Are you in the game?!

Let’s take a look at Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s next nemesis on the ring. David Diaz, a native of Chicago, Illinois and turning 32 this June 7 of 2008 is a certified brawler!

He has made a living as a professional boxer in the lightweight division. His record currently stands at 32-1-1. 17 of his victories came by way of knockout. He is the current WBC lightweight champion. His only loss was dealt by Kendall Holt by an 8th round TKO last February 4, 2005. Definitely this man knows how to win, and has less background on defeats. At 5′6″, I expect him to go all out against striky Pacquaio. It’s gonna be a good fight.

I think it will go the distance but we’ll definitely see a boxer kissing the canvass. Can’t wait for their match!! Mark your calendars, June 28, 2008.

Who will win in this dog fight? Will the 33 year-old Barrera get the better of 29 year-old Pacquiao?

Pacquiao, as usual is throwned with controversies before his fight. One is regarding his training in Cebu instead of training fully in L.A. Pacquiao insisted to train in Cebu despite of Roach’s resistence. Of course, during his training in Cebu there were a lot of distractions which even ignited Roach to react about the situation.

Of course being a Filipino, I am in favor of Pacman. I think he’ll knock out Barrera in round 5. Beyond round 7, it will go to the scorecards which doesn’t favor Pacquiao.

However, at this point, all praises for Pacquiao from Roach. Let’s throw away the stat sheets and chitchats. The two warriors will state everything when the bell rings for round 1 of Sunday’s one and only fight that matters.

Before the fight, it was all bright hopes and positive lines for the promising 21 year old Rey Boom Boom Bautista. Especially after having the scorecards at 5-0, it was a fight that the Filipinos had the highest expectations. Unfortunately, where lay the greatest hope came the biggest disappointment!

The pride of Bohol was only good for several seconds in the entire fight. After tasting smashing punches from defending champ Daniel Ponce de Leon, Bautista didn’t had the legs and the jaw to sustain the power of de Leon. He came twirling to the ground after two powerpacked-straight punches released by the champion. The poor kid tried to get up before the count. Sana hindi na lang siya tumayo.. he could have let go at that point. It was very obvious that the legs were no longer there. I knew it was the end of the fight. When he got up, the mexican fighter was clearly in a KO mode bringing Bautista to the ground once again and at that point the referee stopped the fight.

In my opinion, I think de Leon was too much for Bautista. It is unfair to question that, how come Jerry Penalosa lasted for 12 rounds with de Leon in the ring while Bautista only for few seconds considering Bautista is younger, fresher, perhaps, stronger, and to sum-up, a more promising contender than Penalosa. Every fighter is different at different times for that matter. That is true to both Penalosa and Bautista and even de Leon. Daniel was in a killer mode against Bautista. He looked very hungry, eager, excited and confident. I even doubted if Pacquiao will win against de Leon if Pacman was in the place of Bautista. Daniel de Leon definitely prepared for the fight. He knew what he will do from the opening bell.

On the other hand, I felt Bautista wasn’t as focused as he should be. Somehow, I saw the nervous, tense and pressure in his face right at the moment he entered the ring. He was very lousy at the start of the fight. His defense wasn’t set at all, to think that he knew de Leon had a KO punch. I think he was amazed with the stand of de Leon that he just watched the punches thrown be de Leon at him. He was really very very lousy defensively. It seemed like he wanted to taste the power of de Leon ang test if he can take it. These lapses brought the 21 yearold Filipino down to the canvass much to the dismay of the Filipino fans all over the world.

On the positive note, the fight was definitely a good learning experience for the kid. He should learn that boxing isn’t always power versus power. He must learn to adjust his tactics initiatively. I’m sure will become a better and more matured fighter the next time he steps into the ring!

What a day it was for the world of Philippine boxing! 5 proud Filipino boxers won against their Mexican oponents to bag the WORLD CUP title. The event was promoted and sponsored by Oscar dela Hoya’s, Golden Boy Promotions.

Diosdado Gabi, Michael Domingo, AJ Banal, Z Gorres, Jerry Penalosa, and Boom2x Bautista composed the team Philippines. Batawang’s fight didn’t pursue. It was a 5-1 victory. Only Boom2x Bautista gave different result. The 21 year old World title challenger was defeated via 1st round TKO by Mexican, Daniel Ponce de Leon.

The highlight in the victory of the Philippines was the 7th round KO punch released by 35-year old Jerry Penalosa which gave him the WBO bantamweight belt. The left hand punch drove Jhonny Gonzales backwards and eventually down to the ground. Before the knockdown, the fight was clearly in favor of the Mexican. I being a Filipino, could easily judge the fight in favor of Gonzales. He had solid landed punches. He was taller, faster, and seemed very in control. But the hardworking veteran fighter Penalosa was like a sniper waiting for the little opening to pull the trigger. The oppurtunity came and bang! The rest is history.

Congratulations to the Filipino boxers! MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS! MABUHAY MGA PINOY!!!!! yeah!