That's 4000 pesos.
Torrecampo (Right) KO'd his opponent in 3 rounds. Manny, you're next!
Torrecampo (Right) KO'd his opponent in 3 rounds. Manny, you're next!
MANILA, Philippines – The only Filipino and one of three fighters to beat Manny Pacquiao has returned to the ring at the age of 38 after a 14-year layoff. Rustico Torrecampo, who knocked out Pacquiao in 1996, came back from oblivion to stop Davao City’s Jovanie Bualan at 0:57 of the third round in Imus, Cavite, last weekend.
“I’m back,” roared Torrecampo after veteran WBA-licensed referee Silvestre Abainza stepped in to save Bualan from more punishment. “I want to show the fans I can still fight. I want to show it’s never too late to come back if you’re in shape and determined. I know I’ll never be like Manny but I want to keep fighting. I want to go as far as I can.”
“I’m back,” roared Torrecampo after veteran WBA-licensed referee Silvestre Abainza stepped in to save Bualan from more punishment. “I want to show the fans I can still fight. I want to show it’s never too late to come back if you’re in shape and determined. I know I’ll never be like Manny but I want to keep fighting. I want to go as far as I can.”
“He’s like a miniature Evander Holyfield,” said Navarro. “He’s built like a tank. He’s solid at 117 pounds. The fans mobbed him like he fought in the main event. Everyone wanted a picture with Torrecampo.”
Torrecampo retired in 1997 and worked odd jobs until deciding to stage a comeback under Navarro’s wing. In 2007, Torrecampo knifed a truck driver, Ernesto Ongkit, to death in a street altercation and was served a warrant of arrest. Torrecampo is out on bail and hearings are still being scheduled to resolve his case.
Navarro said Torrecampo no longer sells food in the sidewalks of Tondo. “He’s back as a full-time fighter,” said Navarro. “I’m taking care of him. I’m supporting him. He got P4,000 for the fight against Bualan. He’ll probably fight next in April, maybe a six-rounder for P6,000. ”
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