Thinking of quitting boxing, Wenceslao finds hope in differently-abled persons
Nine years ago, Rodel Wenceslao left his beloved hometown of Kananga in Leyte to chase after his boxing dream in Cebu.
Nine years later, he returned home a champion.
With joy in his heart, Wenceslao presented his World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Australasian welterweight belt as a gift to his proud parents Rodolfo and Jovita, whom he haven’t seen for quite a while.
Wenceslao claimed the WBF regional crown with a sixth round stoppage of his fellow countryman Ernie Sanchez of General Santos City during the “Engkwentro 12:Binombahay sa Cawayan” of ARQ Sports Promotions last March 8 at the Cawayan Sports Complex in Masbate.
“Lipay gyud kaayo ko karon,” said the 30-year-old Wenceslao. “Wala ko mag-expect nga machampion pa ko kay tungod lagi sa sitwasyon sa akong boxing record. Mura’g tsambsa-tsamba na lang pa pero na-champion pa gyud tawon ko tungod sa akong paningkamot.”
Wenceslao laced his first pair of gloves at the age of 15 but without proper guidance of a legitimate manager, it was a tough and meandering fistic journey for him all the way.
Then he crossed paths with ARQ Gym two years ago.
Through the benevolence of trainer Eldo Cortes and conditioning coach Roger Justine Potot who vouched for his hard
work and determination, ARQ big boss Jason Arquisola gave Wenceslao an opportunity of a lifetime.
When he entered the ARQ Stable in March 2022, Wenceslao brought with him a ‘negative’ record. He has more losses (19) than wins (14).
But making the most out of his new career path, a highly motivated “The Hulk” went undefeated in seven fights under the wings of ARQ capped by his title-clinching performance over Sanchez that improved his mark to 21-19-2 now spiked with 10KOs.
“Dako kaayo ko og pasalamat sa ARQ ilabi na ni sir Jason Arquisola kay dili pa tungod nila, dili ko ma-champion karon,” said a grateful Wenceslao.
“Sa pagka karon, kutob nalang sa akong maabot maoy akong abton,” he continued. “Pero kung matagaan ko og chance na makaduwa og world title fight sa umaabot mas maayo. Trainingan gyud nako ni og maayo.”
Reflecting on his recent success, Wenceslao shared that at one point during the pandemic, he actually thought of hanging up his gloves out of frustration with the way things are going on in his career.
But he somehow found a ray of hope in differently-abled persons who vigorously lived life to the fullest despite their physical disabilities.
“Nihunong naman gyud unta ko og boxing atong panahon sa pandemic pero sa kadugayan nakahukom ko nga mobalik,” said Wenceslao. “Ang naka-inspire nako kanang makakita ko og buta ug bakol or pungkol kay wala man gani ni sila nahutdan og paglaom sa kinabuhi ako na ba kaha nga kumpleto ang lawas.”