by Ronnie Nathanielsz
Just like every kid who has drawn inspiration from Filipino ring idol and national treasure Manny Pacquiao, WBO No. 4 and OPBF No. 1 Z “The Dream Gorres aspires to become another Pacquiao just like all other promising young fighters who wish to emulate the achievements of the “Pac-man.”
Gorres made the statement in an interview with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today on his arrival from Las Vegas along with stable-mate Czar Amonsot at 5:00 a.m. yesterday, some thirty minutes after well-known boxing promoter and manager Sammy Gello-ani who was with them in Vegas planed in from Los Angeles.
Gorres who impressed boxing writers with his skill and ring savy in a lopsided victory over rugged Mexican Jose Alfredo Tirado in the main event of a Guilty Boxing Promotions fight card at the Orleans Hotel & Casino said he was impressed with how Pacquiao virtually killed himself in training at the Wild Card Gym of Freddie Roach where both he and Amonsot also trained. He said Pacquiao’s discipline during training was remarkable and he realizes that to get ahead, he
needs to show the same dedication.
Gorres who fights former champion Waenpetch Chuwatana for the vacant OPBF super flyweight title on March 18 in Mandaue City said he was hoping “a win would be a stepping stone to bigger things.” Gorres promised to “give it all so I could live up to the expectations of the Filipino fans.” Gorres said Filipinos in Las Vegas were “great” and gave him and Amonsot their full support. He said “ I trained hard and was happy to put on a good show.”
Gorres said Tirado was resilient pointing out that he “hit him with everything but he was still there and kept coming forward which suited my counter-punching style. He was a little slow and with my speed and movement he couldn’t catch me with a solid shot.”
Amonsot, another flashy southpaw like Gorres admitted that he was “tense, tight and scared” because of the venue, the crowd, the bright lights and the atmosphere in his US debut but once he settled down he knew he could handle his opponent Christian Favelo. Gello-ani said Amonsot excelled in sparring against top flight fighters at the Wild Card but “on top of the ring it Las Vegas it was different” because of the environment at Orleans Hotel & Casino Mardi Gras ballroom. Gello-ani both Gorres and Amonsot told him “the motivation was there to fight for our country” as both wanted to keep the momentum of Pacquiao’s smashing victory going.
Gorres and Amonsot praised Pacuiao “for opening the door for us in boxing. He has done a great deal and its up to us to take advantage of it.”
Viva Sports will telecast the Gorres and Amonsot fights on this Sunday’s edition of the top-rated weekly boxing show ‘The Main Event” sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum, at 1:00 p.m. over RPN 9.
