Grand welcome for Mayol

Proud of the historic triumph of its treasured boxer in Mexico that was somehow overshadowed by the Pacman mania, the local government of Mandaue City announced it will prepare a red-carpet welcome upon Rodel Mayol's return.

Mayol will come back to Mandaue on February 7 yet as he will drop by Japan first to watch the OPBF bantamweight title defense of his stablemate Malcolm Tuñacao against Japanese Kohei Ohba on February 5 at the International Conference Hall in Nagoya.

Mandaue City Sports and Development Commission chairperson Cheryl Ouano said they will make sure Mayol's arrival would be meaningful as their way of paying homage to their beloved townmate, who is undoubtedly the brightest candidate to be RP's next world boxing champion.

"Of course, Mayol deserves the best possible reception we can give upon his return. The Mandauehanons are very proud and happy of Mayol's feat, so it is but fitting that we should pay tribute to him. We'll make it a grand affair right after Mayol steps out of the plane," said Ouano.

Ouano said a band will greet Mayol upon his arrival at the Mactan International Airport. The newest toast of Cebu boxing is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on mayor Thadeo Z. Ouano before spearheading a motorcade passing through Mandaue's main thoroughfares.

"The manner by which Mayol destroyed his opponent before a hostile Mexican crowd is very commendable. It's a big honor for us. Definitely, we'll prepare our own version of a hero's welcome for him," added Ouano.

Mayol scored one of the biggest victories of Pinoy boxers abroad in recent years when he knocked out Mexican Lorenzo "Explosivo" Trejo in the fourth round of their WBC minimumweight elimination bout last Sunday at the Plaza del Toros in Cancun, Mexico.

Thus, Mayol (21-0, 17KOs) became the first Filipino to win a fight in Mexico since two-time world champion Luisito Espinosa sent Alejandro Gonzalez to the hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1996.

Mayol, showing superior a skill level and electrifying speed, sneaked in a beautiful left hook to the jaw that sent Trejo crashing into the canvass late in the opening session. The Mexican beat the count and survive the round.

In round four, Mayol clearly hurt Trejo with another powerful left hook that drove the Mexican into the ropes. He floored Trejo hard for the second time with a brilliant uppercut, prompting referee Bill Clancy to halt the bout at 2:29 of the round.

With the win, Mayol earned a mandatory shot at the WBC 105-pound title currently held by the Japan-based Thai Eagle Kyowa.

Interestingly, Mayol, who is managed by Japanese businessman Yasuo "Machang" Matsuoka, is also based in Japan, so a title match between two expatriate Japanese residents looms large in the horizon.