Boxing 2012

Boxing in 2012 is going to be an interesting one. This is a period where Cebu Boxing will be tested to see if it can move on to a higher level, or if it will linger and stay at the same pace, momentum and state (something which we don’t want to see happen).

It all starts at the top of the big guns. The big question for WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes is he can hold on to his belt for the rest of the year. He already levelled up when he gave up the 105-pound title and conquered the world of the 108-pounders by winning his second world championship in 2011. Donnie will most likely have an “easy” challenger in his first defense, and his first tough fight of the year will be a mandatory defense if he’s due for it. The other “concern” of sorts here is if ALA Promotions and its partners can bankroll all the succeeding defenses of Donnie in the country. We can expect Mexico to be aggressive with tempting offers for Donnie to cross the Pacific especially if they have a top caliber boxer raring to take away Donnie’s belt. For now, it’s safe to say that Donnie will run through 2012 unscathed.

Already due for a world title shot is Milan Melindo. Currently the WBO Intercontinental flyweight champion, he has spent that past three years showcasing his talent in cleverly outboxing the opposition, including two former world champions. He’s already ripe for the big one but can’t seem to get that big break. With Brian Viloria holding on to the WBO belt, we can expect Team ALA to go elsewhere like the IBF or WBA. There’s talk about Top Rank being interested to promote Milan’s fights, but we’ll just have to wait for further developments on the negotiations taking place. But it would be great if Milan can get a fight in Las Vegas or Mexico so that he breaks into the international scene full-time. Let’s face it. He can continue beating up foreigners here in Cebu forever, but it won’t give him that real worldwide exposure that he needs.

AJ “Bazooka” Banal also finds himself in an anxious 2012 moment. Some say he’s ready for a world title fight while some say not yet. He’s neither here nor there. Since his name is also being discussed as a possible project under Top Rank, then maybe a series of non-title fights in Vegas might help. This would cap the second coming of Banal after his first climb to the top was derailed by Rafael Concepcion. He should also be facing tougher foes this year to see his real worth. I’d like to see him face someone like ex-foe Luis Alberto Perez. This was a fight which Banal was easily winning until he got careless and got tagged. De ja vu Concepcion fight all over again. Banal was groggy and nearly lost by KO. That could’ve been strike two.

What’s up with Boom Boom Bautista? I’m afraid we won’t see anything spectacular moving up except for fights where he’ll continue to show why he’s a fan favorite (love him or not). The tough part here is that his division (featherweight) is loaded with great boxers in Chris John, Jhonny Gonzales, Juan Manuel Lopez, Yuriorkis Gamboa, and Mikey Garcia. Does Boom Boom have a chance against them? I wish I could say yes to that. For now, he’s better off defending his IBF International featherweight belt and saving all his earnings.

The rest of the field will be busy staying active by fighting (and beating) foreign opponents. Everyone from Rocky Fuentes to Marvin Sonsona, Lorenzo Villanueva, Genesis Servania, Johnriel Casimero, Edrin Dapudong, Rommel Asenjo, Roli Gasca and Jason Pagara will find themselves in this category. Mercito Gesta and Rodel Mayol will be doing the same, but most likely in the United States. No world title fights yet unless a wild and lucrative offer comes their way (like Casimero’s). This is the most realistic way for them to make money and pay the bills.

Another development in the “stepping up” category is ALA Promotions working with Top Rank on a partnership. This is a welcome upgrade to their thrust to go into full-time boxing promotions. But we’ll have to be patient with this. Don’t expect anything to happen overnight. Meanwhile, ALA Promotions will be busy with its successful Pinoy Pride series here in Cebu and few cities like Bacolod. Who knows, a trip to Davao has been discussed as well as a possible card at the new arena being constructed by SM near the Mall of Asia. SGG, Gerry Pens and Wakee Salud/Naris Singwancha will continue putting up fight cards in Cebu. These may not be as big as Pinoy Pride, but are most welcome for us boxing fans. After all, there’s more to Cebu Boxing than ALA, right? The country’s other stars might just come from this lot.

At the end of the year, winning a second world title for Cebu Boxing may be tough. But the year will be packed with boxers stepping up, on the right track to that big break out there. We’ll also have the world-class ALA Promotions also stepping up to go international. Not bad, di ba? It’s going to be another productive and active year for Cebu Boxing. Happy punching!

* * *

Time-out: Coming soon is CYBL 2012: Season 5. >>> You can reach me at [email protected]