The Pride of the Pinoys, Shame to the Mexican Written by Nimrod NL Quiñones

By NIMROD NL QUIÑONES

Pinoy Pride XI, the boxing promotion held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino last January 28 was truly one that made us proud.

            The Philippines swept all five fights against opponents from other countries including one that did not last beyond the three minutes of the first round.

            While we may gloat with the success of our Filipino boxers, the same could not be said about the antics of Mexican fighter Juan ‘Panterita’ Esquer, whose poor acting angered many of the fans and embarrassed his own corner men.

            Esquer, who looked like somebody who could indeed give Filipino Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo a run for his money when the fighters climbed the ring, seemed to be looking for a career in professional wrestling.

            While his fighting skills proved he was no patsy, his ring antics proved one thing – he is a poor actor.

            The slow-mo replay of the fifth round incident did prove that Esquer was hit below the belt when he hopped backward while Melindo unleashed an uppercut.

            You don’t have to experience getting hit there to know it hurts, but the way Esquer reacted was so unreal that even an inexperienced drama director would not give him the thumbs up for the role of a tree in a school play.

            Magically, he came rushing at Melindo after several minutes of allegedly writhing in pain and having a very hard time getting up.

            When Esquer was at it again on the 7^th, his very embarrassed corner man said it was over and Melindo was declared winner via technical knockout.

            Had there been an award for worst actor, Esquer could have won it hands down.

            The eventful main event may not have gone the way the fight fans had expected, but its outcome was still reason enough to cheer for the Filipino prizefighters.

            The next offering of the Pinoy Pride series remains to be something to look forward to.

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