I hope to see a fearless Gorres

Assuming the sports editor authorizes it, this article should have been printed in the sports page for it dwells on an issue that continues to nag me on Cebuano boxer Z Gorres. On the second thought however, the subject selection also jibes with the off-tangent nature to this column. For this reason it stays here.

This early, let me thank ALA Promotions (Mr. Antonio Aldeguer and son Michael and their energetic henchmen Dennis and Chad). They never tire in their efforts to develop Pinoy boxers in the ambitious though very plausible dream of getting world titles for them someday.

Yes, this Saturday, I will again see a boxing presentation at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug. The featured bouts are exciting such that I encourage boxing fans not to miss the card. Better still, let me address this exhortation to those of you have not yet seen live boxing. It is great time to start patronizing it. While betting is taboo in my life, let me place one to support my claim that when you watch boxing in person, you will realize that, in addition to its being a very entertaining sport, it is highly skilled and scientific activity.

I will be especially keen on how Z Gorres performs. And I have reason to believe that the title of this night's card "One More Time" is precisely coined to address all plans to make him a world titleholder.

Z carries an impressive 27-2-2 record, meaning he has 27 wins in his career but lost twice, one of which was a close decision inflicted by Fernando Montiel, a world champion. The other 2 indicates that the two of his fights were declared a draw the latest being his match against a former world champion, Vic Darchinyan. More importantly, of the victories he registered, 15 came in by way of knock out indicating that he carries a mean wallop.

I have seen most of Gorre's previous fights and never doubted his talent. His defensive stance is notches above the level of most pugs. He weaves in and out of his opponent's punches like he knows where the next blows come from just few seconds before they are delivered. Have you seen a ballerina on the floor? Well, Gorres is one in the ring.

About three years ago, I saw Gorres fight a Thailander, whose name now escapes the memory of this old man. The venue was in Taguig, Rizal not very far way from my former Ortigas home. It was in that fight when I discerned that he had an obstacle to hurdle for him to become a world champion.

Gorres dominated the first round with such an artistry that I foresaw an eminent knock out to come before the fifth canto. His punches, effective and precise as if guided by high-end computers, violently rocked his opponent. On the other hand, the Thai, ballyhooed to be a puncher, launched his own haymakers, but managed to hit only the air.

Towards the end of the second round, the Thai luckily landed a hard right cross on the left part of Gorres' head (I think). According to some ringsiders among my seat mates, and I agreed with them, it was pure "tsamba". But, Gorres was definitely stunned. That tsamba affected the fight poise of the Filipino. He was never the same boxer after that blow. Yes, he won a unanimous decision of a match he could have ended much earlier were he not afraid to be hit again.

The encounter of Gorres and Montiel as well as Z's fight against Darchinyan strengthened my observation. To be sure, both foreigners are known hard punchers and Gorres took to his bicycle more than planned to land his own knock out punches. I would go farther to say that the knockdowns he suffered were initiated by his attempts to run away.

"One More Time" I believe is one more test whether Gorres has overcome his fear of his opponent's blows. Differently stated, he lacks the heart of a true warrior. Without that weakness, he had become a world champion long time ago. I hope to see a different man, this Saturday.

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