Tough year for Philippine boxing. The chance of getting another world title now vanished.
Now what, we don't have any possible match for the title match right? Our boxers should now line up again for the title shot.
Nonito Donaire, who loses the WBC bantamweight doesn't have any chance now for the title
Rene Mark Cuarto, who loses the IBF minimumweight title has to be lined up again
John Riel Casimero, who loses his WBO bantamweight title by default because of weight issues, the future is not clear
Mark Magsayo, who loses the WBC featherweight might not get a rematch for the title and have to line up too
Donnie Nietes, who loses recently, might hang his gloves now
Did I miss someone?
When will PH have again another world titleholder? That's the question.
Really tough times for Ph professional boxing. Because last year was its golden age in amateur boxing and in overall sports in general achieving gold, silver, and bronze medals in the Olympics.
I think Donaire, Pacman, and Nietes are done simply because they are too old to compete in this hurting sport. I am banking on former world champions, Casimero, Tapales, Ancajas, Cuarto and Taduran in order. They are experienced at the world level and were former champions, especially Casimero already a 3 division champion. Taduran and Cuarto are very talented in their division but if they keep on fighting in enemy territories then they will be easily exploited by bad officiating.
I don't have much confidence in Magsayo because he's too raw. In all his last fights in the US, he actually struggled against cherry-picked opponents. Thanks to his punching power, he barely escaped defeats although still wild with no proper setups. He also became a world champion because Russell Jr.'s other hand was injured plus his long inactivity. Magsayo's punching power nearly saved him again from Vargas but came up short due to his lack of boxing technique he failed to capitalize on some moments where Vargas was visibly hurt. I really hope that he can execute Freddie Roach's game plan in his next fight.
As for Nietes. Hope he retires and enjoys the fruits of his hard labor. And for Ioka. I want to see him unify the belts. The division is filled with very good names like El Gallo, Chocolatito, the new kid in town Bam Rodriguez, and Ancajas.