Donnie's place in fistic history
DECADES from now, when the current crop of world champions comprising the golden age of boxing for the Philippines will have gone to pasture, discussions will be rife on how each fighter's place in history will be judged.
Of course, there is no argument that Manny Pacquiao resides at the apex.
The “Pacman” is undoubtedly the greatest Filipino fighter ever and can arguably lay claim to being one of the top ten greatest fighters ever to lace on a pair of gloves.
Pacquiao is sui generis, and any debate on his stature would be sacrilege. .
The same goes for Pancho Villa, Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, Ceferino Garcia - fighters from another era who paved the way for our modern gladiators as they deserve their place in pugilistic history.
CHAMPIONS. Then of course, the other world champions will be judged based on meritocracy and there will always be discord and dissent when it comes to ranking.
But hey, I'm never one to back down from a little argument, so let me throw down the gauntlet.
Wikipedia states that we have produced a total of 38 major world champions. The qualifying word ‘ major” is indicated to distinguish between minor belt-holders who are still marginally referred to as “world champions”
Several individuals immediately come to mind:
Nonito Donaire has won 5 major belts: IBF Flyweight; WBC Bantamweight; WBO Bantamweight; WBO Super-bantamweight and IBF superbantamweight. He was also honored as Ring Magazine's lineal super-bantamweight king;
Gerry Penalosa became WBC super-flyweight champion in Feb. 20, 1997 and WBO Bantamweight champion ten years later.
Of course, who can forget his older brother Dodie Boy who became IBF light flyweight champion and IBF flyweight champion.
Punching his way for consideration is “The Hawaiian Punch” Brian Viloria who held the WBC light flyweight crown and the WBO flyweight crown.
Luisito Espinosa won the WBA Bantamweight crown in Oct. 1989 and became a two time world champion by annexing the WBC featherweight crown six years later.
Worthy of mention are: Rolando Navarette, Malcolm Tunacao, Marvin Sonsona, Rodel Mayol, Sonny Boy Jaro, Manny Melchor, Morris East, Frank Cedeno, Jesus Salud, Florante Condes, Joma Gamboa, Manny Melchor, Eric Chavez, Mer- lito Sabillo and Johnreil Casimero.
My apologies to world champions back in the 1960s and 70s such as Ben Villaflor and Pedro Adigue but my limitations require that I realistically narrow down this discussion to fighters I have actually heard or seen footage of;
DONNIE NIETES. Last Saturday at Pinoy Pride 31, Donnie Nietes continued his legacy of greatness as he notched the 7th successful defense of his WBO light flyweight crown by systematically breaking down Mexican Francisco Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, a former world champion who defeated Donnie's ALA stablemate Merlito Sabillo, came in prepared and brought the fight to Nietes.
“Ahas” was unfazed and was ready for Rodriguez' spirited challenge. He took the time to figure out his opponent in the early rounds, and then took over the fight in the middle stanzas.
He beat him to the jab and made him miss with nifty footwork and head movement. He bloodied Rodriguez' nose by the 6th with nasty counters and by the championship rounds, what had been predicted to be a dangerous encounter turned out to be a one sided beat-down,
And so the “Ahas” gulps down another challenger. To date, Nietes has tallied a total of 28 straight wins after his solitary loss back in 2004.
Where does he place in our country's fistic lore? (To be concluded on Sunday)
LAST ROUNDS. Are on me as my only son, Rodan Benjamin Jericho, turns 5 tomorrow. Cheers, my future UFC welterweight champion of the world!