Appeal to VP Noli

This may be a little late but as they say, it’s better than never.

Last year, I got a copy of a letter addressed to Vice President Noli de Castro from former middleweight boxer Jovencio (Ben) Argoncillo.

The letter was well-written and typed with a computer. The grammar was above average. I don’t know about Argoncillo’s educational background so I’m not in a position to judge if he actually wrote the letter. But even if he didn’t, it shouldn’t detract from the message.

Here are excerpts from his letter:

"I had quite a colorful career including long stints abroad racking up honors for the country which were chronicled by Mr. Joaquin Henson, the Dean of Filipino sportswriters in several of his columns in The Philippine STAR. Presently, I am jobless and living with my sick wife who is afflicted with Myasthenia Gravis, a debilitating disease.

"What prompted me to write you this letter is my recollection of what you said in your program ‘Magandang Gabi Bayan’ before you were elected to the Senate. In that episode, you praised my exploits as an outstanding boxer who gave pride and honor to our country and you even mentioned that if you can have your way, you will do something to reward my exploits as a gesture of recognition for what I have contributed to Philippine sports.

"When I heard this, I saw your sincerity, enough to push me to actively campaign and convince my family and friends in Calatrava and Toboso in Negros Occidental and in Cebu to elect you as Senator. But your victory as Vice President of the Philippines made me believe even more that you can do something concrete to uplift the plight of the forgotten sportsmen of yesteryears like me.

"I am asking you now to give substance to that declaration you made in your program a long time ago. I am actually not very keen on material goods but would rather appreciate if you can open doors and windows of opportunities for us so that we can escape from becoming burdens to our equally marginalized families."

Argoncillo taped a colored picture of himself on the letter, which also listed his address as Zone 4 Villa Miranda, Barangay 6-A, Victorias City 6119 Negros Occidental.

My research on Argoncillo’s boxing history revealed an interesting story.

I found out that in December 1964, he made a sensational debut in Tokyo by scoring a first round knockout over previously unbeaten Masakichi Ueda. Argoncillo was 26 then and boasted a 28-0 record, with 26 KOs, entering the fight. Ueda was fresh from a successful US campaign and had a 23-0-1 mark.

The battle of undefeated fighters ended abruptly. Ueda landed some body blows early in the bout but Argoncillo countered with a powerful right to the jaw, staggering the Japanese. Another right sent Ueda down for an eight-count. When action was resumed, Argoncillo decked Ueda once more, this time with a left to the jaw. Ueda got up and tried to stall Argoncillo’s attack by clinching for dear life. Then, a left-right combination to the jaw floored Ueda for good. It was over at 2:18 of the first.

Ueda was rushed to the hospital after the fight and for a while, lost his memory. He was bedridden for weeks with symptoms of amnesia and never fought again.

In March 1965, Argoncillo was back in Tokyo to face Masao Gondo. His luck ran out as the Filipino lost a unanimous 10-round decision. It was Argoncillo’s first loss in 30 outings. A United Press International report said he "landed from time to time with left hooks to the jaw and body but lacked a good right hand."

In January 1966, Argoncillo was stopped by Oriental middleweight champion Kim Ki Soo in the ninth round in Seoul. Kim went on to outpoint Nino Benvenuti to wrest the World Boxing Association junior middleweight crown five months later.

According to late ring announcer and former boxer Maning Soriano, Argoncillo was brought to Hawaii by his manager Pepe Figueroa in the late 1960s and campaigned extensively overseas.

Argoncillo, who is married to Teresita Obamos with five children, started boxing as an amateur in 1959. Three years later, he made his pro debut in Bacolod, knocking out Larry Mercado. Argoncillo earned a reputation as a knockout artist after bowling over the likes of Al Campos in Bais and Felix Ocampo at Sangley Point.

"My most memorable fight was with Kim Ki Soo," wrote Argoncillo. "I was so excited and confident when I knocked him down in the fourth round."

Argoncillo said his toughest opponents were Kim, another Oriental champion Lee Ansano from Korea, Yoshiaka Akasaka and black stylist Paul Mahoney. He claimed he finished his boxing career with a record of 35-5, with 33 KOs.

In 1983, Argoncillo was employed as a corporal in the security force of Atlas Mining in Toledo City, Cebu. He is now 67.

Argoncillo never won a championship but was a headline-maker in his heyday because of his punching power.

He’s appealing to Vice President Noli to make good on his promise to recognize sports heroes of the past.