Pinoy Pride 8, Confident Mexicans vow 3-0 sweep

CEBU, Philippines - Fed up from hearing stories about their countrymen getting beaten up in the Philippines, the three Mexican warriors boldly declared yesterday they came here on a mission and that is no less than to prove that their race is greater than the Filipino boxers.

Former world title challenger Francisco “Chiquita” Rosas, knockout artist Rosbel “Lobito” Montoya and veteran Gerson “El Nene” Guerrero are all brimming with confidence that they can score a 3-0 sweep against the ALA Boxing Gym fighters in the highly-anticipated "Pinoy Pride 8: Philippines vs. Mexico" fight card this Saturday night at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Rosas (22-8, 13KOs), who will take on the undefeated Milan “El Metodico” Melindo (24-0, 8KOs) for the vacant WBO Intercontinental flyweight title, firmly believes that all of them will go home to Mexico victorious.

“We are not fighting for ourselves, we will fight as one and I can say that this Saturday it’s going to be a sweep for Mexico ,” said Rosas in a press conference at Maya Mexican Restaurant. “Watch out Philippines because we will surprise all of you.”

The 31-year-old Mexican said he is not impressed with Melindo's unbeaten record, even warning the ALA mainstay that he has never been hurt in his entire career.

“I have never been hurt in a fight and if Melindo is good then why is he not the world champion now?” added Rosas.

On the other end, a little confusion was felt by Cebu media as light welterweight Montoya, who is the opponent of Jason “El Niño” Pagara (27-1, 16KOs), corrected his record to 34 wins, 29 by way of knockout, with four losses, which is very far from the one published that is 12 wins, 11 by knockout, and four defeats.

This will put Pagara on probably the most difficult fight of his carrer. “Karon lang mi nakabaw, big test gyud ni ni Pagara. tan-awon lang nato ani nig Sabado,” said ALA Vice-President Dennis Cañete.

For his part, Guerrero (37-8, 29KOs) clarified that he is not belittling his opponent even if he is a veteran and has fought with great fighters all over the world. Guerrero will clash with undefeated ALA prospect Genesis Servania (14-0, 5KOs).

“I trained hard. I have advantage in experience, but I never underestimate my opponent,” he said.

Before the big night, the three Mexican warriors will have their first public appearance through a public workout this afternoon at the Pacific Mall (former Super Metro Mandaue). - THE FREEMAN