GAB allows Torrecampo return

The only Filipino to beat Manny Pacquiao is excited to make a ring comeback at the age of 38 after a 13-year layoff.

Last week, the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) agreed to issue Rustico Torrecampo a professional boxing license on condition he fulfils the requirements set by the government agency.

GAB boxing chief Dr. Nasser Cruz said yesterday Torrecampo must be cleared by the medical section before securing his license. A training certification will also be submitted to make sure Torrecampo is fit to return to action.

“Usually, a fighter who is over 30 will be required to undergo a CT-Scan but that all depends on Dr. Raden Viernes who is in charge of our medical section,” said Dr. Cruz. “My recommendation is if he clears the requirements, Torrecampo should first fight below 10 rounds. Then, we’ll closely monitor his progress.”

Torrecampo’s manager Lito Navarro said the fighter is looking forward to staging a comeback before the year ends.

“Right now, he’s doing light training,” said Navarro. “No roadwork lately because of the rains. He weighs anywhere between 122 to 125 so I expect him to fight as a junior featherweight. He brought down his weight to 118 but I don’t think that’s his natural weight. Now, at 122 to 125, he looks more solid, more comfortable.”

Navarro, owner of the Slim and Shape fitness center in Caloocan, said he’ll support Torrecampo’s resurrection all the way.

“After the barangay elections next week, we’ll start the process of doing the GAB requirements so he can get his license,” said Navarro. “Then, he’ll start hard gymwork with his trainer Jonald Alderosa. I don’t know how far he’ll go but I’m prepared to back him up. I’ll quarter him in my rest house so he can concentrate on his training. My advice is to start him off in a six-rounder then he’ll work his way up.”

In 1996, Torrecampo dealt Pacquiao his first professional loss by scoring a third round knockout in Mandaluyong. Pacquiao was poorly trained for the fight and wore eight-ounce gloves, compared to Torrecampo’s six-ouncers, as a penalty for checking in three pounds over the weight limit.

Torrecampo failed to capitalize on his victory and in 1997, retired from the ring with a 14-8-5 record, including seven KOs. Three years ago, he stabbed truck driver Ernesto Ongkit twice with a kitchen knife in a Tondo street altercation. Ongkit was declared dead on arrival at the Tondo Medical Center. Torrecampo went into hiding in Nueva Ecija and later surfaced as police moved in with a warrant of arrest. He posted bail and is in protracted negotiations to settle with the victim’s first wife Erlinda. Last month, Torrecampo sparred four rounds with newcomer Janno Bedrijo before GAB officials in a “tryout” on promoter Elmer Anuran’s card in Muntinlupa. Wearing a headgear, he showed flashes of brilliance but lacked stamina. If there were judges to score the fight, Torrecampo would’ve won by a decision.

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First, there was the IronMan. Then came the IronKids. Now, it’s the XTERRA brand that Sunrise Events is promoting through a “Putik Pare” duathlon relay at Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, on Nov. 7.

Alaska CEO and triathlete Fred Uytengsu is the man behind Sunrise Events, the Philippine franchise holder for the IronMan, IronKids and XTERRA brands. A 1981 Southeast Asian Games silver and bronze medalist in swimming, Uytengsu is an active sportsman himself. His love for sports is a consuming passion. And his commitment to sports is exemplified by Alaska’s 25 years of participation in the PBA and Sunrise Events’ projects.

“We are honored to have the XTERRA franchise in the Philippines,” said Uytengsu. “We believe this creates opportunities for mountain bikers and trail runners, as well as conventional triathletes, to experience top quality events in the country.” Because mountain biking is a larger demographic in the country, Uytengsu said he expects the XTERRA event to be bigger than traditional triathlons.

XTERRA is the premier international off-road triathlon brand known for its off-road races in swimming, mountain biking and trail-running. Every October, the World XTERRA Championships are held in Maui, Hawaii.

“Putik Pare” is a two-person, off-road duathlon relay which is combination of 18 kilometers of mountain biking and eight kilometers of trail-running. The relay teams will start together with one member starting with a trail run and the other, on the mountain bike. The course will bring them back to where they started then they will switch disciplines. Again, they will return and have to cross a “mud pit” before proceeding to the finish line together. The first XTERRA Philippines competition will feature three categories – All-Male, All-Female and Mixed.

“Putik Pare” is a slight variation of the XTERRA off-road triathlon as it will skip swimming and is only a duathlon. More than the competition, what makes “Putik Pare” an attraction is it’s a fun event where teamwork is essential. Runners, bikers and triathletes should find the event an interesting challenge – it’s something different, very innovative and a lot of fun.