Judgment in the Far East

Philippine boxing is definitely on the right track as proven by the superb performances of Pinoy pugilists in yesterday's Judgment in the Far East boxing showdown at the Araneta Coliseum.

Bernabe "Abe" Concepcion is treading the path boxing Superstar Manny Pacquiao took after trouncing Kenya's Sande Otiendo to claim the vacant WBC International Featherweight belt. The title was also held by Pacquiao. Concepcion totally outclassed his foe that he even admitted after the bout that he deliberately prolonged the fight for the fans.

Concepcion proved to be the better fighter right from the get go that his Kenyan foe received a cut on the left eye. Inspite of the blood oozing on his face, plus the countless combination he took from Concepcion, the Kenyan courageously fought on. But the ring physician has seen enough to stopped the fight, improving Concepcion's record and 16 bout winning streak since 2006.

Other foreign boxers suffered the same judgment at the fists of Philippine boxers.

Sonny Boy "the bullet" Jaro knocked out Ruslee Samoh of Thailand right in the first round in their light flyweight tussle. Denver "the excitment" Cuello gave the same fate to Yanus Emaury, winning by TKO in the third round.

Earlier, an 18 year old sensation by the name of Roberto "Calibre" Gonzales continued his winning ways by knockout after stopping Fred Tupas on the fifth round. Tupas actually made a good account of himself, fighting toe-to-toe with the much heralded foe with his great defense.

But in the 5th round, Gonzales saw an opening and connected on a wicked right to the midsection of Tupas. Tupas never recovered and included himself to growing victims of Gonzales. The young Gonzales now boasts of a perfect 8 - 0 record with 6 wins coming by way of knockout.

This good development in Philippine boxing can be attributed in part to the success of Manny Pacquiao that inspired young boxers across the country.