By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Without a doubt Gabriel “Flash” Elorde was not merely one of the greatest Filipino world boxing champions but an exemplary human being who richly deserves our remembering – not just for those who knew him, loved him and enjoyed his performances in the ring but for the younger generation to whom he is just a name.
March 16, 2010 will mark the 50th anniversary of Elorde’s spectacular 7th round knockout victory in a scheduled 15 round bout for the world junior lightweight title at the famed Araneta Coliseum, the acknowledged “Mecca of Philippine Sports and Entertainment.”
Viva Sports is working with the Elorde family to pay a fitting tribute to one of the greatest Filipino champions of all-time who, on the 20th anniversary of the World Boxing Council was named the best junior lightweight along with the late Alexis Arguello in an awards dinner in New York.
We joined members of the Elorde family led by the matriarch of the clan, Laura Elorde, daughter of the “Grand Old Man” of Philippine boxing Lope “Papa” Sarreal, and the children of Flash and Laura as well as their numerous grandchildren, boxers of the Elorde gym and the sisters of Saint Rita where Elorde built a chapel that stands as a monument to his love of God and his innate religiosity on Saturday morning to mark the 25th anniversary of his passing.
It is an annual ritual that is telling in its simplicity but serves as an occasion to reflect on a truly quintessential Filipino sportsman whose life touched so many in a quiet but caring fashion.
After the Mass the small gathering sat down for a simple breakfast which was in itself reflective of the simple lifestyle of Elorde and exchanged fond memories of the man and some truly memorable moments.
We recalled how the sisters of Saint Rita used to gather around radio listening to the coverage of Elorde’s fights by us on radio station dzHP, “The Sound of the City” while praying the rosary.
The late Sister Theresa who listened to the coverage from Madison Square Garden in November 1965 used to recall that when Elorde was knocked out by Puerto Rican lightweight champion Carlos Ortiz she thanked God for the fact that maybe Elorde would never have to fight again.
Elorde hung up his gloves after dropping a ten round decision to Hiroyuki Murakami on May 20, 1971 in Tokyo and ended his career with a record of 88-27-2 with 33 knockouts.
