HARRY TANAMOR STILL THE MAN

THE former boss of the local amateur boxing who embraced Harry Tanamor like a kid brother thinks the two-time Olympian will remain among the biggest names to watch in the light-fly division because of his long, rich experience on top of the ring.

“Maaasahan pa rin yan (Tanamor) dahil sa tagal na niya sa labanan,’’ said former Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines president Manny Lopez, in a tribute to the long-serving national boxer who’s making his fourth appearance in the AIBA World amateur boxing tournament.

In a phone interview a few days ago, Lopez said his long experience and time fighting against what he calls the ‘’usual suspects’’ will definitely serve Tanamor in good stead when he takes a shot at the gold medal he desperately wants.

“Medyo buwenas din si Harry sa tournament na ito. Hindi pa siya na-zero dito,” added Lopez, who discovered the Zamboanga City native when he competed more than a decade ago in the Go For Gold program initiated by his dad, former Manila Mayor Mel.

Indeed, this biennial tournament has been kind to Harry.

Two years ago in Chicago, he made the finals but lost to China’s Zou Zhiming, 3-17, as his third try at winning a gold medal in this very tournament went pfftt again. In his first appearance in the meet in 2001 in Belfast, Ireland, he won a bronze, the same medal he brought home from Bangkok, Thailand two years after.

“Isa pa, hindi bugbog si Harry sa labanan. That’s another good reason why I think he’ll be in the fight for the gold this time,’’ added Lopez, who served the local association for more than a decade, taking over from his father.

Good thing, there’s no more Zou Zhiming to haunt him.

Zhiming reportedly retired after giving China its first Olympic gold medal in the sport during the Beijing Olympic Games last year, and was sorely missed in the first World Cup in Moscow last December.

Oh, that World Cup.

It was the same tournament where Harry established himself as a gold medal wannabe in the lightest of the 11 weight divisions to be disputed in the world championship.

He won that tournament - and the prize of $10,000 that went with it—to make up for his forgettable outing in the Beijing Olympics where he got beaten right in his first bout, losing to Ghana’s Manyo Plange, 3-6, in a setback that left him thinking of finally hanging up his gloves.

Through the proddings of Lopez and some friends, he went back doing road work, hitting the heavy bags, punching the mitts and skipping ropes in earnest.

And the result was a swashbuckling triumph over Cuba’s Yampier Hernandez in the finals in the World Cup, becoming the first Filipino to strike a gold in a tournament of that magnitude and prestige.

In Manny’s book, Hernandez will remain a threat. “Maski natalo yan kay Harry, mahirap na kalaban pa rin kasi tiyak pinag-aralan na niya kung bakit siya natalo sa World Cup kay Harry,’’ said Lopez.

Manny also paid special mention of the fighters from the former Russian republics who he said are always a threat, a big threat.

“Mabibigat na mga kalaban yun,’’ he said.

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IT'S BRIAN VILORIA

– It lacked the hype and drama that typified his last fight.

Still, Brian Viloria emerged the star of the night, scoring a unanimous decision against a game Jesus Iribe of Mexico to retain his International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight championship in a highly-entertaining 12-round bout at the rocking Blaisdell Center Arena here.

Viloria dominated right from the opening bell and then gamely fought the tough Mexican challenger toe-to-toe in the final round when Iribe launched an all-out attack in a desperate move to go for a knockout.

It didn’t come, as the Filipino-American came away winning through scores of 118-110, 117-112, and 117-111, in a decision warmly greeted by a hometown crowd of about 3,000.

"We all fought our hearts out tonight," Viloria, nicknamed `The Hawaiian Punch’, said as he addressed the boxing fans. "I hope you guys enjoyed that."

The fight dubbed `Island Assault’ was the 28-year old Viloria’s first title defense since dethroning another Mexican Ulises Solis last April at the Araneta Coliseum behind a dramatic, hard-fought 11th round knockout win.

With his seventh straight win, Viloria is now seeking a fight against WBO light flyweight champion Ivan Calderon.

Viloria, the former U.S. Olympian, used his jab and quickness to keep the stronger Iribe at bay.

He said his opponent felt a lot heavier, like 125 pounds, and was able to take a lot of punches.

The fighters traded blows in the middle of the ring in an action-packed final round. Iribe landed a jarring left hook to the body and Viloria came right back with a left-right combination.

At the end of the bout, both fighters raised their arms in victory.

They each had their moments and never really got into serious trouble, but Viloria was the aggressor most of the night and had the better of several exchanges.

Iribe’s trainer said if his fighter didn’t break his hand, he would’ve won without a doubt, which drew a smile from Viloria. With ice on his broken hand and a swollen left cheek, a disappointed Iribe said he wanted a rematch in Hawaii, or wherever Viloria is willing.

Viloria said he always respects Mexican fighters. He even invited Iribe back to the islands. However, “instead of fighting, I’ll take you out for cervezas (beers),” Viloria said.

Viloria’s right hook and combination sent the tough Mexican backpedaling to the ropes halfway through the fight. Viloria came out firing until Iribe started loosening up in the third round with the help of a couple shots to the head.

After taking a left to the body, Viloria answered with a hard hook that bloodied Iribe’s nose late in the 10th round.

Viloria, who grew up about a half-hour drive away in Waipahu, made a grand entrance to the “Hawaii Five-0” theme, conch shell blowers and an entourage waving the Hawaiian and Philippines flags.

It was the first world title fight in Hawaii since 1976, and Viloria improved to 4-0 in the Aloha State.

Filipino A.J Banal also earned a unanimous decision over Mexico's Jose Beranza in the undercard, a 10-round flyweight bout.

Banal improved to 20-1-1. Beranza dropped to 32-16-2.

Compatriot Dennis Laurente meanwhile, made it a perfect day for Filipinos as he scored a similar unanimous decision over Mexico's Zaid Zavalete in a light welterweight bout.

There were no knockdowns in the 10-round bout, but Laurente dominated the action. He improved to 32-3-5. Zavalete dropped to 18-6-2.

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BRIAN VILORIA STAKES IBF CROWN

VILORIA: Fighting in Hawaii for the first time in six years

By Gerry Ramos

THIS one’s a title fight Brian Viloria can’t afford to lose. Definitely, not in front of an expected, sell-out crowd rooting for its hometown hero.

In his first ever championship fight in the island paradise he considered his birthplace, Viloria stakes his International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight crown against Mexican challenger Jesus Iribe in a 12-round championship bout at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The 28-year old Viloria (25-2, with 15 Kos) is making the first defense of the 108-pound title he wrested from durable Mexican Ulises Solis with a stunning 11th round knockout at the Araneta Coliseum last April.

Now settling in Waipahu, Viloria is fighting in Hawaii for the first time in six years since an eight round technical knockout win over Valentin Leon at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel in April 2003.

Viloria, a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic boxing team whose parents are Filipinos, has also fought at the same Blaisdell Arena Center early in his career, a short first round demolition of Sandro Orlando Oviedo in May 2002.

He guarantees to relive those memorable moments with a notable showing against the dangerous Iribe before an expected sellout, partisan crowd.

“I’m very happy to be fighting him in Hawaii,” said Viloria. “That way I can take the belt home with me.”

During the official weigh-in of the boxing card dubbed ‘Island Assault’ and promoted by Solar Sports, Viloria came in at 107.5 pounds, while the challenger from Sinaloa, Mexico needed to shed half a pound to tip at exactly 108 in his second try at the scale.

Still, Iribe (15-5, 9 KOs) remains confident of winning the fight and dethroning the champion in his second shot at a world title.

“I’m here to win that belt and take it back with me,” said Iribe, fighting outside of Mexico for the first time.

Despite teeming with confidence, both fighters acknowledge the respect they had for each other.

Said Iribe, “Viloria is a very strong fighter and I have to be very cautious with what I'm doing.

"He likes to jab — he has a good jab — but he doesn't like to go inside," Viloria said for his part. "I have to put my combinations together and use my speed to my advantage."

The title fight incidentally, is also the first in Hawaii in 33 years since Filipino Ben Villaflor and Samuel Serrano fought to a draw for the World Boxing Association (WBA) super-featherweight crown.

Two other Filipinos in AJ Banal and Dennis Laurente are fighting in the undercard of the Viloria-Iribe showdown.

Banal is facing Jose Angel Beranza of Mexico in a 10-round bout penciled at the limit of 119 pounds. Banal, a native of Cebu City, came in at 118.75 lbs, while Beranza tipped at 118.25 lbs.

On the other hand, Laurente clashes with Zaid Zavaleta of Mexico in a 10-round junior welterweight bout. The Filipino made the limit of 142 pounds, while the Mexican was a pound short at 141. -Philippine Boxing News

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BETTING ON MANNY

TALKING without bias, former world champion David Diaz sees Miguel Cotto becoming the latest marquee fighter to fall prey in Manny Pacquiao’s growing list of victims.

The 1996 U.S. Olympian noted how Pacquiao has been on a winning streak of late, a stretch that includes victories over boxing great Oscar De La Hoya and former junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton.

He doesn’t see Cotto as the rightful man to ever stop the Filipino ring icon right on his track.

“Manny is beating the best of the best,” said Diaz in his native Chicago during a press conference ushering his comeback fight following a one year absence.

Diaz had become close to the world’s pound-for-pound king eversince Pacquiao knocked him off in the ninth round of their title fight last year to wrest his World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight title.

Just after his eight-round demolition of De La Hoya last December, the 33-year old Diaz came here in the country upon Pacquiao’s invitation and attended the world champion’s birthday celebration in General Santos City.

When Pacquiao destroyed Hatton in just two rounds last summer to win the World Boxing Organization (WBO) 140-pound belt, Diaz was among the first to call the Filipino boxer, champion.

In both fights, Diaz predicted a Pacquiao win.

He’s saying it again this time opposite Cotto, the WBO welterweight king, whom the `Pacman’ is set to battle on November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“He’s doing unbelievable things. He is awesome. My hat’s off to him, a great fighter, a great person.”
But with the reigning champion from Puerto Rico at his prime and the 12-round bout being fought at a catch weight of 145 pounds, Diaz believes there won’t be a knockdown this time.

“(In the end,) Manny will outbox him (Cotto) and beat him in the later rounds. (There’s going be) no KOs (though)," he predicted.

With less than three months before the biggest fight in the final quarter of the year is held, Pacquiao has emerged as a 2-1 favorite.

Bodog Sportsbook listed the Filipino a -265 favorite, meaning one had to bet $265 to win $100.

Meanwhile, a $100 bet on the Puerto Rican native will have a $205 return.

Owing to his showbiz and political commitments here, Pacquiao has yet to start training for the fight, but plans to get in shape beginning next month.

In contrast, Cotto has already reported in his training camp at the Abner `Pin’ Cotto gym in Aguas Buenas as early as the first week of August.

Joe Santiago acts as Cotto’s chief trainer.

In a related news, Diaz is set for a comeback on Sept. 26 when he takes on former two-time world champion Jesus `El Matador’ Chavez at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

The slugfest dubbed `Warriors Collide/Windy City Fight Night 6’ will be Diaz first since his loss to Pacquiao in June last year.

Diaz sports a 34-2-1 record while Chavez, the ex-WBC super-featherweight and International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight titleholders, holds a 44-5 mark.

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DONAIRE GOING UP IN WEIGHT

DONAIRE in striking pose

NONITO Donaire will not stay long in the super-flyweight class and said he sees himself fighting up to the featherweight class in the years to come.

Donaire gave up his IBF/IBO flyweight (112 lb) crowns and took the WBA Interim super-flyweight (115 lb) class with a big win over Rafael Concepcion last week at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

"My promoter, Bob Arum, told me that December 12 is the date of my next fight. And we're looking at Jorge Arce," said Donaire, who gave up a lot in size when he fought Concepcion in his debut as a super-flyweight.

Concepcion failed to make the 115 weight limit, and tipped the scales on the eve of the fight at 119 1/2. The Panamanian climbed the ring the following day at 134 lb while Donaire, from 115, came to the fight at 122 lb.

"I want one more fight at 155 before I climb to 118," said Donaire, adding that if the fight against Arce, the Mexican warrior, does not push through then they will try WBA World super-flyweight champ Nobuo Nashiro of Japan.

Nashiro, 13-1-0 with eight knockouts, has never fought outside of Japan, but had already indicated that if it's against Donaire then he'd be willing to fight in the United States.

Asked how far can he go, Donaire said he thinks he can handle himself well as a featherweight (126 b) or as a super-featherweight (130 lb) the way Manny Pacquiao did it.

Pacquiao has won six world titles in different divisions from the flyweight, super-bantamweight, featherweight, super-featherweight, lightweight and most recently, the light-welterweight (140 lbs) class.

Pacquiao shoots for a record seventh crown when he faces Miguel Cotto for the Puerto Rican's WBO welterweight (147 lb) title on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas.

"Right now my ideal weight is 118. I'm getting bigger, my muscles are getting bigger, so fighting at 115 pounds won't be that easy for me. At 118, there's no need for me to reduce in weight," said Donaire.

Donaire said Concepcion was practically three divisions higher when he showed up for the fight at 134 lb against the Filipino's 122 lb.

"A 12-pound difference for smaller fighters like us is almost like a 30-pound difference for the bigger ones. And I think I handled him pretty well. You just don't mix it up with a heavier guy so that explains why I failed to knock him out," said Donaire.

Donaire hurt his hand during the fight, but a recent bone scan suggested that he can go back to training after a few weeks. Right now he said he wants to enjoy his time with his family.

-Philippine Boxing News

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5-man RP team to World Championship

THE Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines today announced the final composition of the Philippine team to the prestigious World Boxing Championship set Sept. 1-12 in Milan, Italy.


ABAP executive director Ed Picson said the lineup was formed after deliberations by the national coaching staff led by head coach Pat Gaspi following a series of eliminations involving local and international tournaments.

Of the nine boxers currently in training in Havana, Cuba five were chosen to banner the Philippine campaign in Milan: light flyweight Harry Tañamor, bantamweight Joan Tipon, featherweight Charly Suarez, lightweight Joegin Ladon, and light welterweight Genebert Basadre.

Picson, who came back from Cuba last week bared that the training has been going well with valuable sparring time provided by the Cuban, Venezuelan and Brazilian national teams. The five boxers will fly directly from Havana to Milan on Friday.

PLDT Global corporation, an international company under the umbrella of the giant PLDT-Smart conglomerate headed by mega-businessman Manny V. Pangilinan, is a major sponsor of the Philippine participation in the tournament via their mobile phone service Smart Pinoy, which services OFW's in Italy, Hongkong and Singapore.

PLDT Global Corporation president Al Panlilio expressed elation at the chance to provide assistance.

“We feel honored with this opportunity to backstop our Filipino boxers in this epic international battle. We hope our humble contribution to this national effort will bring honor and pride to our people,” he said.

Picson said that while the Philippine Sports Commission headed by chairman Harry Angping funded the boxers' trip, all other incidental expenses are being borne by Smart Pinoy.

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Against all Odds

By Gerry Ramos

FOR a change, former world champion Paul Malignaggi of the US is going against the odds by betting his money on a Miguel Cotto win over Manny Pacquiao in their November 14 showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

As early as last June when a meeting between Cotto and Pacquiao was still considered a fantasy, Malignaggi already picked the tough Puerto Rican to walk past the Filipino ring superstar considered today as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Now that the face-off has become a reality, the 28-year old American from Brooklyn, New York stands by his earlier choice.

“I still stand by what I said,” Malignaggi said in an interview a day before he takes on former three-time world champion Juan Diaz in a 12-round bout at the Toyota Center in Houston.

“I think Cotto would knock him (Pacquiao) out…..Wait until everyone gets their reality check on November 14.”

Although facing a natural welterweight in Cotto for the first time, the 30-year old General Santos City native has been initially installed as a 2-1 favorite to win the bout, owing to his status as the most feared fighter in the world today and to the string of victories he had scored in the last few years that saw him annihilate the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Eric Morales, David Diaz and Juan Manuel Marquez.

But none of that would make Malignaggi change his mind and switch loyalty to Pacquiao.

For him, Cotto is just too strong for Pacquiao to topple.

“The guy hits like a beast,” said the one-time International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior welterweight king.

Malignaggi is an authority when it comes to Cotto.

Both undefeated back then, the two clashed for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight belt in 2006 at the famed Madison Square Garden, with Malignaggi suffering a 12-round decision loss to Cotto, who sent the New York native to the canvass in the second round.

At the end of the fight, Malignaggi had a broken right cheek bone, a bleeding nose and a cut around the left eye caused by a headbutt.

He admitted that the 28-year old Cotto is so far, the best fighter he ever faced in his career.

Malignaggi saw Cotto at his best again as he was at ringside when the Puerto Rican eked out a split decision win against Ghana’s Joshua Clottey to retain his WBO welterweight belt two months ago at the Garden.

“I’ve said it that Clottey would be a tougher fight for Cotto than Pacquiao,” he pointed out.

“I think if they even put Pacquiao in the ring with Clottey, Clottey would knock him out also.”

-Philippine Boxing News

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IT'S NONITO DONAIRE

LAS VEGAS – Following an auspicious debut as a super-flyweight, Nonito Donaire Jr is ready to take on the big boys.

“Those are the guys on top of me,” said the Filipino warrior, referring to Fernando Montiel and Jorge Arce, considered the two biggest names in the 115-pound division.

“I want to fight them to prove I belong.”

Belong Donaire did when he scored a unanimous decision over Rafael Concepcion Saturday night to take the World Boxing Association (WBA) interim title at the Hard Rock restaurant.

The 26-year old former International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion, won by scores of 117-111 (Ma De Luca), 115-113 (Duane Ford) and 116-112 (Jerry Roth).

The Filipino improved to 22-1 overall as he won his 21st straight win.

“I’m here to give honor to my country,” said Donaire, cheered on by a large Filipino crowd at the Hard Rock. “We are great fighters. I came here to represent and fight with all of my heart.”

Concepcion from Panama City, suffered a cut on his left eye courtesy of a Donaire job midway in the second round.

“The cut really bothered me in the first few rounds, but I got used to it,” Concepcion said.

He then ripped Donaire for running around the ring instead of fighting him toe-to-toe.

“I was expecting a fight from a real Filipino fighter, not a runner. He didn’t want to fight. He wanted to run. … I knew he was a great fighter, a great technician. If he would have had a warriors’ heart, we would have exchanged more,” said the Panamanian.

Concepcion failed to make the 115-pound limit during Friday’s official weigh-in, a violation that cost him 20 percent of his $65,000 purse. Even if he won, he wouldn’t have run off with the championship.

“Those extra pounds were definitely a disadvantage,” Donaire said.

“But I am a warrior. I would have still fought if he was 20 pounds over weight. If he didn’t have the extra weight, I would have knocked him out in the beginning.

“I’m ready for the big guys in that weight class. That guy was a 122-pounder tonight and he was tough, but I proved I could fight at that weight.”

Donaire’s emphatic win somehow eased the pain of Bernabe Concepcion’s failed bid to wrest the World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title from champion Steven Luevano.

Concepcion was disqualified when he floored Luevano following the seventh round bell. He was trailing on two of the three judges’ scorecards when the fight was stopped.

“The bell definitely rang and he hit him late,” said Freddie Roach, Bernabe Concepcion’s trainer. “I don’t have any argument with that. But it was not intentional by any means. My fighter was just excited. The disqualification was justified.”

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Donaire, Concepcion vie for World Titles

LAS VEGAS – Nonito Donaire Jr. makes his super-flyweight debut Sunday when he fights Rafael Concepcion for the interim World Boxing Association (WBA) title at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Even before he could climb the ring, Donaire already earned a distinct advantage after Concepcion failed to make the 115-pound limit during the official weigh-in Saturday.

Donaire, the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion, tipped in at exactly 115 pounds.

Concepcion from Panama City, came in at 119.5 pounds. He weighed in at 127 and 120 pounds in his last two fights.

For failing to make the weight, the 27-old Panamanian will be fined $13,000, representing 20 percent of his original fight purse.

But the 12-round bout will still push through. In the event Nonito Donaire beats Concepcion, he’ll claim the interim WBA super-flyweight belt. A Concepcion win however, will keep the title vacant.

Notwithstanding the major development, the 26-year old Donaire remains cautious against his dangerous opponent.

“He has a lot of heart which tells me he can be very dangerous inside the ring. I’m going to rely on my speed and power to get through this one," he said.

Donaire holds a ring record of 21-1 with 14 KOs. After administering a shocking win over Vic Darchinyan to annex the IBF title two years ago, he defended the crown three times, the last of which came April of this year with a fourth technical knockout of previously unbeaten Raul Martinez.

Rafael Concepcion (13-3, 8 KOs) is best remembered for inflicting Filipino AJ Banal his first career loss in Cebu City last year. He is fresh from winning his last two fights after losing to Mexican great Jorge Arce in September last year.

Another Filipino in Bernabe Concepcion vies for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title in the Donaire-Concepcion undercard as he challenges champion Steven Luevano.

Both Concepcion (29-1, 16 KOs) and Luevano (36-1, 15 KOs) both weighed in at 125 pounds.

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New chapter for Viloria's `Story book ending'

INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight champion Brian Viloria hopes to write a new chapter on his so-called `story book ending‘ when he takes on Mexican Jesus Iribe in a 12-round title fight on August 30 at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The title defense `dubbed Island Assault’ and promoted by Solar Sports, will be the first for the fighter called `The Hawaiian Punch’ since wresting the IBF belt from Ulises Solis with an 11th round technical knockout win last April that heralded Viloria’s return to the pantheon of champions.

Shortly after that emphatic win over Solis, fashioned out before a big weekend crowd at the Araneta Coliseum, Viloria called it as `my story book ending.’

“It was a long year. We fought five fights in places where people usually go to shop, not to watch boxing,” Viloria recalled of the days when he struggled to make it back to the top after almost quitting from the sport following a string of losses he suffered in his career.

“That’s why I want to thank my team who worked hard and believed in me,” he said.

Team means manager Gary Gittelson and trainer Roberto Garcia.

Viloria is especially grateful to Garcia, whom he said was the one who really pushed him hard to get back on top.

Recalling the start of training camp during the Solis fight, Viloria said, `Robert would holler `and the new IBF light-flyweight champion of the world’ every time we’re training at the gym.’

“That goes to show the kind of trust he had in me as a fighter.”

Garcia of course, knows a great fighter when he sees one. He was afterall, a former world champion himself.

The 34-year old trainer once reigned as IBF super-featherweight champion after scoring a decision win over Harold Warren in 1998.

After defending his title twice, he lost to then rising boxing superstar Diego Corrales via a brutal technical knockout.

Garcia later earned another shot at a championship, but fell short in his bid as he suffered a TKO setback to World Boxing Association (WBA) super-featherweight champion Joel Casamayor.

He retired shortly after the fight and focused on training future world champions.

Aside from Viloria, he also handles the likes of former world champion Joan Guzman, IBF titlist Steven Luevano and promising Victor Ortiz. And the same as before, Viloria is again counting on Garcia to play a major role in the new episode of his `story book ending’

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