New foe for Balweg

WBC International superbantamweight champion Balweg Bangoyan of Caburan, Davao del Sur, won’t be facing Belfast’s Wayne McCullough in the first defense of his title at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on May 1 after all.

Bangoyan’s manager Mayor Zander Khan of Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur, said the other day McCullough backed out of the bout and the new challenger is dangerous Alejandro Perez, an American of Mexican descent.

Perez, 22, has a 13-1-1 record, with eight KOs. His only loss was a split eight-round decision to Adolfo Landeros last June. He’s coming off a first round knockout win over Victor Martinez. One of Perez’ victims was Torrence Daniels who was stopped by Bernabe Concepcion in two rounds last year.

McCullough, 38, would’ve fought Bangoyan the night before Manny Pacquiao’s appointment with Ricky Hatton. Now, he’s calling on WBA champion Bernard Dunne, also an Irishman, to face him.

“I’ve had dozens of emails from our fans saying we need to fight as it would be the biggest event in Irish history,” McCullough told Dunne in an open letter. “Let’s get it done. I don’t have a promoter so the fight can be made easily – if you and your team want it. I’m an over-the-hill old man so I’m not going to be much of a threat to you.”

McCullough is nearly 10 years older than Dunne. The 5-7 brawler has lost his last three outings and is now a Las Vegas resident working for the UFC in public relations. Because of his experience, he would’ve been a tough test for Bangoyan.

Now, Bangoyan has to deal with Perez who’s definitely no slouch. Khan said he could be the next Pacquiao but that remains to be seen. Bangoyan hasn’t fought since wresting the WBC International crown from Sande Otieno on a technical decision in Davao City last October. His record is 13-0, with six KOs.

NCRFA (National Capital Region Football Association) head Pocholo Borromeo said yesterday he welcomes PFF (Philippine Football Association) president Jose Mari Martinez’ dare for his critics to meet him in a public forum with media as witness.

Barely surviving a move to oust him in the PFF Congress last month, Martinez challenged his detractors to come out in the open and air their grievances which he promised to shoot down, point by point.

“I daresay many will take him up in a showdown,” said Borromeo whose son Aly plays for the national team. “Many, too many, personages deep in Philippine football accept Mari’s invitation to sit down with his critics before the media. So many have contacted me to please convey to Mari to choose the time and place for the meeting.”

Borromeo said Martinez’ dare has stirred a hornet’s nest.

“More and more football diehards want to take up Mari’s invitation,” continued Borromeo. “In legal parlance, there was an offer and there is acceptance. You have the floor. The scoop. All his talk, all his posturing. And now, reality bites. Let’s get ready to find the truth and justice for Philippine football.”

Borromeo shared this text he received from a PFF critic - “I personally would take the challenge and let media be the judge or moderator. Please show the article to (Ricky) Palou – now Mari is taking credit for the UAAP. Also, dare Mari to come up with names and proof that our group tried to embarrass him during the Blatter and Hammam visits for the opening of the new House of Football.”

Clearly, the ranks are divided in Philippine football. Martinez said he wants to settle differences once and for all in a public forum. His critics don’t mind an open confrontation.

The ball is in Martinez’ court.

* * *

The Clear Men Future League has been launched and from all indications, it’s destined to be a rousing success. Waffle Marketing’s Auty Villarama calls it the most promising basketball tournament this summer.

Clear Men, a Unilever active sport anti-dandruff shampoo, is the title sponsor of the league which will bring the top two teams from five legs to Manila for the grand championships on May 5.

Hosting the five legs are Cebu for the Visayas on March 31-April 1, Davao City for Mindanao on April 2-4, Biñan for Southern Luzon on April 20-24, Metro Manila for NCR on April 26-28 and Baguio City for Northern Luzon on May 1-3. Champions in each leg will receive P100,000 with the second placers pocketing P50,000. The top two finishers gain an all-expense-paid trip to Manila for the grand finals where the first prize is P200,000.

Only 60 teams will be accommodated in each leg. Registration is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. The tournament is open for all men from ages 18 to 30.

Villarama said in the Manila finals, the teams from each leg will participate in different Skills Challenge events to test a player’s skills, athletic ability, grit, determination and will. Winners of the challenges will be given special privileges such as choosing an opponent for the next round of play.

Solar’s Basketball TV channel and CS9 will produce a 13-episode special on the league to start airing in June. Villarama said the special will not only show game highlights but also delve into the lives of the players.

“Expect a different perspective of the game that is guaranteed to be the first of its kind,” continued Villarama. “It’s a legitimate league that captures the drama of a true basketball player, whether a corporate player, a collegiate player or an out of school player. They will all be given the chance and their own bragging rights to express themselves in a sport that Filipinos love. A clear mind is a clean game.”

A registration fee of P6,000 will entitle a team to six reversible jerseys. For details, call Waffle Marketing at 894-5425 or visit the office at 219 Narra Building, Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati. To join and register, log on to www.btv.com.ph.