The Philippines lifted the World Cup and a world title from Mexico this past Saturday on the Golden Boy promoted and HBO televised Mexico vs. Philippines World Cup from Sacramento, CA. All this in front of a rabid crowd of 4,469 split almost down the middle in energy, at least it seemed that way till the last match, when the pro-Mexico aficionados finally got a chance to cheer a paisas victory.
Daniel Ponce De Leon came in looking to destroy the young and talented Filipino Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista (21), in an effort to erase any doubt after a controversial decision over Gerry Penalosa in his last fight. De Leon, a southpaw, went straight to Bautista launching his crunching left at will. Bautista looked lost in the moment, being forced back and failing to move his head or bend at the waist. De Leon connected with a huge left and sent Bautista stumbling in to the ropes on a delayed reaction knockdown. After bravely getting back to his feet, Bautista was met with three more lefts not as sharp as the one that caused the first knockdown, but enough to knockdown the already rattled “Boom Boom” and force the ref to waive off the fight in the first round.
Ponce De Leon proved again that he has world class punching power and his technique is a work in progress as he continues to defend his WBO super-bantamweight title. His power will make him a live dog against anyone at 122, but he had better polish up if he hopes to compete with either Rafael Marquez or Israel Vasquez. Ponce De Leon’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, said that he could become “untouchable” the way he is progressing in the post fight press conference (insert formula for determining the value of a promoters opinion of his fighter here.) From Bautista, we took that he as well is a work in progress and should have many years to prove what he is capable of.
In the co main-event of the evening, Mexico’s Jhonny Gonzalez (or Johnny, as he displays both versions on his trunks) was upset by crafty vet Gerry Penalosa. Gonzalez was boxing well behind a jab that he would occasionally fire combinations behind, fighting off the pressure of Penalosa who was trying to get inside. However, Gonzalez was crouching down giving up his height and relying on longer limbs. He was investing well to the body, figuring body shots would either slow or wilt Penalosa. But just as Gonzalez started to separate himself, Penalosa ducked a right cross and slammed a choreograph quality left to Gonzalez’s liver from his southpaw stance. It took a second or so for Gonzalez’s brain to register his liver’s message, but once it read it was clear Gonzalez could not go on as he was counted out. Penalosa is now the bantamweight WBO champ and a multi-division title-holder at 35. Gonzalez told me after the fight, while holding a toy in each hand with his toddler son tugging at his pant leg, he was in control and fell to a lucky punch. He also stated that making the 118-weight limit was out of the question and would now set-up shop at 122, where he was able to give current kingpin Israel Vasquez hell before being crumpled in the tenth of a spirited bout where Gonzalez was having his way up to about the seventh.
Whether the World Cup idea will catch on is still not decided, but it caused a lively atmosphere in Sacramento who has big Mexican and Filipino communities. Hopefully they will be promoted better in the future and help prevent boxing from becoming a studio show, relying on TV and advertisements rather than the live gate. Although TV is great, the live gates are essential in building fan bases that keep regional cards afloat, acting as a farm league for talent.
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