Montano apologizes for crying Wolff

Actor Cesar Montano told Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) vice president for marketing Irving Lisondra the other day he has extended the olive branch to Andrew Wolff but wouldn’t mind fighting the 6-2 model if he scales down to 190 pounds.

Montano went berserk at ringside when his brother Rommel was stopped by Wolff in their three-round celebrity boxing bout at the Aliw Theater on Roxas Boulevard last Sunday.

Wolff was chased out of the theater by Montano and his friends who obviously didn’t like the way Rommel was manhandled in the ring. Fans were horrified as chairs were waylaid in the commotion. Wolff managed to escape his pursuers and sought refuge at a police outpost in Star City then after filing a report on the blotter, fled for home in a taxi—wearing only his boxing shorts and boxing gloves.

Lisondra said he phoned Montano the next day to ask what triggered the near free-for-all.

"Cesar was very apologetic," said Lisondra. "He admitted he got carried away. He flared up because Andrew did more wrestling than boxing and didn’t fight according to the rules. Kawawa naman daw si Rommel at nabugbog tuloy. He even got hit when he was down. But that’s all in the past. Cesar has phoned Andrew to congratulate him for the win."

But Montano told Lisondra he’s willing to take on Andrew, who weighed 200 pounds for the fight, if he trims down to 190. Montano didn’t mention how much he weighs—one thing for sure, he’s solidly built.

Lisondra said he’ll gladly arrange a rematch between Rommel and Wolff if both parties agree.

Cesar said if a rematch is in the works, he’d like at least a two month notice so Rommel can properly prepare for it.

"Cesar also wants a meeting before the rematch so that Andrew can be briefed on the rules," continued Lisondra. "I mentioned to Cesar that he might want to fight on the same card, maybe against someone in his weight class, like Robin Padilla. He’s open to it."

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As for Wolff, Lisondra said he filed a report on the police blotter for his own protection, not because he plans to sue Cesar.

"Andrew knows how to fight and he’s willing to meet Rommel in a rematch or even Cesar if they can agree on a weight limit," said Lisondra. "But he was right in not fighting Cesar and his friends at ringside because that would’ve triggered a riot."

Despite the ruckus, Lisondra said MBC’s first indoor sporting event was a big success.

"We’ve been immersed in radio for decades," said Lisondra. "Now, we’re moving into TV. We call it evolution. We’re still in the learning stage. Our account executives are used to selling for radio so selling for TV is something new."

Lisondra said the interest generated by last Sunday’s event was encouraging.

"Fans want to see a rematch not only between Rommel and Andrew but also between Christian (Vazquez) and Paolo (Paraiso)," said Lisondra. "Next time, we might have more celebrity than professional fights."

Vazquez stopped Paraiso in one round of their celebrity match last Sunday. Paraiso took a standing eight-count before referee Ver Abainza stopped the contest.

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Matchmaker Jun Sarreal, who organized the card with MBC, said he wasn’t surprised that Thai invader Wanmeechok Singwangcha won by knockout over Edgar Rodrigo in the main event. Wanmeechok was paid $2,000 for the fight and Rodrigo, P30,000.

"I don’t think Rodrigo trained enough," said Sarreal. "I knew Wanmeechok wasn’t a patsy. I don’t like bringing in easy opponents. I remember many years ago, I brought in Thanomchit of Thailand to fight world-rated local boy San Sacristan. Thanomchit won by knockout."

Sarreal said finding a worthy Filipino opponent for Wanmeechok is a challenge but he’ll work on it if there’s a sequel to last Sunday’s event.

Sarreal said his boxing gym, to be named in honor of his Hall of Fame father Lope (Papa) Sarreal, Sr., is now 70 percent finished and will be launched in October. Celebrities like the Montano brothers, Polo Ravales and Francis Magalona will be invited to train in the new gym.