Red-letter day for boxing

IF ONLY the schedules weren’t directly conflicting, the Philippine media group that will be sent by ALA Promotions to the United States to cover Pinoy Pride 33 on Oct. 17  would have been able to kill two birds with one stone.

Something like this happened before when journalists covered a Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas then proceeded to Texas to cover a Nonito Donaire Jr.  bout.

The other big boxing event scheduled on the same day as Pinoy Pride is the Brian Viloria-Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez tiff at Madison Square Garden in New York.

While that fight is only an undercard, it will be of immense interest to Filipinos because the “The Hawaiian Punch” will be going up against the  WBC flyweight champion who, only the other day, was installed pound-for-pound king by Ring Magazine.

Chocolatito, who comes  from  Nicaragua, is 28 years old, stands  5-foot-3, weighs 125 pounds, and is undefeated.

Experts say he is the terror of the flyweight division.

Of his 43 won fights, 37 of this came by way of knockout.

Despite his credentials however, and although he is much younger than the Fil-Am Viloria, Gonzalez is not taking his opponent lightly.

The Nicaraguan is preparing hard for  this fight, leaving no stone unturned.

Interviewed online, Gonzales said he respects Brian because “he is accomplished and dangerous.”

* * *

Meanwhile, Brian’s manager Gary Gittelson looks to Gonzalez’s new achievement as a plus factor for Brian.

According to Gittelson, being the WBC pound-for-pound king may no longer motivate Gonzalez because he is already on top.

Gittelson said Brian, currently in heavy training and preparation under coach Freddie Roach, is determined to dethrone Gonzalez on Oct. 17.

* * *

Pinoy Pride 33 also gets going on that date. The “Philippines vs  the World” card will feature Donnie “Ahas” Nietes against Juan “Pinky” Alejo of

Mexico in the main event and fellow-Filipinos “Prince” Albert and Jason Pagara,  and Mark Magsayo.

The fight will be held in Carson City, California, and will be covered on The Filipino Channel.