By JM Siasat
Filipino light welterweight prospect Adones Cabalquinto (12-0, 8KO's) is much like his trainer/manager Joven Jimenez, both did not plan to be in the world of professional boxing. The 23-year-old southpaw started to compete in amateur boxing when he was 13-years-old. He eventually joined the Philippine national team in 2004, which got him a gold medal in 2009 at an international amateur boxing tournament in Vietnam.
It was not until 2010 that he decided to turn pro, a seemingly random decision he came up with. It was through the help of a common friend and professional boxer Rocky Marcial that he was introduced to his current manager who helped him turn pro.
"I really don't know why I went to boxing. My father was a boxer but he did not teach me how to box. I didn't intend to be a boxer but maybe this is what's for me" said Adones. "I never had a problem since turning pro. Food, shelter, expenses like travel fare are provided by Joven. Even family members with financial problems, Joven gives them a hand".
Cabalquinto last fought in May 11, a bout that he comfortably won by unanimous decision. Prior to headlining the said event, he was called at the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio city - to spar Amir Khan in preparation for the former champion's yet to be cancelled Lamont Peterson rematch. Cabalquinto is not a stranger to being in the ring with world class fighters as he also tasted the gloves of Michael Katsidis and Jorge Linares by being their sparring partner in the past.
"I'm glad to have sparred a former world champion, a world class fighter. He hits hard, he's tough and fast," told Cabalquinto who had to spar orthodox against Amir. "Many were impressed that I hanged in there with him. He felt my power because I was able to land hard body punches, particularly the right uppercut. It boosted my confidence".
Cabalquinto was in the Amir Khan camp for 2 weeks where he had to spar 3 rounds each session. He was generously paid 5000php ($119) for each session, making a total of 30,000php ($714) which happens to be a genuinely huge amount in the Philippines.
Adones considers himself as a boxer/puncher type of fighter, and with only 12 professional fights to date, he is not looking to rush his career.
"I'm a fighter and I will fight anyone at 140lbs. Right now, I'm not thinking of who I want to fight in the future for a world championship. I will just continue to train hard, work on my stamina and defense, stay disciplined, someday I'll get there."
"I'm already here and I'm here to prove myself. I see myself as a guy with potential, maybe I'll get lucky and God makes me a world champion someday. That's my dream and I'll give it all my best. Right now that's all I'm thinking of, training hard and helping my parents and siblings".
Cabalquinto says he looks up to Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. He also regards Sugar Ray Leonard as his favorite fighter. A potential bout for the WBO Asia Pacific title is in the works for June 30 against a yet to be announced opponent.
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