Family feud

Big-time boxing returns to the Ynares Center in Antipolo as Philippine superfeatherweight boxing champion Alberto (Bobby) Pacquiao stakes his crown against challenger Baby Lorona Jr. in a grudge rubber match tomorrow night.

They don’t like each other, that’s for sure, and fight fans know it. There’s bad blood waiting to be spilled in the ring. Pacquiao can’t stand the sight of Lorona who shamed him before a huge crowd at the Luneta last March. Lorona scored a convincing seventh round stoppage. That was their second meeting–Pacquiao won the first on points three months earlier.

Of course, you know that Bobby’s older brother is Manny Pacquiao, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) superbantamweight titlist. Since Bobby turned pro in 1997, Manny has been on his back—trying to build up the confidence that his kid brother sorely lacked in his early years in the ring. Unfortunately, courage isn’t contagious. Manny’s heart is just so much bigger than Bobby’s.

But while Bobby isn’t as tough as his brother, he at least tries to be. Before bowing to Lorona two months ago, Bobby racked up six straight wins in a fiery surge that kindled hopes of following in his big brother’s footsteps. Then came the debacle—Lorona decked Bobby with body shots and the curtains went down on Bobby.

Bobby, 23, has lost five bouts by knockout, one of which he reversed in a rematch. He was stopped by Isagani Perez in one, Raffy Aladi in two, Dino Olivetti in seven, Jimrex Jaca in one, and Lorona. It’s not Bobby’s chin that makes him so vulnerable. It’s his midsection. Bobby can’t take a solid shot to the breadbasket.

Bobby, however, packs a lot of power in both fists. That’s in the blood. Bobby’s power makes him a dangerous proposition, no matter whom he’s up against. In June last year, Bobby came from behind to halt Renato Intal in the 11th round to wrest the Philippine 130-pound title. When it seemed like Bobby would fold up in the late going, he got a scolding from Manny in his corner and that lit up the fire in his belly. Bobby loaded up, went for the kill, and Intal was never the same again.

Lorona, 25, was once the Philippine featherweight champion. He, too, has family roots in boxing. His father Baby, Sr. was a former Philippine flyweight titleholder. His two brothers were former pros.

Two years ago, Lorona flew to the US and tried his luck in Stateside rings. Alas, his showing was disastrous. He was stopped by Juan Manuel Marquez, now the IBF featherweight ruler, in two in Reno and lost to Hector Acero Sanchez on points in Miami. The twin setbacks convinced Lorona to hightail back home. Since his return, Lorona hasn’t been too lucky–until the Bobby rematch.

Lorona had dropped four of his last five bouts when he rediscovered himself in knocking out Bobby last March.

So their third encounter should settle things once and for all. When Lorona won at the Luneta, Pacquiao’s title wasn’t on the line. Tomorrow, it’ll be up for grabs.

Manny’s due to depart for the US in two weeks–he’s getting ready for his July 26 defense against Emmanuel Lucero in Los Angeles. He’d like nothing better than to leave Bobby behind with his Philippine title intact.

There’s another Philippine championship fight in promoter Bebot Elorde’s card at Antipolo. Rugged featherweight king Jeffrey Onate makes his first title defense against Dante (Chow King) Paulino in a 12-rounder. Onate is as tough as nails–in his book, it’s either he wins or loses by knockout. That’s the way he wants it. Paulino is stepping down in weight to challenge Onate and he’s also a heavy-handed slugger.

When you’ve got a pair of brawlers duking it out, expect slam-bang action from the opening bell.

In the undercard, two promising fighters could steal the thunder from the top billers.

Unbeaten flyweight Sherwin Paro, a Tony Aldeguer protégé now fighting for Marty Elorde, faces Federico Catubay in a rematch. Last November, Paro disposed of Catubay in six. Since the setback, Catubay has won two in a row and he’s itching for payback.

Another up-and-coming beakbuster in the undercard is Roberto Rubillar whose older brothers Ernest and Juanito are world-rated. Roberto is a two-fisted prospect who’s got all the tools–he hits hard, he boxes skillfully, he has blinding handspeed, he’s quick on his feet, and his defense is solid. If Roberto doesn’t stray, he could become the world champion that his brothers still aren’t.

The Ynares Center will be rocking and rolling tomorrow night. Elorde wouldn’t have it any other way—it’s the family tradition.