• Tony Dela Cruz of Alaska Aces
  

The Center

• Mick Pennisi of Red Bull
• Asi Taulava of Talk and Text
  

The Alternatives

• Enrico Villanueva of Red Bull
• Rommel Adducul of San Miguel Beer
• Rafi Reavis of Ginebra San Miguel
  

Except for the alternates which will stay at home and be called upon whenever alternate or replacement is necessary, the 12-man roster will sweat it hard enough and play to their very best so we could win a spot to play for the Olympics. They have to struggle through these tournaments for them to reach that goal.

• SEABA Qualifying Tournament for FIBA-Asian Champion’s Cup, Indonesia on April 9 – 14
• SEABA, Bangkok Thailand, May 24 – 28

If they win in SEABA and place at least a runner up, they will automatically gain a slot to the FIBA-Asia Olympic Qualifier which we hope they would win to play for the real deal, the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Olympic Qualifying tournament will be held in Tokushima Japan in July.

The list is easy to memorize but still very hard to picture the moment we are being awarded the Olympic berth, since in the past years, neighboring countries such as South Korea, Japan and Taiwan have shown similar determination and will, albeit, China is still a powerhouse to reckon with.

When that day comes, Coach Chot Reyes will be a national hero and so the rest of the "Team Pilipinas".

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