This serves as an apology to the esteemed sportsman Antonio L. Aldeguer of Cebu City.
Sorry, Sir, there was no intention whatsoever to insinuate any foulness or wrongdoing behind the last victory of Mark Magsayo, who stopped his feeble Nicaraguan foe, Daniel Diaz, listed as a veteran and former world title challenger.
As we’ve made it clear, you were not truly satisfied with the result of Magsayo’s last bout.
It was just too bad that his opponent proved hideously below par.
It was not your fault, Sir.
You said: “Although I’m in Hong Kong at the moment, I just want you to know that it pains me to read what our mutual friend Al (Mendoza) said, to quote in your column, “I believe Diaz took a dive, benta ’yon.” Is this an insinuation that we asked Diaz to throw the fight? Was there really a need to ask those hurting words coming from a friend? Recah, you and Al have known me for ages, do you really and honestly believe I could do those things?”
Sorry, Sir. Please accept my sincerest apologies.
Of course, there was no intention whatsoever to smear your reputation, Sir. I’ve always respected you and will never cease to vouch for your integrity.
Frankly, if there was something we felt uneasy about, it was the fact that Diaz did not look and appear the shadow of what he had been painted to be in pre-fight reports.
As I had mentioned in my last column, “Diaz, pale and famished, appeared like somebody reporting straight from a convalescent home. His handsome brown face was lifeless.”
Sir, it was not your fault if Diaz was not in condition to wage battle inside the ring, and against a certified KO artist at that.
But shouldn’t the matchmaker, who brought in Diaz, have done at least a little test and research before enlisting the services of the poor, hapless Nicaraguan.
Honestly, Sir, I believe you and the fans all fell victims in this case.
I myself felt cheated. Please accept my apologies.
(AL’S REJOINDER: Al Mendoza swears there was foulness on the part of Daniel Diaz because he visibly did not come ready to fight but just to “collect.” He fell three times in less than two minutes of the first round, without getting hit hard, “just opting to lie down each time.” Al said he meant no malice, but had to voice out his observation to protect Mr. Aldeguer, and our young boxers, from crooks and cheap matchmakers masquerading as honorable boxing people.)