By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Z “The Dream” Gorres put on an impressive show that had fight fans drooling at the prospect of another legitimate world champion when he scored a shut-out ten round victory over tough and rugged Thai KO artist Chiayong Distar in a supporting bout at the spectacular “Yanig sa Taguig” showdown featuring Ring Magazine featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao and IBF No. 6 ranked Fahsan 3K Battery before some 30,000 screaming fans at The Fort in Taguig, Saturday night.

Rated No. 1 super flyweight both in the Philippines and by the Orient Pacific Boxing Federation, Gorres dropped Chaiyong who had a record of 12-2 with 12 KO's with a perfect combination in the very first round and hammered him to the body and head throughout the ten rounds but despite being badly battered and groggy on at least three occasions, Chaiyong refused to quit.

Famed trainer and cutman Lenny De Jesus who worked in Pacquiao’s corner behind Freddie Roach told Viva Sports/Manila Standard “this kid’s got  everything. He is a beautiful fighter, moves well, throws nice combinations, knows how to get out of trouble and is world champion potential. At 21 he’s a baby and I can just imagine his development under a trainer like Freddie (Roach) in the next couple of years.” De Jesus said the only thing he noticed was that Gorres “didn’t follow through on his punches by putting the entire weight of his body and shoulders behind his punches.

He tended to pull-back his shots and that is why he appears to lack power. Power comes with right execution, timing and speed and this kid has the speed and the timing.”

Roach who trained Gorres for one month in his Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles  after watching Gorres dismantle Chaiyong who was bigger and stronger said he was impressed by the performance of the young fighter who is managed jointly by WBC founding secretary general Rudy Salud and Cebu boxing patron Tony Aldeguer, adding “he fought a nice fight and looked good.” Members of Team Pacquiao including Rod Nazario, Moy Lainez, Lito Mondejar and Gerry Garcia also conceded it was Gorres best performance to date and indicated his stint with Roach was a big help.

Internationally known promoter Murad Muhammad was near ecstatic about the Gorres showing even as he kept screaming instructions at the top of his voice while seated at ringside along with scores of VIPs all of whom stood up and applauded Gorres after every round.

Well-known South Korean businessman, former Asian Games champion and professional boxer Kusung Lee, the manager of WBC featherweight champion Injin Chi told Manila Standard he though Gorres was “very good but needs to develop his power.”