2007: The remake of Philippine Boxing Supremacy: Condes, Donaire, Pacquiao, Penalosa and Others!

gerry penalosa21.08.07 – By Joshua “Travz” Travilla: Despite a few setbacks, 2007 is not only a year to remember but also a busy year in terms of Philippine boxing is concerned. The year marks another commencement wherein boxers from the 7, 107 group of islands shocked the boxing world once again with their impressive performance inside the ring.

For starters, Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, Jr. (18-1-11) knocked Out formerly undefeated Australian-based Armenian, Vic “The Raging Bull” Darchinyan (28-1-22) to capture IBF/IBO flyweight titles in the fifth round on July 07, 2007 at Harbourd Yard Arena in Connecticut, despite the fact that many did not expect “The Filipino Flash” to win the bout.

Another Filipino boxer, Florante “The Little Pacquiao” Condes (22-3-1-20) defeated Muhammad Rachman (61-6-3-31) of Indonesia via controversial split decision, surviving two knock downs in the third and tenth round absorbed by the Indonesian, to win the IBF minimumweight championship belt. The fight was held in Indonesia, the same place also where WBC Superfeatherweight King Juan Manuel Marquez lossed his WBA featherweight belt to Chris “The Dragon” John of Jawa Tengah, Indonesia via unanimous Decision.

The fresh Boxing World Cup Event, which took place on August 11, 2007 at Arco Arena, USA, was another golden moment for the Philippines. They had stunned the Mexicans 5-1, whom the only setback came from a still learning boxer Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista for the WBO super bantamweight championship against durable and hard-punching machine from Mexico, Daniel Ponce De Leon.

The fight were full of drama for the Filipinos, most especially when Gerry “The Fearless” Peñalosa (52-6-2, 35 KOs) defeated Jhonny Gonzales (34-6-29) via 7th round Knockout to bag the WBO Bantamweight Title. While trailing badly going into the 7th round, Penalosa changed the outcome with a single left hook to win the late in the round.

This coming September 01, 2007, The Filipino Eriberto “Yukka” Gejon (23-1-1-14) will challenge current WBA minimumweight champion Yutaka Niida (21-1-3-8), of Japan at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. They have previously fought in a title fight on September 25, 2005, a bout in which Niida regained the belt via Technical Decision. “Yukka,” on the other hand, did not agree with the decision, as he believed he had done more than enough to get the decision.

Since then, both have been impressive in their last couple of fights, with Niida scoring a unanimous decision against Ronald Barrera and a split decision againt Katsunari Takayama. “Yukka”, on his part, won his fights against Yoddoi Sithsoei (TKO 2) and Wisan Sor Suchanya (UD).

Bert “Ninja” Batawang (50-6-34) was one of the participants of the included in the Boxing World event at the Arco arena, but did not see action because of an eye problem for his opponent which prevented him from seeing action. But the world did not stop there for “The Ninja,” however. He’s been given a break to fight Ulises “Archie” Solis, the tormentor of Filipino Rodel Mayol, for the IBF light flyweight championship on September 16, 2007, at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, in Las Vegas.

This coming October 6, 2007, everybody stops in The Philippines and Mexico when two of the legendary boxers of modern day time, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (44-3-2-35) goes against the “Baby Faced Assassin” of Mexico, Marco Antonio Barrera (63-5-32). Many believe that if Marco was eager enough to avenge his loss to “The Pacman” during their first encounter, he should have done it years ago instead of fighting Pacquiao now. It’s not going to be any easier for Barrera, in particular because he’s now 33.

Despite there only being a regional belt at stake, the WBC International Belt, it will still be an exciting bout, as much so as any world championship fight. Clearly, it will be actioned packed from start to finish from both fighters.

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao once held the WBC Flyweight title, IBF super bantamweight belt and the prestigious Ring magazine featherweight title. He also holds some regional belts, such as the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation flyweight belt, WBC International super bantamweight belt and the current WBC international super featherweight belt.

Barrera holds the WBO super bantamweight title, Ring Magazine/ WBC featherweight Title and the WBC/IBF Super Featherweight belts. The regional titles he once held were the NABF super flyweight and WBA – Penta Continental Super bantamweight Title.