Ex-fighter picks Manny by KO

Former Philippine minimumweight boxing champion Carmelo Caceres says it’s no big deal fighting African-Americans although he was beaten by Minnesota’s Will Grigsby in 1999.

Caceres, 36, now lives in Orange County, California, and retired from the ring in 2000 with a record of 16-9-3, including three KOs. He blew two chances to capture a world crown. In 1998, Caceres was stopped by Zolani Petelo in the seventh round in an IBF minimumweight title bout in South Africa and a year later, bowed to Grigsby in an IBF lightflyweight championship match in Minneapolis.

A crafty stylist, Caceres hung up his gloves after suffering six straight setbacks. In his last fight in December 2000, he was knocked out by Jorge Arce in two rounds in a WBC youth lightflyweight title fight in Los Mochis. Before that, Caceres was stopped by Erik Morales’ brother Diego in the seventh round in a WBC youth bantamweight championship match in Tijuana.

Asked if Manny Pacquiao will find it difficult adjusting to his first African-American opponent Sugar Shane Mosley in Las Vegas this Sunday (Manila time), Caceres says he doesn’t foresee a problem.

It’s not an issue of racism but Caceres says black fighters are usually slick, slippery and frisky. He was victimized by two black opponents, Petelo and Grigsby. Petelo is from South Africa while Grisby is an African-American.

“When I fought Grigsby and Petelo, I noticed they were both hard to hit and never stood still,” says Caceres who was managed by Gabriel (Bebot) Elorde in his heyday. “They looked scary but their power wasn’t intimidating. They didn’t really hit that hard.”

Caceres says Pacquiao should beat Mosley handily.

“First of all, Mosley isn’t young anymore,” explains Caceres. “He’s 39. He’s not as quick as Manny. Like in Manny’s fights against bigger guys like Oscar de la Hoya and Antonio Margarito, his advantage is speed. Manny also has power and is very intelligent. Then there’s the age difference.”

Caceres predicts a knockout ending. “I think it won’t go the distance and Manny will win by knockout,” he adds. “But Manny must be careful because Mosley is capable of landing a lucky punch.”

Since Caceres lost to countryman Rocky Palma in a bid for the WBC International minimumweight crown in Sucat in November 1998, his career went on a tailspin. The setback triggered a string of losses in the US, Japan, Guam and Mexico, finally leading to Caceres’ retirement at the age of only 25.

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If you’re proudly green, there’s an event coming up you just can’t miss. It’s the biggest La Sallian fellowship gathering ever at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia complex, Bay City, on June 11.

About 4,000 are expected to cheer, cheer for ole De La Salle which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in the country this year. The gathering is the kick-off for a week-long celebration of La Salle’s centennial. The entire SMX ground floor will be for the exclusive use of the La Sallian family – Christian Brothers, faculty and administrators of the 17 district schools all over the country, students, graduates and everyone else whose life has been touched by the school here and abroad.

Registration starts at 4 p.m. The highlight of the affair is the fabulous stage presentation of “Proudly Green – The Musical,” an hour-long theatrical portrayal of La Salle’s 100-year history directed by alumnus Fritz Ynfante. The story is set in song with music borrowed from “Les Miserables,” “Queen,” “The Student Prince,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” among others and lyrics written by another brilliant alumnus Adie Peña. Robert Sena and Isay Alvarez star in the show with a dazzling supporting cast. The execution is something to behold and Ynfante is leaving no stone unturned in mesmerizing the La Sallian community with a superb show. The emotional rendition will leave the audience feeling proudly green, for sure.

That’s not all the organizing committee, led by Bomboy Araneta, has lined up. There is an impressive timeline audio-visual presentation, individual photo-ops where you can choose the background of your shot (options include the first school in Nozaleda, the pioneering first nine Christian Brothers to arrive, the Taft main building after the Battle of Manila in World War II), bas reliefs of well-known and well-loved Christian Brothers and lay teachers, an exhibit section featuring La Salle’s education and environment advocacies and a memorabilia section.

Dinner will be served and the organizing committee is guaranteeing sumptuous food. Capping the event is dancing to the live band music of Rockin’ Revival with 30 top-notch dance instructors available to join in the celebration.

“There will be no long speeches, no long, dragging raffles – just plain having fun with friends, colleagues and family,” said alumnus Toto Acosta of the organizing committee. “Gather in groups of 10 to pay in advance so you are assured of table reservations. Tickets may be purchased from the SM Ticketing Group.”

At least 11 coffee-table books on La Salle are being produced to commemorate the centennial. In October, a La Salle World Congress will be held in Manila with outstanding graduates from around the globe converging to honor the institution founded by St. John Baptist De La Salle in 1685.

For details on the grand La Sallian event, please contact Manny Blanco of the organizing committee at tel. No. 818-3021.