Buboy is so sure of bantamweight Ernel Fontanilla’s potential that he pushed for his US visa application. Pacquiao’s Los Angeles-based assistant Joe Ramos, who’s in town, vouched for Fontanilla in a recent appearance at the US Embassy and said he would take care of his living expenses. The application was in line with Fontanilla’s plan to train at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. The other day, Fontanilla’s passport was stamped with a visa, good for a three-month stay in the US.
Fontanilla, 24, is from Saranggani province, right next to General Santos City which is Pacquiao’s hometown. A former Palarong Pambansa medalist, Fontanilla turned pro in April 2002 and has since compiled a 7-3 record, with five KOs. What’s remarkable about Fontanilla’s record is four of his five KOs came in the first round.
"Slugger siya, like Manny, at may lakas," said Buboy in a phone conversation from his Bicol home. "But right-handed siya, hindi kaliwete. Natural ang kanyang lakas, kagaya ni Manny."
Since Ramos expects to stay in Manila to coordinate Pacquiao’s fight against Oscar Larios at the Araneta Coliseum in June or July, Fontanilla will stay in Edward Lara’s home in Los Angeles. Lara is one of Pacquiao’s "L. A. Boys," his support group of Filipinos living in Los Angeles.
Buboy said Fontanilla might be given a slot in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Larios mainer to showcase his skills.
"Kailangan ng kaunting build-up but hindi natin pipiliin ang kanyang kalaban," said Buboy. "Titingnan natin kung may potential ang bata at kung kaya niyang maging bagong Manny Pacquiao."
Fontanilla has fought all over the country in his brief career–in Cebu, General Santos City, Mandaluyong, Taguig, Koronadal, Binangonan and Benguet. He’s coming off a first round disposal of Tata Polinar. His three losses were all on points–to Ian Bostos on a unanimous decision, Glen Porras on a majority decision and Edgar Gabejan on a split decision.
Fontanilla is now fighting eight-rounders. He has yet to make his debut as a main eventer.
Fontanilla’s younger brother Ernesto is also a pro. Ernesto, 23, is a lanky 5-7 1/2 superflyweight with a 3-1-1 record, including two KOs. But in his last outing, he was stopped by Efren Huesca in the first round in Pasig.
The Fontanillas are training at the L&M Gym in Sampaloc.
Buboy said he plans to go to Cebu next week to help out Jimrex Jaca in training for his crack at the Oriental superfeatherweight title in Japan. Jaca takes on World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 5 contender Nobuhito Honmo for the crown vacated by Randy Suico on May 20 in the undercard of WBC minimumweight champion Eagle Kyowa’s title defense against Rodel Mayol.
Jaca’s manager Rex (Wakee) Salud said he is charge of assembling the undercard of the Pacquiao-Larios fight. Salud named Suico, Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista, Jaca and Pacquiao’s brother Bobby as candidates to see action in the supporting bouts.
Salud said a plan to stage a rematch between Bobby and former world champion Carlos (Famoso) Hernandez was scuttled because of a disagreement on the purses. Bobby was paid $90,000 in the first match and should get more in the return fight, particularly since he beat Hernandez.
Another plan to pit Bobby against Marco Antonio Barrera fizzled out.
Another Manny ... From A-30
Apparently, Bernard Cloma–who arranged the tour for Pacquiao, his family and friends–created a scene at the airport, dropping names of prominent individuals and acting as if in the fighter’s behalf.
"Cloma is not a member of Team Pacquiao and whatever he did at the airport, he did on his own," said Pineda who was clearly peeved. "He had no business saying what he said and doing what he did."
Pineda said when Pacquiao woke up that morning, his fever was back and he thought of canceling the trip.
"But when Manny saw the look in the faces of his two sons, he didn’t have the heart to cancel it," related Pineda. ’The kids would’ve been so disappointed. In the end, Manny decided to go through with it, fever or no fever."
Pacquiao, his wife Jinkee and their two sons were accompanied in the trip by Jinkee’s mother, her two sisters, assistant Joe Ramos and his wife Joanna and consultant Jayke Joson and his wife Tricia. Pineda and his wife Macy begged off from leaving with the group to attend to business matters but are booked to fly to Hong Kong tonight.
"Manny called to ask if I could relay to media and the people concerned his apologies," said Pineda. "He wasn’t his usual self because he was feverish. He arrived at the airport late because of the traffic and his last-minute decision to push through with the trip. Manny has traveled all over the world and knows no flight can be delayed for anyone. He was prepared to take a later flight if he didn’t come on time."
Pineda said Pacquiao particularly mentioned he would never drop Philippine Airlines chairman Lucio Tan’s name. "He’ll never do that because he respects Mr. Tan too much," continued Pineda.
As for Pacquiao’s non-appearance in court last Monday, Pineda said his presence was not required and besides, he was represented by his lawyer. ’There was no intention to disrespect the court," explained Pineda. ’The fact that his lawyer attended the hearing is an indication of his respect for the court."