Two young boxers fought their hearts out yesterday and emerged as champions, taking their first step as they follow the path of their idol, Manny Pacquiao.

El Jean Hermedalla and Joren Labordo outboxed their opponents to rule the 24 and 26-kilogram categories, respectively, of the "Tinapungulay Sa Punta Taytay" at the Barangay Pta. Taytay Multi-Purpose Gym in Bacolod City.

The reed-thin Hermedalla, a Grade 3 student at the Sum-ag Elementary School, said he has idolized Pacquiao since he started boxing at the age of 6. His father Juncent convinced him to engage in the sport.

Hermedalla, who posted a 2-1 victory over Russel Orcada of Brgy. Pahanocoy for the 24-kg. crown, said he trains for almost two hours everyday in the goal of someday becoming like Pacquiao. Pacquiao, arguably the most popular Filipino pugilist in the history, united the Philippines when he knocked out Mexican legend Erik Morales on Jan. 22 last year at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.

"Sometimes it's really tiring to train everyday, but I continue to do it because I love boxing and I want to be like (Manny) Pacquiao when my time comes," the 9-year-old Hermedalla said.

Labordo, also a Grade 3 student at the MG Medalya Integrated School, brought home the title in the 26-kg. division after beating Julius Bendicio of Brgy. Sum-ag, 2-1.

I watch and study all of Pacquiao's bouts to follow his fighting stance and moves, the 10-year-old Labordo, who also hails from Brgy. Pahanocoy, said.

Labordo said he has never felt tired since he started boxing when he was seven years old because his biggest goal in life is to follow the footsteps of Pacquiao.

Hermedalla and Labordo said they see boxing as a way out of poverty.

"My father is only a part-time painter and my mother, Evelyn, does not have any work so I want to help them through boxing," Hermedalla said.

I am really doing my best to become a great boxer and become rich so that I could give financial support to my family, he added.

Labordo, son of farmers Severino and Elizabeth, said Pacquiao is not only a great fighter, but he also a good person because he helps the poor.

"I want to be like Pacquiao who could help the poor someday," Labordo said after winning his category.

Also going home as titlists in the inter-barangay amateur boxing championships were Angelo Nombres of Brgy. Alijis (28-kg.), Brgy. Pta. Taytay bets Kevin Barraca (30-kg.), Randy Cantilla (32-kg.) and Genesis Servania (34-kg.), and Gidion Cordova of Brgy. Pahanocoy (36-kg.).

Tournament director Cesar Gamboa said the slugfest aims to develop young boxers to become international champions in the future.

The winners of the event, which was organized by the officials of Brgy. Pta. Taytay and sponsored by Rep. Monico Puentevella, will also banner the Bacolod City boxing squad in the Panaad Sportsfest in April, he added.

The boxing ring that was used during the 23rd Southeast Asian Games last year was also lent by the Negros Amateur Boxing Association for the competitions. *CIT

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