Gorres laughs off Montiel's threat

Cebuano boxing sensation Z "The Dream" Gorres just laughed at Fernando Montiel's brash claim that he won't get past the first round against the Mexican champion.

Gorres (26-1-1, 14KOs) is set to challenge Montiel (32-2-1, 24KOs) in a scheduled 12-round war for the WBO super flyweight title topbilling the hotly-anticipated "Moment of Truth" triple championship card this Saturday at the Cebu City Sports Center.

"I laughed when I heard Montiel threaten to knock me out in the first round. I know he can't do it because I've trained and prepared so hard for this biggest fight in my career," said Gorres after paying a courtesy call on Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo "Teddy" Z. Ouano.

With Gorres at the Mandaue City Hall yesterday morning were his manager Michael Aldeguer, and trainers Edito 'ALA' Villamor and Tony Martin.

"Maybe it's his psy-war in trying to scare me off. But why should I? Montiel is the one who is coming here so he's the one who should be afraid," added a confident Gorres.

Gorres said he is ready to slug it out toe-to-toe with Montiel and that he won't hesitate to floor the visitor from Los Mochis, Mexico if opportunity presents itself.

"I've been in the best shape of my life. I've never been this ready before. If there's a chance, I will try to knock him out. It's going to be a great fight out there" said Gorres. "To all the Cebuanos, especially my fans, I hope you will come and support me because on that big day you will see the real Z Gorres."

"That is really our hope to show to everyone who the real Z Gorres is," echoed Michael Aldeguer.

Gorres and Montiel are expected to further trade barbs in the final news conference of the multi-million show at 12 noon today at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Brgy. Lahug. Also set to attend are the other main protagonists of the mammoth card led by Boholano ring phenomenon Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista and the pride of Sibulan, Negros Oriental Jimrex "The Executioner" Jaca.

Bautista (21-0, 16KOs) will take on Mexican Marino Gonzales, Jr. (29-8, 15KOs) for the vacant WBO Intercontinental and WBO Youth super bantamweight titles, while Jaca (27-3-1, 12KOs) will challenge defending Indonesian champion Simson Butar-Butar (15-5-1, 11KOs) for the WBO Asia Pacific super featherweight crown.

Initially, Bautista was slated to take on WBC Latino titlist Feider Viloria, but the Colombian warrior couldn't make it to the country due to visa problems.

Television giant ABS-CBN will air the mammoth event presented by SGG Sports Promotions of well-known promoter Sammy Gello-ani in partnership with the Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions, ALA Boxing Gym and the city government of Cebu.