Farenas KOs Mexican foe in Texas

MANILA, Philippines - Michael Farenas provided a whiff of fresh air for Philippine boxing when he knocked out his Mexican opponent in the first round yesterday at the Erwin Center in Austin, Texas.

The 28-year-old Farenas, a sturdy fighter who would take on anyone his size, sent Gerardo Zayas down three times, the last one with only a second left in the opening round.

His victory was welcome news to Pinoy fight fans reeling from the string of bitter losses to champions Manny Pacquiao, Brian Viloria and Nonito Donaire Jr.

The “Three Kings” of Philippine boxing lost their titles one after another starting in December last year. Between them a few more Pinoy pugs like Sonny Boy Jaro, Malcolm Tunacao and Randy Suico lost. 

In his own little way, Farenas gave Pinoy fans something to cheer about.

There was hardly any news about Farenas traveling to Texas to face Zayas in a non-title fight in the super-featherweight class. But he made sure he’d make news after his victory.

Farenas, who hardly shows any emotion in and out of the ring, smiled at the center of the ring after his lopsided victory, alongside his manager, Gerry Peñalosa, and trainer, Marvin Somodio.

According to www.philboxing.com, Farenas, who has fought a handful times in the United States, could figure in a world title fight when Top Rank stages another card in Macau.

Last December, Farenas fought undefeated Cuban Yuriorkis Gamboa in the undercard of Pacquiao’s fourth fight against Juan Manuel Marquez.

Farenas went down a couple of times in the early rounds. But when many thought he was done for the fight, he unleashed a counter left hook that put Gamboa down in the ninth round.

The cocky fighter from Cuba didn’t know what hit him. Still, he recovered in time, finished the round, stayed away from trouble and won a unanimous decision.

Farenas earned the respect of fans that saw the fight at the MGM Grand, and with this latest win over Zayas (19-21-2), he could earn a shot at the world title.

“Salamat sa inyong lahat (Thank you),” he said after the fight.