Last Sunday, another Filipino brought pride to the country when Silvester Lopez, current WBC International Superflyweight Champion, captured the WBC Silver Superflyweight belt from Oscar Ibarra via an 8th round TKO via referee stoppage. This win also makes him the mandatory challenger for the first title defense of newly-crowned WBC Superflyweight champion Suriyan Sor Rungvisai.
from Rey Danseco's photo collection
This victory is really something big for him and his stablemates in the Elorde boxing stable. It’s quite obvious the importance of this to him, but to his stablemates, this is some feat as he is the first boxer who is successful in getting a World Title belt in his stable. For his stablemates, he serves as an inspiration to all of them, especially now that a WBC Youth Championship bout is scheduled to be staged here in the country sometime in October.
Reading from the internet all the comments from different nationalities, views differ. Some said that Ibarra was never an elite boxer and that his ownership of the belt will be short-lived. Of course these all came from Mexicans, and their reaction is already quite expected. Many said that his win is a convincing one and that even if the bout was not stopped, it was clear that he dominated most of the rounds. He already showed his great skills even when he fought Juan Jose Montes, which was prematurely stopped at the 5th round, and he is on his way on proving that he has great potential.
But one thing is clear. This is one rare opportunity given to Lopez and his management, so better do something about this to ensure that this won’t be thrown to waste. Lopez must do his share to ensure that his training be as competitive as ever: hard enough to prepare himself for more elite and experienced boxers, but just enough so as not to strain his body too much. At the same time, his management should do their share of ensuring that he will be given proper preparatory fights prior to his first defense. His defense bout should be given in a timely manner: soon enough so as not to kill his momentum, but long enough to ensure that he comes well-prepared.
With great power comes great responsibility. In this case, with great success comes great pressure as well. Just don’t lose focus and as long as everyone remains on their toes and remain on track, we’ll all be fine.
Related articles:
- Lopez stops Ibarra in 8
- SYLVESTER LOPEZ STOPS IBARRA, WINS WBC SILVER TITLE
- SULAIMAN RULES SYLVESTER LOPEZ IS THE NEW WBC SILVER CHAMPION
- Cuello, Lopez on cue in title bids
