Jaca will miss title fight in US

Jimrex "The Executioner" Jaca's WBO featherweight title shot against reigning champion Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico has been called off because of his failure to secure a US visa in time for the October 21 battle at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

"We have no other choice than to cancel the fight because Jaca failed to get a US visa," said noted Cebuano promoter Rex "Wakee" Salud, Jaca's manager.

"Even if he can secure a visa today, still I won't let him fight due to the proximity of the fight date. I don't want him to be like a dead meat being fed to a hungry lion," added Salud.

Jaca, was so saddened by the missed opportunity. He would have received US$50,000 (P2.55M) in only his second bout in the US, the first resulted in a smashing first round knockout of Geronimo Hernandez last January 21 in Las Vegas.

"The chance to fight for a world championship comes only once in a blue moon. It really pains me a lot thinking that the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity suddenly slipped out of your hands for reasons beyond your control," said Jaca.

"Maybe, I'll just have to wait for another chance if there's still one coming up for me," said Jaca, who beat Hector Javier Marquez by seventh round technical decision in his previous bout last July 2 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Jaca had an appointment at the US Embassy in Manila yesterday afternoon purportedly to get his visa, but went home empty-handed.

"I showed up at the US Embassy this afternoon (yesterday) only to be told that my name was not on the computer. They then asked me to come back to their office at 10 am tomorrow (today)," Jaca told The Freeman in a long-distance phone call.

"I really tried my best to convince the embassy officials that I will be in the US purely for boxing purpose only and nothing else. I even showed them documents that I had already fought in the States, but it did not bring any good to me," added Jaca.

Interestingly, Jaca's trainer Roberto Bubuli, Jr. was granted a US visa last Monday. They applied together last October 13, incidentally a "Friday the 13th."

"Unfortunately, most of those who applied for visa on that day were denied. My trainer Bubuli just got lucky. He somewhat hit a jackpot," said Jaca.

Instead of a long, energy-sapping trip to Texas, Jaca is homeward bound this afternoon, pondering perhaps on what future holds for him.