Olympics of cockfighting up

The stage is set for the biggest cockfighting event of them all – the 2009 World Slasher Cup.

“This is it. This is the Olympics of cockfighting,” said George “Nene” Araneta of the five-day event that has lured over 200 distinguished entries from around the world.

The historic Araneta Coliseum plays host to the event that begins with the 2-cock qualifying on Jan. 19-20 and the 2-cock semifinals on Jan. 21-22. The finals will take place on Jan. 24.

The event was formally launched yesterday at the Gateway of the Araneta Center. In attendance were some of the greatest names, the Olympians of cockfighting.

Among them were Roger Roberts of Georgia, Ray Alexander of Alabama, Mike Formosa of Hawaii, Joe Standield of California, Speedy Gonzales of California and Jessie Sevilla of Florida, Roy Minoza and Ric Cabullos of Canada, Vic Diez of Guam, Noriaki Morita of Japan and Thomas Mishkosh of Germany.

Another four-time champion, Peping Cojuangco, the president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, graced the luncheon.

Also carrying the RP flag in the most prestigious event in cockfighting are Rudy Salud, Patrick Antonio, Ito Ynares, Biboy Enriquez, Esting Topaco, Paeng Araneta, Jun Cuello, Boyet Joson, Dicky Lim, Boy Marzo, Nene Abello, Cito Abello, Jet and Joel Fernando, Honey Yu, the Madlambayan brothers, Boy de Roca, Jesry Palmares and JV Magsaysay.

Weight limits for entries are a minimum of 1.9 kg and a maximum of 2.5 kg. Computerized blind matching will be applied for all fights that will be held under the rules of the Araneta Coliseum and the Gamefowl Division of the Games and Amusements Board. – Abac Cordero