Montiel predicts first round KO

Defending WBO super flyweight champion Fernando "Cochulito" Montiel of Mexico yesterday hurled an undermining prediction that he is going to knock out his Cebuano challenger Z "The Dream" Gorres in the first round.

Montiel (32-2-1, 24KOs) will defend his WBO crown against Gorres (26-1-1, 14KOs) in a 12-round war underneath the hotly-anticipated "Moment of Truth" triple boxing championship on February 24 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

"I'm going to knock him (Gorres) out in the first round," said Montiel in an exclusive press conference arranged by event promoter Sammy "Don King" Gello-ani at the Grand Ballroom 1 of Cebu City Marriott Hotel.

So brash and shocking was Montiel's response that it caused the members of the media and other invited guests to burst into laughters. Everyone, however, got serious faces again when Montiel grabbed the microphone and said "Don't laugh. It's the truth."

Montiel said he had been preparing hard for this match and that he has no business of coming here other than to win and bring back home his belt. "I haven't thought about losing. I came to this world only to win. I want to end this fight as fast as I can," said the Los Mochis, Mexico fighter.

Montiel though has some kind words for Gorres.

"This will be the toughest fight in my career. I respect Gorres. I'm not underestimating him. I know he's the number one fighter here," said Montiel.

But then again, Montiel reaffirmed his earlier statement that his bout against Gorres won't last the full distance. "Come early because it's gonna be over fast," forwarned the 27-year-old Mexican champion.

The Gorres-Montiel showdown is one of the main features of the multi-million boxing extravaganza bankrolled by SGG Sports Promotions in partnership with Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, ALA Boxing Gym and giant TV network ABS-CBN, which will broadcast the mega-fight card.

In the main attraction, the undefeated Boholano ring sensation Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista will clash with Colombian Feider Viloria for the vacant WBO Intercontinental and WBO Youth super bantamweight titles.

In the other feature of the explosive triple-header, Jimrex Jaca will challenge defending Indonesian champion Simson Butar Butar for the WBO Asia Pacific super featherweight belt.

Tickets are now on sale at USA Sports and Island Souvenirs boutiques in Ayala and SM, ALA Fight Club (Banilad Town Center), Aldeguer Group of Companies (Nasipit, Talamban), Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino (Lahug), EC/DC Electrical Supply (Manalili, Talisay, and Lapu-Lapu branches), Biz Depot (Capitol, SM, and Ayala branches), Wing Travel and Tours (Ayala), Da Vinci's Pizza (Osmeña Blvd., IT Park, Marina Park and Mandaue branches) and all Ng Khai and RD Pawnshop branches.

VIP Tickets are only available through the Aldeguer Group's Executive Office. For reservations, one may call (6332) 346-3489, (6332) 346-3492 or 346-3489. No tickets will be sold at the gate on the fight night.