By Dennis 'dSource' Guillermo
Manila, Philippines - If you're a Philippine boxing fanatic and have been rolling in bed at night, it's probably because you've been sleeping on ALA Boxing's Michael "Bruce Lee" Domingo (42-15-3, 23 KOs). The 32-year-old veteran Domingo is one of the nation's true underrated and best kept secrets. With a fighting style compared by experts to that of Ronald "Winky" Wright, Domingo is one of the most fundamentally sound fighters the nation has to offer, but has been brushed aside due to his record that consists of several losses early in his boxing career when the fighter didn't have good management backing him up.
But under the guidance of Antonio Aldeguer's ALA Promotions, the Sultan Kudarat native Domingo has experienced a resurgence in his boxing career. Winning 10 of his last 11 fights, while earning the respect of boxing enthusiasts for his talents inside the ring, Domingo is chomping at the bit to get his career to that next level.
In early 2010, Domingo was lined up to challenge Fernando Montiel for his WBO bantamweight belt, but was turned down by the former Mexican champion's camp, opting to take on the hapless Ciso Morales instead during Pinoy Power 3 in Las Vegas on February that year. The reason why Domingo was turned down, goes without saying.
Domingo is a tough fight for anyone around 118-122, and tonight at the Makati Coliseum, former WBA interim flyweight champion Drian Francisco (20-1-1, 16 KOs) will have his "golden fists" full in a 10-round all-Filipino showdown to be fought at a catchweight of 120.
Already touted as a Fight of the Year candidate, Domingo is confident with his chances coming into tonight's fight. "I am confident with my fight against Drian. I know my abilities. I know the capability of my punches. I have nothing to fear," Domingo told me last Wednesday during the final press conference of the fight card dubbed "Pinoy Warriors".
Domingo is also considering this one of the most important fights of his career, as he continues his quest for respect. "That's why I'm still in boxing. I want to prove to the people that I can become a World Champion," Domingo added. Some of Domingo's notable fights include his upset win over the undefeated Miguel Roman in August of 2007 during the Philippines vs. Mexico World Cup of Boxing card promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in Sacramento, California and his second round KO victory over Luis Melendez in May of 2010.
Domingo's trainer Edito Villamor also likes their chances against Francisco tonight. "We have a big chance. Francisco can get wild at times, while Domingo is a compact and closed fighter. Francisco is a former world champion, and this is going to be a good fight," Villamor told me. "We prepared long and hard for this fight. This will be a good opportunity for Domingo to raise his name and earn the respect of boxing fans."
Regardless of the outcome, Francisco vs. Domingo definitely promises to be one for the ages. It's not everyday when you get to see two of the best Filipino boxers in their primes and with a lot to prove. Get your popcorns-- or better yet in these parts -- your 'kropeks' and 'pritong mani' ready.