Chuck Williams, 67, was one of two judges who scored it for Cho in that fateful fight in Seoul. He was also a judge in Luisito Espinosas defense of the WBC featherweight crown against Cesar Soto in El Paso in 1999. Soto won a unanimous but disputed decision and wrested the title from Espinosa.
The other day, a reliable source whispered that Williams will be one of three judges assigned for the WBC superflyweight championship bout between defending titleholder Masamori Tokuyama and Peñalosa in Yokohama on Sept. 24. Williams, a New Jersey native, is coming to Asia not only for the Yokohama fight but also to check out the Bangkok hotel where the WBC will hold its annual convention late this year.
Peñalosas manager Rudy Salud said hes not worried about Williams despite his track record of voting against Filipinos in controversial decisions.
"Ive been assured by (WBC President) Don Jose (Sulaiman) that whoever wins the fight will win on the scorecards," said Salud. "I trust Don Jose. He knows how much this fight means to the Filipino people. And I know Williams will never go against Don Joses wishes."
Williams, incidentally, has been to Manila thrice. In 1987, he was a judge when Chang Ho Choi halted Peñalosas older brother Dodie Boy in the 11th round to capture the International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight diadem. Williams had Peñalosa ahead at the time of the knockout. A year later, he was back in town as a judge in Rolando Bohols defense of the IBF flyweight title against Cho Woon Park. Williams scored it for Bohol. And in 1998, Williams was here for (Gerry) Peñalosas WBC superflyweight title defense against Joel Luna Zarate. Peñalosa retained the title on a second round technical draw.
Williams has been a judge in over 20 world title fights involving such champions as Ricardo Lopez, Manuel Medina, Kotsya Tsyzu, Daniel Zaragoza, and Dennis Andries. He has traveled around the world to judge fights in Australia, Korea, Japan, Mexico, England, and all over the US.
Salud even offered to bring in Roy Jones trainer Alton Merkerson but Peñalosa said its not necessary brothers Dodie Boy and Erbing are supervising his training and theyre doing an excellent job. Besides, Dodie Boy hasnt forgotten what he learned from Merkerson in Pensacola a few years ago.
Salud said nutritionist Dr. Sanirose Orbetas program has done wonders for Peñalosa whos eating three square meals a day, getting stronger, and keeping within the 115-pound limit. Salud said Dr. Orbetas diet is the key to Peñalosas resurgence. Since following Dr. Orbetas program, Peñalosa has scored three straight knockouts over Pone Saengmorakot, Rattanachai Sor Vorpain, and Keiji Yamaguchi all in smashing fashion. Peñalosa was particularly devastating in his last outing scoring a first round stoppage of Yamaguchi, a former world champion, last May.
Salud confided that he has suggested to Sulaiman to tap New Zealander Bruce McTavish known for his competence and objectivity as the referee in Yokohama. Sulaiman hasnt announced his decision.
It would be perfect if McTavish could work the fight since hes booked to referee Oriental bantamweight champion Jess Macas defense against Ryuichi Minoriyama in Kobe the day before.
Salud, meanwhile, offered IBF superbantamweight titlist Manny Pacquiao a round-trip ticket, hotel accommodations, and a ringside seat in Yokohama if he retains his crown in his first defense, tentatively on Sept. 8, in New Jersey.
Pacquiao and Peñalosa are kumpadres. When Salud found out that Pacquiao was looking forward to cheering for Peñalosa in Yokohama, he made the offer. The condition is Pacquiao must repulse his first challenger wholl be either Nestor Garza or Enrique Sanchez. I can almost read whats on Pacquiaos mind "See you in Yokohama."