Whether it was in the professional or amateur boxing circuit, Negrenses boxers stood tall. Leading the Negros armada in amateur boxing was Bacolod-born Joan Tipon, the Asian Games bantamweight gold medalist, who also ruled two other international tournaments in 2006. Tipon, who had also trained in Talisay City, topped the Green Hill Tournament in Pakistan and the Tammer Invitational Cup in Finland.

Also in the Asian Games, Godfrey Castro, the Cadiz City pugilist who replaced suspended Harry Tanamor, settled for a bronze medal in the lightflyweight division. In November, female boxer Mitchel Martinez of Bacolod won three matches before bowing out in the semifinals for another bronze medal finish in the World Championships in India.

San Carlos City-born Gerry Peñalosa, who came out of retirement in a bid to regain a world title, beat Tomas Rojo at the Araneta Coliseum in the undercard of the event headlined by Pacquiao and Oscar Larios. Peñalosa went on to win another fight in the United States late in 2006. Jimrex Jaca of Sibulan town also made his presence felt with two huge victories early in the year, before succumbing to Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in November.

back to top

Football glory, Pacquiao victories top 2006 stories
RP BOOTERS CLAIM ASEAN FINALS SLOT
NEGRENSES CHEER FOR PACMAN
ETCS GIRLS PLACE 2ND IN W. SERIES
DEBTS KEEP DLNHS OUT OF WORLD TILTl
RP'S ASIAD BID IN DOHA
RP'S ASIAD BID IN DOHA
LOCAL PUGILISTS MAKE MARK
YAP NAMED PBA MVP
PAGUNSAN SHINES IN ASIAN TOUR; INT'L CROWN FOR MIA