Pinoy bids for WBF title in London

It’s a chance of a lifetime for former Philippine lightflyweight boxing champion Celso Danggod.

The Filipino fighter left for London yesterday with manager Dante Almario and fight coordinator Allan Vidal in quest of the World Boxing Federation (WBF) flyweight title. Danggod battles Damaen Kelly of Belfast at the Excel Exhibition Centre in the English capital for the vacant throne on May 21.

Almario, a Muntinlupa councilor, told The STAR yesterday he’s optimistic of Danggod’s chances. "We’ll go for an early knockout," he said. "Kelly is a dancing master so we’ll slow him down with body punches. We’ll attack from the opening bell."

Danggod surrendered his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific lightflyweight crown to accept a $3,000 offer for the opportunity to face Kelly.

Four Filipinos fought for world titles so far this year. None succeeded. First to fall was Melvin Magramo who was stopped in the seventh round by Hawk Makepula in an International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight title bout in London last Jan. 26. Then, Joma Gamboa lost a decision to World Boxing Association (WBA) minimumweight titlist Keitaro Hoshino in Yokohama last Jan. 29. Tiger Ari’s turn came next and he was knocked out by Cassius Baloyi in the sixth round in Carnival City, South Africa, last April 17. Two days later, Alfred Bulala was outpointed by WBF superflyweight ruler Samson Kratingdaeng-Gym in Khonkaen, Thailand.

Almario said Danggod has trained long and hard for Kelly. The banger from Zamboanga has sparred over 80 rounds with the likes of visiting WBC lightflyweight champion Yo Sam Choi of Korea and stablemate Jeffrey Onate, a featherweight.

Danggod is a brawler who likes to go toe-to-toe. He rarely jabs because he fights like a raging bull. Kelly will no doubt try to keep Danggod at bay with jabs.

Almario said Danggod isn’t a stranger to fighting on hostile soil. Thrice, he fought in Thailand and twice, he held Pan Asia Boxing Association (PABA) lightflyweight champion Deeden Kengkarun to split draws in fights which Almario insisted, he should’ve won clearly on points.

Almario described Danggod a rarity in the boxing world. "Walang bisyo, family man," he said. "Bahay, insayo, bahay–’yan ang kanyang routine. Hard worker, disciplined, matapang."

Danggod turns 27 a week after the fight. His wife Melba manages a billiard hall that Almario owns in Muntinlupa. The couple has two children, a 3-year-old boy and a 1-year-old daughter.

Almario’s stable consists only of Danggod, Onate, and unbeaten flyweight Junjun Gagante. He signed up Danggod six years ago and provides a house for his family. Danggod turned pro in 1993 and has a record of 25-13-11, with 12 KOs.

Kelly, 28, is a stylish ring cutie. He’s a former IBO flyweight champion. His record is 16-1, with eight KOs. Last January, Kelly poleaxed trialhorse Simphewe Xabendlini with a left to the chin in the first round in Coventry but not before suffering a nasty cut over his right eye due to an accidental butt. The cut took six stitches to close.