Filipino prizefighters interestingly tap their heels against the bottom ropes before the round.
Here?s some rhyme and reason for this riveting habit adopted by Pinoy boxing greats.
?It works (Puwede).? ---Manny Pacquiao.
?Eases the nerves.? ---Dodie Boy Penalosa.
?I agree with Kuya Dodie? ---Gerry Penalosa?
?Pumps me up.? ---Nonito Donaire, Jr.?
?You mean kick the ropes??--- Morris East.
So, who started the trend?
Let?s give credit to the greatest Filipino bantamweight and featherweight champion --- Luisito ?Lindol? Espinosa --- the only Filipino boxer, and one of seven international fighters since 1890, to win the bantamweight and featherweight crowns. ?Parang talisayin bago sabong (Just like a fighting cock before the derby), ? Espinosa summarized.
Espinosa?s Best performances:
- KO1 Kaokor Galaxy, WBA bantamweight championship (Bangkok, Thailand)
- TKO8 Hurley Snead, defense WBA bantamweight championship (Bangkok, Thailand)
- UD12 Thanomsak Sithboabay, defense WBA bantamweight championship (Bangkok, Thailand)
- KO1 Raul Perez, WBC Featherweight Championship (Tokyo, Japan)
KO6 Carlos Rios, WBC Featherweight Championship (Koronadal, South Cotabato)
- UD 12 Manuel Medina (Tokyo, Japan) and TD8 (Manila Bay, Philippines), WBC Featherweight Championship
- KO4 Alejandro ?Cobrita? Gonzalez, WBC Featherweight Championship (Guadalajara, Mexico)
Curriculum vitae:
- Athlete of the Year (Philippine Sports Writers Association)
- WBC Featherweight Champion (December 1995- May 1999, 7 defenses)
- WBA Bantamweight Champion (October 1989-October 1991, 2 defenses)
- California Bantamweight Champion (1988)
- WBC Mundo Hispano Champion (February 1993)
Author?s Notes: Happy Birthday to my brother Herminigildo ?Jay? Rivera, Jr.
Photo: Luisito Espinosa KO2 Ever Beleno (130 pounds @ San Jose, California. Golden Boy Promotions) Pic: Courtesy of Nelson Carrera 1ofonephoto.com.
Comments
Share your thoughts on the above article by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.