WBC exec tracks Pinoy pugs - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

MEXICO CITY — World Boxing Council (WBC) Executive Secretary Eduardo Lamazon described Filipino fighters as "courageous warriors" and hailed Flash Elorde, Rene Barrientos, and Pedro Adigue as great champions of the past in a recent interview here.

Lamazon, the WBC Ratings Committee secretary, is the governing body’s workhorse and de facto chief operating officer. He was invited by WBC President Jose Sulaiman to join the organization over 20 years ago. Lamazon, then 23, left his native Argentina to work with Sulaiman in Mexico.

Lamazon said he is aware that no Filipino reigns as world champion today although there are several Filipino WBC International titlists, like Manny Pacquiao and Gerry Penalosa.

"That’s boxing," said Lamazon at the WBC office on the fifth floor of a building in the heart of the city’s tourist district. "There are only 17 world titles. Sometimes, you’re up, sometimes, you’re down. I am in constant contact with Mr. (Dominador) Cepeda (Games and Amusements Board Chairman) and Mr. (Noli) Flores who is a member of our Ratings Committee. They keep me posted on what’s going on in Philippine boxing."

Lamazon, 45, said Pacquiao is rated No. 3 in the superbantamweight division and in line for a title shot. "I have seen Pacquiao on tape — he is an exciting fighter," continued Lamazon. "After (Willie) Jorrin defends against (Michael) Brodie on June 1, the winner will probably fight (Oscar) Larios who has protested his loss to Jorrin. Then, Pacquiao will get his chance."

Lamazon said he is closely watching the progress of highly-rated Filipino fighters like Tiger Ari, Jess Maca, Pacquiao, Penalosa, Malcolm Tunacao and Randy Suico.

Lamazon said he hopes to see Filipino world champions enjoying long reigns. He hinted that some Filipino fighters lack consistency because they are poorly trained and unaware of the importance of a healthy diet.

Regarding Tunacao, Lamazon said he was informed that the former flyweight champion had weight problems in his last defense and that’s why he lost. "It’s impossible that he could get a chance to regain his title soon," he added.

Lamazon said he has special place in his heart for Filipinos. "I have many Filipino friends, like (former WBC Secretary-General) Rudy Salud and (referee) Bruce MacTavish," he said. "What I like about Filipinos is they are open and sincere. Even if you meet them for the first time, it’s like you’ve been close friends for years."

Turning the tables, Lamazon asked me what the future holds for Philippine boxing. I said it is undergoing a revival — thanks to the efforts of President Arroyo and supporters like San Miguel Corp. Chairman Eduardo (Danding) Cojuangco Jr., Salud, Tony Aldeguer, and the Elorde family. I noted that a top Filipino prospect is unbeaten minimumweight Rodel Mayol of Cebu. Lamazon scribbled Mayol’s name on his notebook and said he would track his development.

Sports was always a passion for Lamazon and boxing is his first love. When he was 10, he used to arrange the 3,000 seats neatly around ringside for every fight card in his hometown. Because his father was the president of an Argentinian sports club, Lamazon grew up with athletes. He became a sportswriter, a commentator for radio and TV, and a chronicler of boxing events around the world — before he turned 20.

"It was difficult in those days without a computer," he recounted. "I used to type out boxing records of fighters from all over the world. I wrote letters to boxing people everywhere for results. Eventually, I was involved with the Argentinian boxing commission and Mr. Sulaiman got to know about my work."

Lamazon is well-known in fistic circles for his integrity, sincerity, and uncompromising principles, especially when it comes to dealing with sleazy promoters. A journalism graduate, Lamazon said the WBC is considered the world’s most prestigious boxing body because "it cares for fighters, it is democratic, it is represented by nine federations — not just people but organizations, it is fair, and it is well-informed."

Would he consider succeeding Sulaiman as WBC president?

"I am not a politician," replied Lamazon. "I am happy where I am — working behind the scenes. Mr. Sulaiman has been president since 1975 and will be 72 when he retires. There are many competent candidates like our present Secretary-General Mario Latraverse and Mr. Sulaiman’s son Mauricio although I believe he is still too young to become president."

Lamazon said Roberto Duran was the best fighter he’s ever seen. "He fought from bantamweight to lightheavyweight," he noted. "Duran fought the best. In fact, the best fight I ever saw was Duran’s first bout against Sugar Ray Leonard in Montreal. Among Mexican fighters, I believe Julio Cesar Chavez was the best. One of my most unforgettable experiences was when Chavez fought Greg Haugen before over 130,000 fans at the Azteca stadium in Mexico City."

Lamazon, a wine connoisseur who owns an Argentine restaurant here, dabbled in motorcycle racing in his teens but gave it up to concentrate on making a living as a journalist and commentator. He was only 17 when his father died and has since taken care of his mother and brother. Lamazon is one of Mexico’s most eligible bachelors. He drives fire-engine red Chevrolet Grand Prix sports car and is often seen with show biz celebrities in social gatherings.

Lamazon said the WBC is staging its next annual convention in Jakarta in November. A main item in the agenda is a discussion on the rash of ring deaths in Indonesia. "We’ve dramatically reduced the incidence of deaths and injuries around the world and we’re wondering why in Indonesia, there have been recent cases so we’re conducting a medical seminar to address the problem," he said.

I‘d never met Lamazon before although I’ve heard a lot of good things about him from Salud, Cepeda, Flores, McTavish, and boxing judge Vic Rodriguez. Now that I’ve met him, I’m convinced he’s a big reason why Sulaiman has been able to establish the WBC as the premier fight body in the world.

Postscript. Sincere thanks to Myrna Strabinsky and Jose Luis for the trouble of taking us around the city and to the WBC — Messrs. Sulaiman and Lamazon — for the gracious hospitality.