By Carlos Costa
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu - Former world champion Rodel Mayol won a hard fought 10 rounds unanimous decision over fellow countryman Jayson Rotoni (12-10-1, 7KO's) last night at the Mandaue Sports Complex in Cebu, Philippines, and wishes to challenge Mexican puncher Hernan "Tyson" Marquez.
Last night's fight was planned for Mayol to look great before the TV cameras in his hometown of Mandaue in Cebu. But his opponent third level boxer Jayson Rotoni, who has lost 7 of his last 9 bouts, revealed that Mayol needs an excellent preparation if he really wishes to face knockout artist Hernan Marquez, the current WBA world flyweight champion
The official scorecards from the ringside judges gave a verdict of 98-92 (twice) and 99-91 in favor of Mayol, who no question won the clash. However, the action above the ring were more close than what the cold numbers tell us as Rotoni had good moments in which he strongly connected his blows on the head of the former WBC light flyweight champion, who at one instance in the early rounds almost fell to the canvas.
Obviously, Mayol's experience made him get away with the victory last night.
Still, Mayol's handlers at MP Promotions would like to see his kid disputing the flyweight belt with champion Tyson Marquez in one of the preliminary bouts of the Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez III this coming November in Las Vegas.
Certainly, Mayol, who did not demonstrated the world class capability which was expected of him weighted 51.71 kilos (114 lbs) for this fight against Rotoni who indeed showed no fear of the former world champion.
In contrast, Mayol's possible next opponent, Mexican world champion "Tyson" Marquez (31-2, 24KO's) looked flawless in his performances this year.
In his last combat a month ago, "Tyson" destroyed Filipino Edrin Dapudong in three rounds in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Before that victory, Tyson Marquez claimed the world crown by winning a dramatic war over dangerous puncher Panamanian Luis "El Nica" Concepcion (22-2, 17KO's) last April at the Arena Roberto Duran in Panama.
Rodel Mayol's performance before a hometown crowd created more questions than assurances on his current capabilities.
Is the 31-year-old Mayol still a threat to be reckoned with among the top flyweight warriors in the world?
One thing is sure: if he does not wish to follow the same fate of his kababayan Edrin Dapudong, Mayol needs an intense physical and tactical training that will enable him to battle Marquez or any other world rated flyweight fighter.
Mayol's fight was organized by promoter two-division world champion Gerry Peñalosa who today celebrates his 39th birthday. Happy birthday Gerry.