Tuñacao aching to be world champion again

CEBU, Philippines - On a hot comeback trail since absorbing his only second defeat, Cebuano boxer Malcolm "Eagle Eye" Tuñacao yearns to be world champion again and join the elite list of Filipino fighters who won at least two world titles in different weight divisions.

Since losing his WBC flyweight crown 11 years ago, Tuñacao said he don't have any doubts in himself that one day he would ascend back to throne and reclaim his lofty status.

"I still have the fire in me to be a world champion again that's why I persevere. I endure all the sacrifices I freely make, like being away from my family, just to achieve that goal hopefully within the year," said Tuñacao, who is now based in Kobe, Japan.

In his only 11th fight - and first abroad, Tuñacao snared the WBC crown with a stunning seventh round TKO of Thai Medgeon Singsurat on May 19, 2000 at the Srimnang Outdoor Arena in Udon Thani, Thailand.

Weight problems, however, took its heavy toll on Tuñacao. He reigned for only 10 months as he was dethroned by Thai Pongsaklek Wonjongkam via first round knockout on March 2, 2001 in Thailand, Tuñacao had a hard time picking up things.

Compounding his woes was a string of personal troubles that greatly affected his career, leaving him with only two fights in two years (2003 -2004).

But that did not dampen the spirit of Tuñacao. His flaming desire and unflinching determination to reclaim lost glory kept him going even at the most troublesome point of his life.

"I was so sad when I lost my title, much more when I went through personal problems that almost shattered my career," said the pride of Mandaue City. "But I did not lose hope. I keep on dreaming big for I know that I'll be able to accomplish it. It's just a matter of time."

Tuñacao's daily routine evolves at the Shinsei Gym owned by his Japanese manager/trainer Yamashita Masato.

"I consider it as my second home. I'm also fortunate enough to have a manager like him (Yamashita). He takes good care of me," said Tuñacao, who is on a four-year, nine-fight winning streak since losing by technical decision to compatriot Rolly Matsuhita in his first attempt at the OPBF bantamweight title on January 13, 2007 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

Resilient as ever, the 34-year-old Tuñacao fought his way back with renewed confidence to eventually wrest the OPBF belt with a split decision victory over Korean Seung-Suk Chae on February 6, 2010 at the Mungyeong Gymnasium in South Korea.

Tuñacao defended his crown three times already, the last was by sixth round stoppage of Japanese Daigo Nakahiro on February 5 last year at the Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka.

In his previous ring appearance just three weeks ago, the WBC ranked No.3 bantamweight Tuñacao flattened Yuki Takemoto in round four at Kobe's Central Gym, cementing further his status as a legitimate world title contender.

"My discipline and determination put me back on the right track. At times when I'm down, I just kept the faith in me. To those aspiring boxers, you must always believe in youself because if you don't, no one else will," said Tuñacao.   - (THE FREEMAN)