Letting it all sink in
The newly-minted champion was still in limbo, he admitted. Minutes after his plane from Japan landed, IBF light flyweight king Milan Melindo went straight to the specially assembled press conference for Pinoy boxing’s latest hero.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” said Milan.
We were all eager to hear his version of the events that led to his title-clinching effort but what I found refreshingly amusing was that the fact that three days later, Milan still could not believe he was already a world boxing champion. Don’t worry champ, it’s all real.
FATE. Yes indeed, sometimes it happens. Fate gives you a hand, and the stars are aligned just right and voila, the universe just stops kicking your butt.
You seemingly can’t do anything wrong and everything and everyone conspires with you to achieve your dreams.
After suffering through a spate of bad luck in his first two world title attempts, Milan confided that he was amazed at how easy the fight against Akira Yaegashi was.
Don’t be surprised Milan as you went through all the hardships and so you deserve and have every right to relish your victory.
Just don’t rest on your laurels too long. Already, contenders are calling you out. Your body of work is not done yet and it’s time to move on to the next chapter.
Your legacy as a champion awaits.
NBA FINALS. Speaking of champion, the NBA finals are upon us and so don’t be surprised to read about it in my column in the succeeding weeks.
The magnitude of this year’s finals series is just mind-boggling.
A third installment of Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors. Remember the Warriors won in 2015, while the Cavs exacted revenge last year.
Cavs fans claim that both Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving suffered injuries the first time the teams matched up while Warriors fans argue that the suspension of Draymond Green in game 5 of last year’s finals was a crucial event that changed the momentum of the series.
What better way to settle the score than to do it again?
The intrigue involved in this year’s finals is off the charts and this has rekindled my appetite for basketball.
VERBATIM. “But if you thought Mayweather/Pacquiao was a black eye for our sport – a matchup between two of the best pound-for-pound fighters that simply didn’t deliver — just wait until the best boxer of a generation dismantles someone who has never boxed competitively at any level – amateur or professional...Our sport might not ever recover.”- Oscar de la Hoya in his open letter to boxing fans
LAST ROUND. Its on Sun Star Cebu’s prolific sports editor and my kumpare Mike Limpag who recently celebrated his birthday. Cheers!