Ortiz: Da Flash a great fighter

Carlos Juan Ortiz, one of the longest-reigning lightweight champions of the world, said he fought one of his toughest battles against a Filipino and will be honored to receive Philippine boxing’s distinguished award given in honor of the man he revered.

Ortiz, who gained, lost and regained the lightweight belt in a six-year span that started in 1962, is here to receive the Elorde Memorial Trophy, and an 18-carat gold ring, in ceremonies during the 2004 Elorde Annual Awards slated at the Mandarin Hotel March 30.

The event is sponsored by PAGCOR, Smart, PCSO, Ginebra San Miguel, Family Rubbing Alcohol, Northwest Airlines, Casa Belrina Travel, Reli Tours, Gardenia, Elorde-Sphere Gym and Elorde Sports Zone in Cagayan.

The award is given to honor a former champion who fought Da Flash during the latter’s career.

Ortiz, then 25, defeated Flash Elorde in a classic showdown for the lightweight crown on Feb. 15, 1964 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Elorde, the reigning junior lightweight king at the time, was moving up in weight division, taking a crack at the crown held by Ortiz.

The stocky, sprightly 70-year-old man wore a Boxing Hall of Fame t-shirt as he arrived Friday evening at the international airport from New York and welcomed by his hosts — members of the clan of the late Elorde, a Hall of Famer himself who reigned as junior lightweight from 1960 to 1967.

"I had always wanted to fight tough boxers, and I chose to fight Elorde because he was a champion – well known and well-liked. I was not worried of being robbed of victory in a foreign country because I knew Filipinos were fair," said Ortiz.

"I won but I figured I did not fight him well in the first bout so we had a rematch (in New York), and when I won the second, I no longer had doubts," he said with a smile.

Ortiz lost the crown in 1968 and promised to retire if he lost a single bout. He won seven straight matches in a three-year campaign and hung his gloves when he lost in 1971 at the age of 34.

Manny Pacquiao, who arrived Saturday morning, will be in Manila Tuesday to receive the highest award as Boxer of the Year from guest of honor and speaker, Senator Mar Roxas, and the boxing legend’s wife Laura.

He will lead world, international and Philippine champions in the Elorde Banquet of Champions, held for the fifth straight year.

Also to be given special awards are Govornor Manny Piñol, the Springboard Foundation chaired by John Milne and referee-judge Danny Rodenas.

Others to be given recognition are the year’s best promoter, manager, trainer, referee, and judge, most promising boxer and best fight of the year, as well as individuals and institutions who supported Philippine boxing in 2004.