Arum looking beyond Manny

In the quiet confines of the 17th floor business center at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel last Thursday, Top Rank chairman Bob Arum spoke about his plans of developing more Filipino fighters in Manny Pacquiao’s mold.

“We talked about the possibility of co-promoting fights not only in the Philippines but also in the US and Mexico,” disclosed ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer yesterday. “He mentioned that Mexicans are crazy over Filipino fighters. They love to watch Filipino fighters because they’re exciting. They admire Filipino fighters the way we also admire Mexican legends like Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Fernando Montiel, Jorge Arce and many others.”

Aldeguer couldn’t agree more with Arum.

“I related to him how our fighters like Donnie Nietes and Z Gorres were treated like movie stars when they went to Mexico,” said Aldeguer. “In fact, I think Nietes is more known in Mexico than in the Philippines. He told me about visiting kids in school and getting mobbed.”

Aldeguer said Arum was eager to lay down a program that will develop more Pacquiaos.

“He knew about our move to work with fighters outside of our stable,” continued Aldeguer. “It fits with his vision of developing champions of tomorrow. They do the same in Puerto Rico and Mexico. After getting young prospects ready, they’re brought to the US for big-time fights. I mentioned that we now promote fighters like Randy Suico, who once fought Juan Diaz, and Jimrex Jaca, who once fought Juan Manuel Marquez. He agreed with our direction and encouraged us to go to the next step which is to bring fighters to the US. It’s good not only for Philippine boxing but world boxing as a whole because we know that fights between Mexicans and Filipinos create a lot of interest because of the ethnic rivalry. Manny has opened the doors for Filipino fighters to follow in his footsteps.”

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Aldeguer said Arum recalled his promotional days with Muhammad Ali and the Big Four – Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns, Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard.

“We can learn a lot from him because of his experience,” said Aldeguer. “He feels it’s time for us to look beyond Manny and anticipate his retirement which will come eventually.”

But what brought a smile to Aldeguer’s face was Arum’s recognition of bantamweight A. J. Banal as a world championship prospect.

“According to him, matchmaker Bruce Trampler cited A. J. as one of the best Filipino prospects,” said Aldeguer. “We’re hoping Top Rank can include Banal in the undercard of the fight between Montiel and Nonito Donaire in February. Of course, that will depend on the outcome of A. J.’s fight against Luis Perez this weekend. I’m really so proud in behalf of Filipino fighters that Mr. Arum took time out from his busy schedule to meet with me. I feel very proud not only for ALA fighters but for other Filipino fighters because it’s our goal to promote all fighters, not necessarily those under contract with us.”

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As for Banal, he’s fit and ready for Perez in their bout at the Waterfront Hotel ballroom in Cebu City this Saturday. Perez, a two-time world champion from Nicaragua, arrived in Cebu last Sunday and vowed to bring down the Filipino who is ranked No. 2 by the WBO, No. 3 by the IBF, No. 4 by the WBA and No. 13 by the WBC in the bantamweight division.

“This is a big test for A. J.,” said Aldeguer. “I think he has matured since he lost to (Rafael) Concepcion. He’s now a more calculating fighter. He doesn’t go out just looking for a knockout. A. J. has an eight-month-old daughter so he’s got someone to fight for. This fight will give us an idea if he’s ready to go to the next level.”

Banal, 21, has won five in a row since losing to Concepcion on a 10th round knockout due to fatigue in Cebu two years ago. Perez, 32, has experience on his side, turning pro in 1996, nine years before Banal’s debut. The Nicaraguan’s record is 26-4, with 17 KOs, compared to Banal’s mark of 22-1-1, with 18 KOs.

In the undercard, Mexican knockout artist Bladimir Hernandez battles welterweight Mark Jason Melligen who hasn’t fought in the country since July 2008 as his last eight outings were held abroad. Hernandez planed in last Monday while Melligen has been training in Cebu the last three months. It’ll be an explosive showdown, for sure, as Hernandez has registered 16 KOs in 18 wins, six in the first round, and Melligen’s record is 19-2 with 13 KOs.