3 big-time promotions want to get the ‘Hercules’ By Dennis U. Eroa PhilBoxing Fri, 07 Jun 2013 Doliguez. DON’T be surprised if the most-feared featherweight in the country today will fight under the banner not only of the Saved by the Bell Promotions but one of the world’s most popular and influential boxing promotions. Jun ‘‘Hercules’’ Doliguez, who sports an impressive 16-0-1, 12 KOs record, is being enticed by three international-based promotions. If plans will push through, Doliguez, who trains at the Touch Gloves Boxing Gym in Agoncillo, Batangas, will figure in an undercard of a major boxing event this year before fighting for the world title early next year. ‘‘Yes, it’s true. Right now, we are weighing our options and studying very seriously the offer. SBB wants the best for Doliguez,’’ said SBB President Elmer Anuran, who stressed his ward will be able to penetrate the international market through the promotional outfit vying for Doliguez. Though Anuran didn’t name the bidders, jaded observers believe that one of the promotional outfits is Top Rank headed by the legendary Bob Arum, who heard about Doliguez’s exploits. It is well-known also that Top Rank is penetrating the Asian market which started when it signed double Olympic gold medalist and triple World Championship winner Zou Shiming of China. Shiming debuted with a four-rounder victory over Mexican Eleazar Valenzuela last April in Macau. Top Rank also signed middleweight Ryota Murata, who snapped Japan’s 48-year drought for Olympic gold. Takao Sakurai won the bantamweight gold during the 1964 Tokyo Games. Murata is expected to make his professional debut later this year. ‘‘It is clear that Top Rank needs a Filipino fighters to solidify its hold of the Asian market,’’ said the expert. ‘‘Doliguez has the tools to become a world champion.’’ Top Rank also enjoys good relations with SBB. In order not to wreck a Top Rank-promoted boxing card, SBB agreed to a one-fight deal regarding the case of former WBA super flyweight interim champion Drian Francisco. Dubbed as the Golden Fists, the 30-year-old Francisco battles Chris Avalos on July 12 at the Texas Station Casino in Las Vegas. But it’s not only Top Rank which is eyeing to rule the ‘‘Asian market.’’ According to Philboxing sources, the two other promotions are also set to invade Asia. They also play influential roles in the international boxing scene. Anuran said he’ll make his decision as soon as possible. ‘‘I can tell you that the three oufits are well-respected and makers of champions in the boxing world. SBB is going to make a decision which we feel will be tremendously beneficial to Doliguez. Suffice to say that SBB’s grateful to the offer,’’ said Anuran. Earlier, the 5-foot-7 Doliguez, a provincemate of ring legend Manny Pacquiao, hurled a challenge to Indonesian boxing hero Yohannes Christian John or popularly known as Chris John. Doliguez failed to lure another boxing idol Daud Yordan to fight him for the world title. ‘‘ I am terribly disappointed that Yordan didn’t answer my call. I’m sure Chris John is different,’’ said Doliguez, during a break of training at the Touch Gloves Boxing Gym in Agoncillo, Batangas. The bout didn’t push through when Yordan (30-4, 23 knockouts) suffered a stunning knockout loss to Simpiwe Vetyeka of South Africa in Indonesia. As a result, the Indon lost his International Boxing Organization featherweight title to Vetyeka. Doliguez, trains under the watchful eyes of veteran trainer Benny dela Peña. He gained attention due to his awesome power. After a technical draw against Edgar Gabejan, Doliguez won his next four bouts by knockouts . ‘‘Jun’s a solid contender to be the future of Philippine boxing,’’ said Anuran. philboxing/news/story-84062.html
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:33:44 +0000
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