Gorres, Amonsot to battle Mexican foes in US today

ALA Boxing Gym standouts Z "The Dream" Gorres and Czar Amonsot hope to wave the Philippine flag in a blaze of glory once again on the US soil as they take on separate Mexican foes in a pair of non-title bouts today at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The WBO ranked No.4 and IBF No.9 super flyweight contender Gorres goes up against Jose Alfredo Tirado, while reigning WBO Asia Pacific super featherweight champion Amonsot clashes with last minute replacement Christian Favela.

During yesterday's official weigh-in, Gorres scaled in at 116 pounds, half a pound heavier than Tirado. Amonsot tipped in at 133.5 pounds, while Favela checked in a pound over the weight limit.

In an e-mail to The Freeman, ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor said that matchmaker Jimmy Montoya allowed a one-pound allowance for Favela as the Mexican could no longer shed excess baggage after reducing two pounds earlier.

Aside from Gorres and Amonsot, international promoter Sammy Gello-ani was in attendance on behalf of ALA manager Antonio "Bidoy" L. Aldeguer, who opted to stay in Cebu to work on Gorres' forthcoming OPBF championship fight against Thai Waenpetch Chuwatana on March 18 at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

Tony Martin, who will assist Freddie Roach and Edito Villamor in the corner of Gorres and Amonsot, American business manager Michael Koncz, and WBO AsaPac bantamweight champion Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista were also on hand to lend moral support to Gorres and Amonsot.

Gorres, sporting a 21-1-1 win-loss-draw record spiked with 12KOs, will fight for the second time in the United States. In his US debut, Gorres scored a first round knockout of Fil-Am Glenn Donaire underneath the Pacquiao-Morales I on March 25 last year.

Gorres is riding on a nine-game win streak since absorbing his first and lone defeat so far by ninth round stoppage to Edgar Rodrigo that cost him his RP flyweight belt on June 1, 2003.

Although the heavy favorite, Gorres must be extra cautious as Tirado reportedly holds a 24-8 win-loss card packed with 19KOs.

Amonsot, on the other hand, is making his maiden ring appearance in the US.

Like Gorres, Amonsot only has one defeat in 15 pro fights that include 10 wins via short distance and one draw.

Although a late substitute, Amonsot's opponent Favela couldn't be taken lightly as the Los Angeles-based Mexican is a tough fighter who has never been stopped.

All of Favela's losses were by decision and he has gone 12 rounds three times in his losing effort for the WBO Inter-Continental, WBC Continental, and Mexican featherweight titles.

Overall, Favela compiled a record of 11 wins - eight by knockout - 9 losses, and 4 draws in his seven-year pro career.