By Marc Anthony Reyes
It never fails. That tsunami of expectations that rush by every time Nonito Donaire Jr. steps into the ring. Sometimes they are too big they inundate the crafty fighter’s already impressive feats. He defeated his last three foes convincingly – the last two he floored using his sensational left hook – yet it failed to [...]
Posted: October 2nd, 2012 in Inside Sports | Read More »
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
When Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association president Go Teng Kok was ousted as a member of the Philippine Olympic Committee, there was considerable press coverage. The POC’s rump resolution was made without due process as required by the Olympic body’s constitution as well as the specific provisions under the International Olympic Committee charter. For [...]
Posted: October 16th, 2011 in Commentary,Inside Sports | Read More »
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
We have consistently maintained that when athletes represent our country in various athletic disciplines in the international arena, we have an obligation to support them. If they win we share in the pride of their victory and feel happy for them. If they lose we share in the agony of their defeat but never, ever [...]
Posted: October 13th, 2011 in Commentary,Inside Sports | Read More »
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Donnie“Ahas” Nietes had always wanted to fight before his hometown fans in Bacolod City ever since he won the WBO minimum weight title and had to defend his crown against Mexican challengers in their hometowns in Mexico. When Nietes decided to relinquish his title and move up to junior flyweight, and WBO president Francisco “Paco” [...]
Posted: October 9th, 2011 in Commentary,Inside Sports | Read More »
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
One of the nicest young fighters in the ALA Gym of Cebu is Donnie Nietes, the WBO minimumweight champion, who relinquished his title to move up to light flyweight in search of a second world title. His quest will hopefully end successfully when he clashes with tough Mexican southpaw Ramon Garcia Hirales, the twin brother [...]
Posted: October 6th, 2011 in Uncategorized | Read More »
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
One of the first things that struck the ABS-CBN television panel in the opening game of the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, were the Filipino fans. Made up mostly of women who carried a giant Philippine flag, flaglets, posters and placards and screamed themselves hoarse throughout the match—even after we were down by two [...]
Posted: October 2nd, 2011 in Commentary,Inside Sports,Uncategorized | Read More »
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Whenever a Philippine national basketball team doesn’t fare too well in a major international tournament, there is a negative effect on the PBA in terms of interest, attendance and TV ratings. This is why we are confident—and so are PBA commissioner Chito Salud and chair Mamerto Mondragon—that the fine performance of the Smart Gilas national [...]
Posted: September 29th, 2011 in Commentary,Inside Sports | Read More »
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Whether the Smart Gilas national team returns home with a bronze medal from the Fiba Asia Men’s Championship or not, our basketball-crazy nation will embrace them with all the pride we can muster for a gallant performance against seemingly overwhelming odds. Even prior to the start of the tournament, it was clear that there was, [...]
Posted: September 25th, 2011 in Commentary,Inside Sports | Read More »
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
If there ever was an individual who is as passionate about sports and in using athletic disciplines as the bedrock for the development of character and an avenue to building a strong and healthy nation, that gentleman is the esteemed businessman-sportsman Manny Pangilinan. His commitment to sports is becoming legendary. But let us hasten to [...]
Posted: September 22nd, 2011 in Commentary,Inside Sports | Read More »
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
The obsession with selling the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex has surfaced once again, with Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia claiming that talks with Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. look positive. While Garcia believes he has full control over the RMSC and other government sports facilities, [...]
Posted: September 19th, 2011 in Commentary,Inside Sports | Read More »
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
There has been a clear resurgence of public interest in sports and a broadening of the disciplines that have stirred interest and a great deal of excitement and attention. Foremost among these sports is football, due mainly to the charismatic Azkals and their endearing, down-to-earth and simple qualities which contrast with some of the so-called [...]
Posted: September 15th, 2011 in Commentary,Inside Sports | Read More »
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Alaska team owner and avid sportsman Fred Uytengsu doesn’t talk about the PBA very often. But when he does he always makes sense and certainly doesn’t mince words—a trait that endears the gentleman to us. Mr. Uytengsu may not always be one hundred percent correct in his claims but he is very near the mark [...]
Posted: September 4th, 2011 in Commentary,Inside Sports | Read More »
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
It’s always a pleasure to welcome Top Rank promoter Bob Arum to Manila no matter what kind of weather we need to brave to get to the Centennial Airport or at what ungodly hour we need to be there. That’s because it’s always fun to see an old friend, whom we first met at the [...]
Posted: September 1st, 2011 in Commentary,Inside Sports | Read More »