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 MORALES DEFENDS TITLE IN TALISAY, CEBU |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
| September 24, 2008 |
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Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales will defend his WBO Oriental super bantamweight title against 20 year old Thai challenger Thong Thai Rajanondh in Talisay, Cebu on October 3. In a card dubbed “Fight Night in Talisay” the promising undefeated youngster Morales who has a record of 12-0 with 7 knockouts hopes to keep his winning streak going against Rajanondh who is reportedly a brawler who doesn’t back off. The Thai has a record of 17-8 with 4 knockouts. The fights will be telecast over the top-rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event” over IBC 13 on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum with support from Pagcor and PCSO with a replay over Viva Prime which is carried by Destiny Cable. In another title fight on the same exciting card undefeated Jhonreil “Quadro Alas” Casimiro goes for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific junior flyweight title against Thailand ’s Liempetch Sor Veerapol. The 18 year old Casimiro has an impressive record of 10-0 with 5 knockouts while his opponent who is said to be a dangerous puncher boasts of a record of 10-3 with 7 knockouts. In a worthy supporting bout over ten rounds Amor Tino who handed Roland Teofilo his first defeat in last Sunday’s card at the Cebu Coliseum will clash with Rey Labao who belongs to the stable of American Dante Ortiz from Las Vegas . Labao who has a record of 15-1 with 11 knockouts is back with a vengeance after quitting boxing for sometime and his battle with Tino could be a barnburner. Undefeated 17 year old South Korean flyweight Jonghwa Lee will take on Erwin Pulvera while light flyweight Jheter Oliva, another promising 21 year old goes up against Jerome Buntog and is bound to add another win to his unbeaten record.  |
| UNDEFEATED CASIMIRO IN A WAR WITH THAI KO ARTIST | ||
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz | ||
| September 24, 2008 | ||
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Undefeated 18 year old Jhonreil Casimiro will be in a war with Thai KO artist Liempetch Sor Veerapol when they clash for the WBO Asia Pacific junior flyweight title at the Talisay Sports Complex in Talisay, Cebu on October 3. Golden Dream Promotions, well-known promoter Sammy Gello-ani, Viva Sports and Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum are working together to ensure the success of an exciting fight card aptly titled “The Heat Is On.” The handlers of 20 year old Veerapol have served notice that they are ready to put the heat on Casimiro in the hope of wrecking his unbeaten record of 10-0 with 5 knockouts and are banking on the punching power of Veerapol to make it happen. Veerapol has a record of 7 knockouts in 10 wins with 3 losses early in his career and has won his last six fights, 5 by KO or TKO in a total of ten rounds. The Thai banger has won all his four fights this year, three by knockout in a total of only six rounds. Veerapol will be coming off a second round KO victory over Denpitak Lookpatompong last August 29. The tough talk of the Thais hasn’t awed Casimiro who has won all his six fights this year and stayed active. In his last bout he scored a ten round decision over tough Rodel Quilaton to win the Philippine Boxing Federation flyweight title. Prior to that he scored an impressive third round TKO over previously undefeated Romart Sentillas who had a record of 6-0 with 4 knockouts on July 27. Casimiro took just one round to stop Roel Honor on June 12, Philippine Independence Day. The battle of the two hard-hitting youngsters is expected to be one of the highlights of a card that is being staged for the benefit of the Sta. Teresa de Avila parish. In the main event undefeated young sensation Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales battles another 20 year old Thai Thong Thai Rajanondh in a WBO Oriental super bantamweight title defense while in another eagerly awaited clash Rey Labao who now belongs to the stable of American Dante Ortiz will go up against Amor Tino who is coming off a big win over Roland Teofilo in Cebu City last Sunday.
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| DOMINGO IN TOUGH DEFENSE VS VORAPIN |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
| September 08, 2008 |
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Philippine bantamweight champion Michael “Bruce Lee” Domingo knows he is in a tough defense of his WBO title against Thai veteran and former WBO world champion Ratanachai Sor Vorapin who is unpredictable and always comes to fight. Domingo puts his regional belt on the line in the main event of an interesting card being staged by well-known promoter Sammy Gello-ani and the prestigious Kokiet Group of Thailand titled “Daytime Boxing: Philippines vs. Thailand,“ on September 14 at 9:00 a.m. For the second time in recent weeks the fights will be held on a Sunday morning to try and break new ground as well as to meet the requirements for a “live” telecast to Thailand, South Korea, Cambodia and Vietnam. It’s a follow-up to the July 27 Sunday morning card in Zamboanga City hosted by Congressman Erbie Fabian in which Eric Canoy defended his WBO featherweight title against rugged Thai Terdsak Jandaeng on Viva Sports top-rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event.” The "Live" regional telecast by all accounts drew a large audience especially in boxing-crazy in Thailand. The 28 year old Domingo’s fight record (36-14-2, 15 KO’s) is misleading since most of his setbacks were prior to his moving to the famed ALA Gym where the attention given him and his training have been excellent. Domingo is coming off an impressive 2nd round KO of tough Indonesian fighter Rivo Rengkuang last July 26 at the Cebu Coliseum. But Domingo’s biggest win was a shutout decision over Golden Boy Promotions undefeated and highly-fancied Miguel Roman in the Philippines-Mexico World Cup on August 11, 2007 in Sacramento, California. Celebrated trainer Freddie Roach believes Domingo has the potential to become a world champion and a win over Vorapin may give him the break he needs. Vorapin who lost his world title to Mexico’s Jhonny Gonzales who in turn lost it to Filipino Gerry Penalosa via a stunning one-punch KO also in the World Cup, faced the classy Penalosa last April 6 at the Araneta Coliseum and after battling the new world champion all the way eventually lost by an 8th round TKO. Vorapin has been in several ring wars and sports a record of 73-10 with 49 knockouts to prove he is a worthy challenger to Domingo’s WBO regional title. The Thai is rated No. 3 in the last WBO rankings of August 16 while Domingo is No. 15. But the likeable Filipino is determined to crash into the top ten with a win this September.  |
| FEARLESS FIGHTING INTENSITY 8 CHAMPIONSHIP TO ROCK PASIG |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
| August 7, 2008 |
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Fearless Fighting Championship (FFC) will rock Pasig City with its INTENSITY 8 Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event at the spanking, new fully-air-conditioned Rizal Capitol Recreational Center located in the Rizal Provincial Capitol complex along Shaw Boulevard near the rotunda. The blockbuster fight card on August 29 will be headlined by two championship fights, one super-fight, five featured fights and five qualifying clashes on the undercard. Combining the various disciplines of boxing, wrestling, karate, kick-boxing, kung fu and even muay thai, MMA is the ultimate sport. Fought in an octagon arena, MMA is fast becoming a favorite sport among Filipinos. There will also be a pair of heavyweights showcasing a total of 28 MMA fighters with the fights covered for television by Viva Sports with attractive Viva Hot Babes serving as round girls. Action in the 2,400 seat stadium which also has ample parking space guarded by a perimeter fence will begin at 7:00 p.m. |
| 'KO KID' GANOY ON 'THE MAIN EVENT" |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
| July 24, 2008 |
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"KO Kid" Ranee Ganoy's return to the ring at the Cebu Coliseum against Thailand's Sapapetch Sor Sor Sakaorat in the exciting "Collision at the Coliseum" will be telecast onthe top-rated Viva Sports weekly boxing show "The Main Event" on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. over IBC 13. The telecast is sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum along with PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and PCSO and replayed one week later at 10:00 p.m. over the cable station Viva Prime which is also carried by Destiny Cable. Ganoy has been fighting in Australia for the past four years where he has made a name for himself with his aggressive style and his awesome punching power scoring 20 knockouts in 24 wins. Also featured on the show will be promising "Marvelous" Marvin Sonsona and tough Balweg Bangoyan, a prospect of former popular singing star and now Mayor Zander Khan. |
| MORALES IN GREAT SHAPE | ||
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz | ||
| July 9, 2008 | ||
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Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales is in great shape for his WBO Oriental junior featherweight title defense against Thailand’s Narongnoi Or Muangklang at the Cebu Coliseum on July 19. The fight will be telecast on Viva Sports top-rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event” on Sunday July 20 at 9:00 p.m. over IBC 13 sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum and Pagcor, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. It will be replayed on July 27 at 10:00 p.m. over Viva Prime which is also carried by Destiny Cable. The undefeated Morales who has a record of 11 wins, 7 of them by knockout has been training in Cagayan De Oro City where his manager and well-known promoter Sammy Gello-ani says he has looked sharp in sparring at the RP Gym. Gello-ani said that the reason Morales is training in Cagayan de Oro is because of the availability of “several good sparring partners including featherweight Pedro Malco among others. Morales is currently being trained by Benny de la Pena and is expected to arrive in Cebu in time for a pre-fight news conference on Thursday at which his Thai challenger who has a record of 9-1 with 5 knockouts will also be present. Sensational knockout artist Ranee Ganoy, the Filipino lightweight who has been making waves in Australia where he has been fighting for the past few years under the Dido Bohol stable will make a welcome return to action in Cebu in a ten round battle with Thailand’s Sapapetch Sor Sakaorat who is regarded as a rugged, go-for-broke fighter with a record of 13-4 with 8 knockouts. In another ten round battle former world light flyweight title challenger Bert “Ninja” Batawang (47-7, 36 KO’s) will take on tough Benjie Sorolla (22-13, 6 KO’s). The exciting fight card which will also see South Korea’s undefeated Jong Hwa Lee go up against Brian Diano over eight rounds and Marvin “Marvelous” Sonsona face Jerome Buntog will whet the appetite of fight fans for the WBA super flyweight title fight between undefeated AJ “Bazooka” Banal and Panama’s hard-hitting Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion who has stepped up training at the Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York in preparation for could well turn into a war.
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| THREE EXCITING FIGHTERS IN COLLISION AT THE COLISEUM | |||
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz | |||
| July 3, 2008 | |||
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Three exciting Filipino fighters, Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales, Ranee “KO Kid” Ganoy and Bert “Ninja” Batawang headline an exciting fight card aptly titled “COLLISION AT THE COLISEUM” ON July 19 at the Cebu Coliseum. The undefeated youngster Morales battles tough Thai challenger Narongnoi Or Muangklang in a battle for the WBO Oriental and Youth junior featherweight championship in the main event telecast by Viva Sports on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. over IBC 13, sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum and Pagcor, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Ganoy, the knockout sensation who has developed a huge following in Australia will be making his first appearance in the country after several years and goes up against another rugged Thai Sapapetch Sor Sakaorat. Batawang who lost to Ulises Solis in his bid to win the IBF light flyweight title will clash with dangerous Benjie Sorolla over ten rounds. Morales who has a ring record of 11-0 with 7 knockouts will not have things his own way against Narongnoi who has lost just once in ten fights and has won five by knockout. Ganoy is best remembered for his demolition of Robbie Peden who was sent into retirement by the devastating Filipino puncher. Peden had earlier gone the distance in a world title fight against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera. Ganoy has a remarkable 20 knockouts in 24 wins while his Thai opponent has 8 knockouts in 13 wins with 4 losses. The Ganoy-Sapapetch ten round bout is expected to be a war. Also seeing action on the fight card staged by well-known promoter Sammy Gello-ani in cooperation with Viva Sports and Tanduay will be South Korea ’s Jong Hwa Lee who is undefeated in five fights with one KO to his name. He will face Brian Diano, a newcomer from Cagayan de Oro.    |
| 'LETHAL COMBINATION'. PRE-FIGHT SPECIAL ON VIVA PRIME | |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz | |
| June 26, 2008 | |
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A fascinating one hour pre-fight special on the “Lethal Weapon” showdown between Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao and Mexican-American David Diaz will be telecast at 9:00 p.m. on Friday over the cable station Viva Prime which is also carried by Destiny Cable with a replay at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, the eve of the fight. The "Lethal Weapon" fight card on Sunday morning - Manila Time - will be telecast by Solar Sports and GMA 7 and will be available on several pay-per-view platforms. The special features the battle of two reigning world champions – World Boxing Council super featherweight champion and the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter on the prestigious Ring Magazine roster, Manny Pacquiao – and WBC lightweight champion David Diaz. Pacquiao is an overwhelming favorite among the fans to write history by becoming the first Filipino and Asian to win four world titles, not counting the Ring’s featherweight championship belt when he demolished Marco Antonio Barrera in November 2003 at the Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas.. The special is a riveting insight into the two fighters, their styles and their ways. Pacquiao and Diaz speak about the fight along with celebrated trainer Freddie Roach and veteran Jim Strickland. Highlights of their fights against common opponent Erik “El Terrible” Morales and Pacquiao’s execution of Mexican legends Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez as well as undefeated Jorge Solis and his WBC flyweight title victory over Thai hero Chatchai Sasakul and his annihilation of IBF super bantamweight champion Lelohonolo Ledwaba provide an insight into the Filipino’s continuing quest for fistic glory. The launch of a special commemorative stamp in his honor and a brief comparison between Pacquiao’s attempt to win the 135 pound title and the late great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde’s heartbreaking losses when he tried to do the same thing against Carlos Ortiz are part of the special.  |
| MPBF SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP ON “THE MAIN EVENT” |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
| June 19, 2008 |
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The Mindanao Professional Boxing Federation super bantamweight championship bout between promising Pol Apolinario and Erwin Jumlan will be featured on the top-rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event” on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. over IBC 13. The fight was part of an exciting card held at the Maasim Municipal Gymnasium in the picturesque province of Sarangani in which thousands watched the action on a giant screen outside the venue provided by Mayor Jojo Lopez, a diehard boxing fan with a stable of talented young fighters. Sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum and supported by PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation the venue was jampacked. In a supporting bout on the Viva Sports show, Rey Labao makes a comeback after an eighteen month layoff against tough Anthony Rosal. |
| WBO ORIENTAL TITLE FIGHT ON “THE MAIN EVENT” |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
| June 13, 2008 |
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Young Richie Mepranum’s quest for the WBO Oriental flyweight title against undefeated Tanzanian Juma Seleman Fundi will be telecast on Sunday, June 15 at 9:00 p.m. over IBC 13. The telecast which is replayed the following Sunday at 10:00 p.m. over Viva Prime which is also carried by Destiny Cable is sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum and supported by Pagcor, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Mepranum whose biggest win so far was an eighth round split decision over Philippine flyweight champion Rocky Fuentes last December at the Araneta Coliseum has a record of 12-2-1 with 3 knockouts while Fundi is unscathed with a record of 7-0 with 4 knockouts. Another potentially exciting title fight on the card hosted by Maasim, Sarangani Mayor Jojo Lopez along with well-known promoter Sammy Gello-ani and Viva Sports will feature promising John Mark Apolinario against veteran Nino Suelo in a Philippine Boxing Federation super flyweight title belt. Mayor Lopez, an avid boxing fan has his own stable of promising young fighters including Mepranum and Apolinario who will both be seeing action in title fights. Viva Hot Babe Kay Villasenor will serve as round girl in the two big fights and is expected to add spice to the proceedings. |
| JUN PADERNA’S FIGHT IN AUSTRALIA ON “THE MAIN EVENT” |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
| June 06, 2008 |
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The battle between Jun “The Neutralizer” Paderna and highly-touted Australian lightweight Lincoln Stewart will be featured on the top-rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event” on June 8 at 9:00 p.m. over IBC 13 with a replay on Viva Prime on Sunday at 10:00 p.m. sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum and PAGCOR. The show will also carry a special feature on International Boxing Federation minimum weight champion Florante Condes’ courtesy call on Vice President Noli De Castro plus interviews with the Vice President and Condes. “The Main Event” will include a short feature on two-time world title challenger Dommy Ursua who died penniless in Cordova, Cebu last week plus an interview with his wife Rosita. |
| GLIMPSE INTO BANAL’S OPPONENT ON “THE MAIN EVENT” | ||
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz | ||
| May 29, 2008 | ||
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Filipino fight fans will get a chance to size up Rafael Concepcion, the opponent of AJ “Bazooka” Banal in their scheduled battle for the vacant World Boxing Association super flyweight title set for July 26 at the Cebu Coliseum, on Viva Sports “Main Event.” Telecast at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday over IBC 13 and sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum and supported by PAGCOR, “The Main Event” will feature Concepcion in action against Ricardo Molina for the vacant Central American Boxing Federation title on May 20, 2006 and his clash with Jean Pierro Perez on March 24, 2007. Contrary to initial reports the fighter from Panama is not a southpaw and fights off an orthodox stance. He is aggressive and throws a lot of punches, likes to work to the body and can take a punch. Concepcion has a record of 10-2-1 with 6 knockouts while the 19 year old southpaw Banal is undefeated with a record of 17-0-1 with 14 knockouts. He is coming off a fourth round TKO victory over previously undefeated Caril Herrera who was ranked No. 2 by the WBC. Banal is currently rated No. 1 by the IBF, No. 2 by the WBO, No.3 by the WBA and No. 5 by the WBC while Concepcion is ranked No. 6 by the WBA and No. 10 by the WBC. Also on the show will be the showdown between promising youngsters, undefeated Ed Earl Orellano 7-0-1, with 2 knockouts and Roemart Sentillas who has a record of 5-2 with 4 knockouts.
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| CONDES TRAINING FEATURE ON “THE MAIN EVENT” | |||
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz | |||
| May 23, 2008 | |||
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Viva Sports top-rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event” will have an extended feature on the training of IBF minimum weight champion Florante Condes at the famed ALA Gym of respected boxing patron Tony Aldeguer in Cebu City.  The feature is highlighted by exclusive footage of Condes jogging before the break of dawn, working the punch-mitts with trainer Danny Bactol, shadow boxing etc. The feature will also include an interview with Condes as he discusses his upcoming first title defense against mandatory challenger, undefeated Raul “Rayito” Garcia of Mexico on June 14. The show includes interviews with trainer Bactol as well as well known promoter Sammy Gello-ani who has taken care of Condes who lives in Gello-ania’s home in Cebu. The show will also feature an exciting bout between veteran Pedro Malco and undefeated Eric Macas, one of the promising young fighters from the south. On next week’s show boxing fans will get an insight into the opponent of AJ “Bazooka” Banal“ and Rafael Concepcion of Panama whom Banal will face in his battle for the WBA junior bantamweight title tentatively scheduled for July 19.    |
| PACQUIAO FINAL DAY IN MANILA ON “THE MAIN EVENT” |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
| May 16, 2008 |
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Viva Sports was there every step of the way on Manny Pacquiao’s final day in Manila last Monday prior to leaving for Los Angeles and a press conference with WBC lightweight champion David Diaz on Tuesday in LA. Fight fans in general and “Pacman” fans in particular will get a chance to see Pacquiao work out at the new Gerry Penalosa Gym at the Market Mall in Mandaluyong City including a furious session on the punch-mitts with trainer Buboy Fernandez. The feature also shows Pacquiao playing chess and having fun with his former business manager Rod Nazario during dinner at the Century Park Hotel and includes interviews with Pacquiao’s charming wife Jinkee, trainer Fernandez and Penalosa. The featured main event is an exciting battle between former Philippine flyweight champion Federico Catubay and tough Brix Bomb Ray. The top-rated weekly boxing program over IBC 13 at 9:00 p.m. on Sundays is sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum and Pagcor, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. |
| PACQUIAO PLAYING CHESS WITH ROD NAZARIO |
| May 14, 2008 |
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| PACQUIAO PHOTOS |
| May 14, 2008 |
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| MAYOL’S RETURN ON ‘THE MAIN EVENT’ |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
| May 10, 2008 |
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Former world title challenger Rodel Mayol’s return to the ring before his hometown fans in Cebu will be featured on the top-rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event” on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. over IBC 13. Mayol put on an impressive performance on the fight card dubbed ‘BACK ON TRACK’ staged by well-known promoter Sammy Gello-ani and sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum and PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Watching intently at special ringside were Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, his charming wife Jinkee who was introduced as the manager of Mayol and Pacquiao’s close friend and confidant Rex “Wakee” Salud. At the end of the fight the TV panelists interviewed Pacquiao and Mayol. Another attraction on the fight card were the three Cebu-based round girls who were a hit with the fans. |
| PACQUIAO BELIEVES MATOL CAN BE A CHAMPION |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
| May 8, 2008 |
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Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao believes that former world title challenger Rodel Mayol “can become a world champion if he is serious about his career.” Pacquiao was at special ringside to watch Mayol scored an impressive fifth round TKO over a game Wisan Sore Suchanya of Thailand at the Cebu Coliseum last Saturday along with wife Jinkee and close friend and confidant Rex “Wakee” Salud. Pacquiao said “we need to support him (Mayol) and help him and that’s what we are doing.” At the same time the WBC super featherweight champion said that his wife Jinkee was now a manager of fighters and Mayol was one of them. Mayol in turn expressed his deep gratitude to Pacquiao for his help. He said “it’s a great relief to have him (Pacquiao) by my side because all of us boxers have been inspired by Manny and we want to be like him.” In an interview with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today, Mayol said he wanted to show that the “talented Rodel Mayol of the past was back” in his fight against Wisan and he hoped that “this will continue and I’ll be back on track in my career.” He said he was running daily and training at Rex ”Wakee” Salud’s gym where he spars with undefeated amateurs and solid eight and ten round fighters and that helped .him get into good condition. He noted that after he was released from his contractual obligations by former manager Yasuo Matsuoka he was very happy and hoped his career will continue without any managerial problems and he would become a world champion. Mayol said he was prepared “to do everything necessary to become a world champion and if I don’t become a world champion in my next title fight, I will retire.” Mayol first got a crack at the WBC minimum weight title after scoring a fourth round TKO victory over Lorenzo Trejo in a title eliminator in Cancun on January 28, 2006. But he dropped a twelve round decision to Japan-based Thai champion Eagle Kyowa on May 6, 2006 when he ran out of steam in the championship rounds. He then moved up to light flyweight and earned a crack at Mexico’s IBF champion Ulises Solis but after having Solis on the verge of a knockout in round seven claimed he got careless in round eight and lost on August 4, 2007 in Rosemont, Illinois. In his last fight in Guanajuato, Mexico, Mayol was the victim of a set-up and ended up fighting undefeated Adrian Hernandez (11-0, 9 KO’s) instead of his original journeyman opponent and lost by a fourth round KO after having Hernandez in trouble in the second and third rounds. |
| BATAWANG BATTLES THAI KO ARTIST FOR ORIENTAL TITLE |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
| April 28, 2008 |
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Veteran Bert Batawang battes Thai knockout artist Samransak Singmanassak for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental light flyweight title in what promises to be an exciting fight card staged by well-known promoter Sammy Gello-an iat the Cebu Coliseum on May 3. In the double main event former title challenger Rodel Mayol makes a long-awaited appearance in Cebu when he clashes with another Thai, Wisan Sor Suchanya in a ten round light flyweight bout. The 36 year old Batawang who scored an impressive seventh round knockout over tough Indonesian Heri Amol in the Invasion fight card last April 6 at the Araneta Coliseum is determined to redeem himself from the 9th round TKO he suffered in an IBF title fight against Ulises Solis last December 15 in Jalisco, Mexico... However, Batawang knows he's in a fight since Samransak is the type of fighter who will knock you out if you don't get him first, as evidenced by his record of 26 knockouts in 32 wins with 18 defeats and 1 draw. The 24 year old Thai is coming off a unanimous points win over Saengpetch Sor Sakulphan last March 20. Mayol who also lost what appeared at one point to be a won title fight against Solis is also looking for redemption in a ten round encounter with Thailand's Wisan Sor Suchanya. Mayol had the champion on the verge of a knockout in round seven but couldn't finish him off and Solis came back to win by an eighth round TKO in Rosemont, Illinois. Mayol will be making his first appearance in three years before hometown fans who have been looking forward to his return. The 26 year old Mayol regarded as one of the hardest punchers in the lower weights has a record of 23-2 with 18 knockouts while his opponent, Wisan Sor Suchanya has a record of 9-6-1 with 2 knockouts. The Thai fighter is coming off a game performance in a ten round loss to Japan's Yasuto Aritomi who boasted of a record of 14-1 with 5 knockouts. The Cebu fight card will be telecast by Viva Sports and the cable station Viva Prime on the top-rated weekly boxing show "The Main Event" sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum and supported by PAGCOR. |
| MAYOL MAKES WELCOME RETURN TO CEBU |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
| April 25, 2008 |
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Former world title challenger Rodel Mayol makes a
welcome return to the ring before his fight fans in
after a three year campaign abroad. Mayol faces Wisan Sor Suchanya in a ten round bout at the New Cebu Coliseum on May 3 in a fight card promoted by Sammy Gell-ani and to be telecast by Viva Sports on the top-rated weekly boxing show The Main Event sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum and Pagcor. In a battle for the vacant Oriental light flyweight crown, world-rated Bert Batawang, also a former world title challenger clashes with Thailand Samransak Singmanassak. Mayol who is ranked No. 11 by the InternationalBoxing Federation is coming off a controversial fourth round knockout by Mexico undefeated Adrian Hernandez. Mayol was reportedly the victim of a set-up by his handlers who included Michael Koncz who told him he was fighting a journeyman only to discover at the last minute that he was fighting the undefeated Hernandez who was being built up by his handlers. Mayol was also on the brink of winning the world title when he had champion Ulises Solis on the verge of a knockout in round seven but Solis came back to score an eight round TKO as Mayol tired out rapidly on August 4, 2007 in a fight card in Chicago Mayol previously scored a stunning fourth round TKO over Lorenzo Trejp in the WBC Night of Champions in Cancun Mexico on January 28, 2006 and also scored a rousing seventh round TKO in an OPBF title defense against Indonesia tough Marti Polii. Wisan Sor Suchanya has, according to boxrec.com, a record of 9-6-1 with 2 knockouts including a ten round unanimous decision loss to former world No.1 and title challengers Eriberto Yukka Gejon and Rexon Flores. Mayol was long considered a genuine world title prospect until a series of managerial problems thwarted his bid for a championship belt. However, Mayol is determined to recover from his setbacks and once again line himself up for a title shot. His fight against Wisan Sor Suchanya is the first step on Mayol road to redemption. |
| MAIN EVENT ON IBC 13 PRIMETIME |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
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Viva Sports top-rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event” has moved to IBC 13 with its inaugural telecast on a new network at 9:00 p.m. on Sundays, beginning January 6. |
| RUBILLAR HEADLINES EXCITING ELORDE CARD |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
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OPBF light flyweight champion Juanito Rubillar headlines an exciting fight card presented by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim in coordination with Elorde International Productions on November 12 at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila. WBC president Jose Sulaiman and OPBF president Frank Quill will be guests at the title fight in which the world-rated Rubillar defends his title against South Korean chamiomn Beung Ju-Lee. Rubillar, the 30 year old southpaw has a record of 20 knockouts in 43 wins with 10 losses and 7 draws while challenger Byung Joo Lee is 24 and has a record of 8-3 with 2 knockouts. The Korean has a height advantage of three inches, standing 5’5" to the veteran Rubillar who stands 5’2" Rubillar is coming off a second round TKO over Philippine No.10 flyweight Arnel Tadena last September 15. Before that he defended his OPBF title with a smashing fifth round knockout that sent Japanese challenger Ken Nakajima into retirement. Lee on the other hand won the vacant Korean light flyweight title with an rousing fourth round knockout over Yong Suk In on February 6 this year and then scored an impressive ten round decision in his first title defense against Hak Sun Choi on April 28. The winner of the OPBF title fight which will be telecast over Viva Sports top-rated weekly boxing show "Main Event" and replayed on the popular cable station Viva Prime presented by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum along with Pagcor and PCSO, will receive a golden trophy to be awarded by Mayor Lim. In the main supporting bout promising Drian Francisco defends his WBO Asia Pacific flyweight title against rugged Nino Suelo. The undefeated southpaw has a record of 10 knockouts in 13 wins and is coming off a stunning first round knockout over Thailand’s Wanmeechok Singwangcha last August 4 while Suelo won the Luzon Professional Boxing Association title with a unanimous twelve round decision over Sherwin Manatad last April 21. In a battle of talented women, undefeated Gretchen "Chen Chen" Abaniel who is being managed and trained by former Australian fighter Terry Mogg defends her Women’s International Boxing Association Intercontinental minimum weight title against Thailand’s Lilly Srachhaprachagym, the No.1 contender. In other potentially explosive fights Raymond "Foreman" Sermona battles No.6 Philippine bantamweight Johnny Lear while former amateur standout Warlito Parenas who is undefeated as a pro takes on No. 3 Philippine lightweight Philip Parcon. |
| NIEDOMINGO'S TITLE FIGHT ON "THE MAIN EVENT" |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
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Philippine bantamweight champion Michael Domingo’s rousing fifth round
TKO over former WBC International champion Roger Galicia in Calarpe,
Bohol will be telecast on the top-rated weekly boxing show “The Main”
Event on Sunday at 4:00 p.m over RPN 9 and replayed over the popular
cable station Viva Prime. |
| NIETES DEFENDS WBO ASIA PACIFIC TITLE |
| By: Ronnie Nathanielsz |
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Classy world-rated Donnie Nietes defends his WBO Asia Pacific light flyweight title against tough Thai challenger Tongthalek Por Vorasing in the main event of an exciting fight card which will serve as the inauguration of the spanking new Victorias City Stadium in Negros Occidental on May 21. |
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RP Pool Championship a Battle of Champions
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Viva Prime will replay the matches which will be telecast "live" and on a delayed basis on some days because of the PBA Games which are also covered "live" by ABC 5 which is the broadcast network for the billiards.
The Viva Prime telecast schedule is as follows:
March 28 – 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
March 29 – 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
March 30 – 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
March 31 – 3:00 – 5:00 p.m./7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. – 12 MN
April 1 – 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
April 2 – 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Filipino pool players wearing the crowns of international and local tournaments will battle it out for the honor of being named 2007 RP National Pool Champion in the 2nd BSCP National Pool Championships. With San Miguel Corporation as presenter, the tournament is set to unfold on March 26-31 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Heading the list is multi-titled Alex “the Lion” Pagulayan, who will be defending the crown he won in the inaugural tournament last year. Among his other titles are 2004 World Pool Champion and 2005 US Open Champion.
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Then come a parade of stars.
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Not to be outdone is Antonio “Gaga” Gabica, gold and silver medalist in the Doha Asian Games for 9-ball and 8-ball.
Lee “VanVan” Corteza totes his impressive win in the All-Japan Championship last December.
Antonio “Nikoy” Lining is the defending champion of the ongoing Japan Open.
Rodolfo “Boy Samson” Luat and Ramil “Bebeng” Gallego won legs in the Asian Pool Tour last year, in addition to respectable showings in several international tournaments.
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Finally, there is Warren Kiamco, who recorded in February a double victory (8-ball and 9-ball) in the US Bar Table Championship in Nevada.
Although Pagulayan and Alcano are tagged as favorites in the tournament, anyone among the other titled Filipino players is considered fully capable of taking the national championship in the six-day tournament.
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At stake in the tournament besides the title of RP champion are first prize money of P500,000, cash prizes up to 16th place, and four slots in the 2007 World Pool Championship in Manila in November. The WPC will likewise be presented by San Miguel Corporation.
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VIVA SPORTS-NBN COMBINE FOR DAVIS CUP TELECAST
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The opening day's singles matches in which SEA Games gold medalists and Asian Games bronze medalists Cecil Mamiit and Eric Taino will lead off for the Philippines at the newly refurbished Rizal Memorial tennis courts will be aired from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 11:00 p.m. onwards. The doubles on Saturday will be telecast over NBN from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. while the reverse singles will be aired from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. onwards on Sunday.
The matches will be replayed on Viva Prime on Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday from 4:00 p.m.. to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The extensive television coverage is presented by PLDT courtesy of businessman-sportsman Manny Pangilinan and in part by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum.
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The network has a long history of a commitment to sports and youth development and has earned recognition for its coverage of the Olympic Games, the Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games as well as major boxing events of the past as well as the PBA games.
Viva Sports which is a division of the Viva Entertainment Group headed by entertainment czar Vic del Rosario is best known at present for its top-rated weekly boxing show "The Main Event" which is currently aired on RPN 9 at 2:00 p.m. on Sundays but will soon move to NBN in a joint effort to enhance the sports coverage of the government network which has a wide, nationwide reach.
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PAKISTAN'S TOP PLAYER TO MISS DAVIS CUP TIE
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Pakistan team captain, former Davis Cup star Hamid Ul Haq said Aisam was having some family problems that prevented him from coming to Manila but that 27 year old Aqeel Khan was capable of filling the void and Pakistan was banking on him in his opening singles match against the Philippines No.1,. lefty Eric Taino.
Taino said he felt "very good" and both he and Cecil Mamiit were hoping that tennis fans would come out in droves to support the Philippine team who are considered underdogs in the tie. Taino said "coming out here is very enjoyable and rewarding for us. We really want to do our best and do everything to support tennis."
Taino said they were not too familiar with the Pakistani players and that "can be kind of dangerous" but stressed that they had prepared themselves well and they feel that "we should win the match."
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Aqeel said he was used to playing on grass courts or a hardcourt with a fast pace which suited his serve and volley game and that the slower courts created "technical problems" for the visitors. However, Aqeel promised they would "try our best to play a good game" against the Philippines and hoped to give Pakistan the edge with a win over Taino.
No.1 ranked Cecil Mamiit who will play Pakistan's No. 2 Jalil Khan said he was looking forward to "smooth going" and indicated that his knee which troubled him during the Asian Games last December was "feeling great" and he was "feeling strong." Mamiit said the absence of Qureshi made life "a little easier" but emphasized that "we don't know these other players and that could be tough and they could surprise us, so we got to be ready for it."
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EXCITING FIGHT CARD FOR SINULOG
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Well known promoter Sammy Gello-ani has put up an exciting fight card which will serve as one of the highlights of this year’s Sinulog Festival on Sunday, January 21 in Cebu City. The fight card which will be staged at the popular Gaisano Country Mall parking area will feature world-rated light flyweight Bert Batawang against Davao City slugger Flash Villacura in a ten round main event. The fights to be telecast on the top-rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event” on Sundays at 2:00 p.m. over RPN 9 and replayed the following Sunday at 10:00 p,m. over the cable sports and entertainment network. Viva Prime is sponsored by Tanduay, the No. 1 Rhum. An exciting added attraction will be Viva Hot Babes Carla Samonte and Maricar Deniega who will serve as the Tanduay round girls. Batawang is one of the fighters being lined up for a world title shot in the postponed Philippines-Mexico World Cup of boxing. The hard-hitting Batawang who has 32 knockouts in 39 wins against 12 losses and 3 draws recently scored a smashing first round KO over Rey Orais in Talisay City.
Also seeing action are Gil Melligen vs Ricky Sismundo in a six round bout while Nic Banal takes on Ranie Pamatian and Mark John Yap faces Daryl Amoncio in four round action.
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DEADLY DOUBLE CHAMPIONSHIP ON DECEMBER 30
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A deadly double championship will put a fitting end to the year 2006 when two undefeated flyweights clash for the vacant WBO Intercontinental title and world rated Rexon Flores moves down to the
light flyweight division to also challenge for the vacant WBO intercontinental crown on December 30 at the Mandaluyong Gym. Lined up to battle the flashy undefeated southpaw Drian Francisco is Thailand's unbeaten Phichitchok Singmannasak who boasts of a record of 9-0 with 4 knockouts according to WBO Asia Pacific chief Leon Panoncillo while the opponent of Flores, Wisan Sor Chanya has a record of 8-3-1 with 2 knockouts.
The 23 year old Francisco, on the other hand, has an unblemished record of 9-0 with 6 knockouts. Francisco won his last four fights this year by TKO. On April 21 he scored a fourth round TKO over Rene Nival, followed by a fifth round TKO over South Korean Jung Soo Jung on June 9. Then Francisco scored an impressive 7th round stoppage over tough Jongjong Gagante on August 26 and in his last fight on October 13 scored a fifth round demolition of Alex Gueverra. Phichitchok is coming off two second round KO victories having hammered Petch Sithkorpolkanpim on April 4 and then battered Kamchai Tor Puonruampol to the canvas last December 4.
The opponent of Flores, Wisan Sor Chanya is coming off a first round knockout over Jakkrit Eausamphan last September 25 and the hard-hitting, 25 year old Thai is expected to give Flores a rough time. The fights will be telecast on Viva Sports top-rated weekly boxing show "The Main Event" at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday over RPN 9 sponsored by Tanduay, the No. 1 Rhum with the captivating Viva Hot Babes serving as round girls for the blockbuster fight card promoted by Gabriel "Bebot" Elorde Jr. The fights will also be replayed nationwide on the cable network of Viva Prime, the newest sports and entertainment channel that also carries horseracing on a regular basis.
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THE MAIN EVENT: “POUND FOR POUND”
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The fight card titled "POUND FOR POUND" will be staged in Talisay City, Cebu on December 8 and will be telecast (RPN 9) beginning December 10 (Sunday, 2:00pm) with this RP Bantamweight Championship. The Main Event features the Philippine Bantamweight Championship between Michael Domingo (Champion) and Edgar Gabejan
This telecast is sponsored by Tanduay, the No. 1 Rhum. Round girl will be one of Viva’s newest Hot Babes, Carla Samonte. Part II of the post-fight special on Manny Pacquiao - Erik Morales will be telecast at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 3 over RPN 9.
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GRAND FINALE PRE-FIGHT SPECIAL
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We are producing a one hour pre-fight special on the Grand Finale rubber match between Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao and legendary Mexican Erik "El Terrible" Morales.
The special will be telecast on the top-rated weekly boxing show "The Main Event" at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 18 over RPN 9 with a replay on the Viva Prime cable network. The special will include training video of Morales in the Otomi as well as Pacquiao at the Wild Card Gym. We also have highlights of some of their previous fights plus interviews with Gerry Penalosa, WBC founding secretary general Atty. Rudy Salud and Dr. Sanirose Orbeta on weight reduction programs and their effects in relation to Morales. The pre-fight special will clearly set the stage for the classic showdown set for November 19 (Manila Time) at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
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INDONESIAN CHAMPION WARNS RUBILLAR |
By: Ronnie Nathanielsz
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INDONESIAN CHAMPION WARNS RUBILLAR By: Ronnie Nathanielsz Indonesian light flyweight champion Irfan Ogah has warned world-rated Juanito Rubillar that Friday the 13th is a day that bodes ill for the Filipino southpaw and he may well lose in his battle for the vacant OPBF title in the featured fight of an exciting card promoted by Gabriel "Bebot" Elorde Jr with the support of Trece Martires City Mayor Melencio Sagun Jr at the Trece Martires Gym in Cavite.
However, the veteran southpaw Rubillar who was frustrated by his failure to land a mandatory title shot against Brian Viloria whose camp appeared to avoid Rubillar and then dropped a somewhat controversial decision to Thailand’s Wandee Sinwangcha in a title eliminator isn’t fazed by the challenge of Ogah. The former WBC No.1 contender is determined to win impressively and earn another world title shot against the winner of the rematch between Viloria and the man who stunned him, Omar Nino Romero.
But Elorde himself has cautioned Rubillar that Ogah is a solid puncher and will provide a stiff test for the hometown favorite. The Indonesian who can fight from an orthodox stance or switch to a southpaw has a record of 16 wins, 1 loss and 4 draws with 7 wins by way of knockouts.
Rubillar who stretched Mexican warrior Jorge Arce to the limit in two controversial world title defeats is confident of winning the OPBF crown and moving up in the world ratings to gain another title shot while Ogah hopes to break into the world rankings with a victory. In what promises to be a slam-bang ten round supporting bout 30 year old veteran Jun Arlos, the reigning WBE light flyweight champion clashes with rugged No.1 Indonesian Sopyan Ependi who is undefeated with 14 wins and 1 draws including 6 knockouts.
In another ten round supporting bout promising Drian Francisco takes on Alex Guevarra.
The Trece Martires fights will be telecast on Viva Sports top-rated weekly boxing show "The Main Event" on Sundays at 1 p.m. over RPN 9 sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum. The attractive Viva Hot Babes will serve as round girls. The fights will also be replayed on the Viva Prime: cable network.
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| Mayor Melencio Sagun Jr Trece Martires, Cavite |
Ring name : Irvan Ogah
Private name : Irvan Narsudi
Date of birth : August 9, 1987
Height : 162 cm
Type of fight : Orthodox / Southpaw (left and right ok)
Ring Records
Fight : 21
WKO/TKO : 7
Win by point : 9
Draw : 4
Lost by point : 1
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KING OF THE HILLS |
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KING OF THE HILL Viva Sports is proud to announce that it has acquired the exclusive Philippine television rights for the International Pool Tour "King of the Hill" 8-Ball finals featuring "The Magician" Efren Bata Reyes against American legend Mike "The Mouth" Sigel. In a classic battle between two of the greatest pool players of all-time for the biggest prize in the history of the sport – a cool $200,000 – before a classy crowd in a Hollywood-style setting, the two Hall of Fame awardees put on a show. The superb television coverage of "King of the Hill", easily the best ever to be seen on Philippine television, will be aired on prime time on Saturday, March 11 beginning at 9:00 p.m. over RPN 9. Reyes went into the tournament featuring 42 of the finest pool players in the world and battled his way into the finals against Sigel who had been crowned the greatest pool player in the world during his prime and was the only man to win nine tournaments in a row. Reyes bested countrymen Francisco "Django" Bustamante and rising young star Marlon Manalo to enter the finals. The acknowledged "Godfather" of Philippine pool Aristeo "Putch" Puyat said the IPT Tour organized and funded by billionaire Kevin Trudeau is the best thing that ever happened to pool because it recognizes the skill of the players and the popularity of the game and opens a whole new world of opportunity for Filipino pool players. |
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DVD PRODUCTIONS |
Viva Sports also produced a top-selling
VCD/DVD featuring “Manny Pacquiao: No Fear” which traced
his boyhood days and culminated in his devastating victory over Barrera.
This was followed by a second episode which featured ‘The Life
of Manny Pacquiao” both of which became collectors items.
Viva Sports is currently shooting and doing the necessary research for a similar documentary on perhaps the greatest Filipino champion of all-time, the late Gabriel “Flash” Elorde who reigned as world junior lightweight champion for nearly seven-and-a-half years. Historic footage of some of Elorde’s fights will provide a never-before-seen dramatic dimension to the documentary. Other Filipino world champions being lined-up for the series are two-division world champion Luisito Espinosa, former world junior lightweight champion Rolando Navarrete and former WBC super flyweight champion Gerry Penalosa. Viva Sports is also in the midst of obtaining fight footage of former light flyweight and flyweight champion Dodie Boy Penalosa, Rolando Bohol, Ben Villaflor, Morris East, Rene Barrientos, Bobby Berna, Andy Ganigan, Rey Tam, Jesus Salud and other world champions and contenders for a collectors line-up of Filipino boxing greats. Viva Sports also produced a highly successful DVD on the LG Flatron Challenge billiards one-on-one match between Efren “Bata” Reyes, known around the world as “The Magician” and the stunningly attractive women’s World Pool Champion Jeannette Lee at the jam-packed Casino Filipino amphitheater near the international airport in Paranaque. The event itself which was telecast on a delayed basis over IBC 13 drew a record rating of 52 percent, establishing a new mark in sports on television. Other billiards specials in the works are a special on “The Magician,” the ”Trickshots of ‘Bata’ Reyes” and others on 2004 World Pool Champion Alex “The Lion” Pagulayan as well as Francisco “Django” Bustamante. |
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BILLIARDS ON VIVA SPORTS |
Viva Sports launched a series of big international
billiards tournaments in the country featuring some of the greatest
pool players of all-time in a mutually beneficial partnership with
Mr. Aristeo “Putch” Puyat of Puyat Sports. Events were
staged at the Araneta Coliseum, Casino Filipino, the Makati Coliseum
and the Metropolis in Alabang where record crowds turned up to see
such big names as Earl Strickland, Ralf Souquet, Mika Immonen, Corey
Deuel, Nic Varner, Johnny Archer, Kunihiko Takahashi match their skills
with Reyes, Bustamante, Rodolfo Luat, Warren Kiamco, Antonio Lining
and others. |
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VOLLEYBALL |
One of the more exciting sports especially when
played by talented and attractive women, Viva Sports has had a very
fruitful relationship with the world governing body, FIVB, and the
Philippine Amateur Volleyball Association in recent years, having
staged and covered the Women’s World Volleyball Grand Prix events
which won accolades all around. The possibility of re-entering the
arena of women’s volleyball looms large in the near future. |
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THE FUTURE |
At present, Viva Sports has centered its sports
telecast activities in boxing and in the production of DVD’s
centering on the champions of the past. However, plans are in the
works for a broadening of involvement in boxing and a revival of Viva
Sports premier position in billiards and even in basketball. There are a whole new range of sports and sports-related activities taking shape for a major thrust mid-year, fueled by a great deal of enthusiasm anchored on a long-standing feel for the market and what Filipino audiences are looking for. Viva Sports is committed to strive at being the best in what we do. Its record speaks for itself. |
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