By Ronnie Nathanielsz
2003 “Trainer of the Year” Freddie Roach says the Philippines is “on a roll” following the impressive victories of WBO No. 4 and OPBF No.1 super flyweight contender Z “The Dream” Gorres and WBO Asia Pacific junior lightweight champion Czar Amonsot over Mexican opponents at the Orleans Hotel & Casino, Saturday.
Gorres who was featured in the main event on the fight card staged by the prestigious Guilty Boxing Promotions scored a lopsided ten round unanimous decision over tMexican Jose Alfredo Tirado while Amonsot also scored a comfortable unanimous decision over another Mexican, hard-hitting Cristian Favela, in an eight round bout.
The victories by Gorres and Amonsot before a sell-out crowd that included many Filipinos, came two weeks after Filipino ring idol and national treasure Manny Pacquiao scored an electrifying ninth round stoppage of legendary Mexican Erik “El Terrible” Morales and one week after OPBF minimum weight champion and WBC No.1 Rodel “Batang Mandaue” Mayol scored a spectacular fourth round KO over No. 2 ranked Mexican Lorenzo Trejo in a world title eliminator in Cancun.
Viva Sports will telecast the fights of Mayol, Gorres and Amonsot on its top-rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event” on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. over RPN 9 sponsored by Tanduay, the No.1 Rhum.
Roach who worked the corner of both Gorres and Amonsot along with former Cebu resident and owner of the Vegas Gym Tony Martin as well as Filipino trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor said Gorres controlled the fight although Tirado was “tough and rugged and kept coming forward.” He said Gorres counter-punched effectively and “used his hand speed and good movement and hurt Tirado a couple of times with good combinations.”
Roach said Gorres (22-1-1, 11 KO’s) who will fight for the OPBF title against former champion Waenpeth Chuwatana on March 18 in Mandaue City “fought really well and has an excellent future.” In an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today said he had “no problems” especially because Tirado was “not that quick.” Gorres said he had to be “careful because Tirado was a very strong and tough fighter who took my best shots. He was like granite. “ He said he was worried because “whenever he threw a punch he came forward with his head.” Gorres said he was “never hurt” at any stage of the fight. All three judges scored it for Gorres by margins of 98-91 (twice) and 99-90.
Fight News reported from ringside that Gorres “a promising contender dominated his opponent for ten grueling rounds. The fight was never close as Gorres controlled the pace from the get-go, allowing his pesky right jab and stifling left to befuddle Tirado.” Boxing writer Mike Sloan said Gorres “wobbled his foe on a few occasions” but the tough Mexican “refused to budge.” Fight News said Gorres “appears to be a threat” in the super flyweight division.
Amonsot who was deducted a point for repeated low blows defeated Favela who had eight KO’s in eleven wins fairly comfortably on scorecards of 78-73, and 77-74 (twice).Roach said Amonsot was “very strong” and was particularly effective when he “throws combinations but when he throws one punch it doesn’t work.” Roach said Amonsot must curb his tendency to connect with low blows which could lead to his disqualification. He also said Amonsot was “too tense and tight” which the southpaw admitted when he spoke to us from a crowded dressing room.
Amonsot said it was “a good fight” and his opponent “hit fairly hard” but stressed he had no problems handling him. Roach said Gorres and Amonsot were :”good boys who work hard and have an excellent future.”
