Ex-WBC champ Espinosa wants title fight in Manila
By Dennis Principe
31.03 - MANILA, Philippines – former two-time world champion Luisito Espinosa has strongly expressed interest in fighting for a historic third world crown in front of his countrymen anytime within the year.
This was relayed by Espinosa’s manager, Noel Rivera, hours after the Tondo-born boxer annihilated Mexican slugger Marco Antonio Perez in just a single round the other day at the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California.
“Espinosa punctuated his comeback bid for another world title. Luisito expressed that at least now he has proven that he can still whack.” Said Rivera in an e-mail.
Rivera said Espinosa is raring to trade mitts with either WBC superfeatherweight champion Sirimongkol Singmanassuk or WBA beltholder Yodsanan Nanthachai, both of Thailand.
Rivera acknowledged the fact that boxing in the country is starting to gain the needed support not only from private sponsors but from the government as well.
He particularly cited the recent free-to-the-public boxing card topbilled by the country’s current boxing star, IBF superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao, which was dubbed “Bakbakan Sa Luneta” and was supported by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza as well as institutions like PAGCOR and PCSO.
The Espinosa camp is hoping that these same benefactors will again work as one in giving Espinosa a chance to make history by becoming Asia’s first three-division champion.
Espinosa first captured the WBA bantamweight crown by knocking out legendary Thai fighter Khaokor Galaxy in just a single round last October 1989 in Bangkok, Thailand.
He then won his second world crown by outpointing Mexican Manuel Medina for the WBC Featherweight title last December 1995 in Tokyo, Japan.
In Espinosa’s latest triumph, it only took him 177 seconds to stop the durable Perez who was bamboozled by numerous left hooks and a newfound ripping upper cuts.
Perez clearly showed his mettle by mixing it up with Espinosa. However, the 34-year old Filipino would not cooperate by proceeding to counter Perez with double left hooks and series of right upper cuts that sent the Mexican down on the canvass.
Perez was able to beat the count but was visibly stunned by Espinosa’s attack. Espinosa immediately went for the kill and again dropped the Culiacan native which forced referee Marty Salmon to stop the fight
“Luisito and I were equally stunned at the fast turn of events, but we took our hat off to Perez who came to fight. He was just outgunned and outclassed.” Added Rivera.
Espinosa’s latest success improved his record to 47-11, 26 of which ended by knockout. Perez, meanwhile, dropped to 16-4, 12 KO’s.
