Ever since the meteoric rise of Manny Pacquiao, Filipino
boxing has been in vogue. Over the past few years, we’ve searched for the next
standout from the Philippines. We got Nonito
Donaire, who has
won multiple world titles in several weight classes but while others have had
their successes, they’ve been relatively fleeting for the most part. However,
that’s not to say there aren’t impressive young guys coming through. There are
currently several jockeying for position in the Pinoy hierarchy, one of those
being Genesis Servania, a 20-year-old super bantamweight nicknamed “Azucal”
(which translates to “Sugar”), in large part for his smooth boxing skills which
have taken him to 18-0 with six knockouts. His improving power was evident back
in June when he knocked out former three-time world title challenger Genaro
Garcia. Not one to waste that momentum, Servania returns in quick time on 18
August against Jorge Pazos, 20-3 (13), at the opulent Waterfront
Hotel and Casino in his hometown of Cebu.
Anson Wainwright - You recently scored a
career-best win, stopping former world title challenger Genaro Garcia in the 12th round. Could you tell us about that fight? How happy were you with your
performance?
Genesis Servania - Of
my 18 wins, for me, that was the best. It was a hard fight and he was a tough
opponent but I managed to stop him in the 12th round. I was very
happy with my performance and was even happier to get the [vacant WBC International
silver super bantamweight] belt.
AW - Though it’s early days, when are
you looking at fighting next? What are your plans for the remainder of 2012?
GS - I
trust my career and schedule to my promoter, ALA Promotions. As what I have
been told, they are keeping me active with fights this year. My plan, God
willing, is to practice harder, improve on my boxing and remain undefeated.
AW - What are your strengths as a
fighter? What areas are you improving on?
GS - I
feel my finer points as a fighter is my focus, speed and skills. I have been in
a program now to develop my power and I feel that I have improved on that
aspect of my game. I still want to improve on the power side of my game.
AW - Could you tell us about your team, how
you met them and started working with them?
GS - I am
promoted by ALA Promotions and my manager is Mr. Antonio Aldeguer. I am being
trained by Editor Villamor. My team is very supportive of me and they always
look after my career. They are always positive about my career and they are tirelessly
working with me to bring up my career and because of that support, I aspire to
train harder. I sacrifice to improve and I owe what I am now to my team because
of their hard work and support. I met them through a friend who was also an ALA
fighter.
AW - You fight out of the world-famous
ALA Gym. Could you tell fans and readers who are perhaps familiar with your gym
about some of the other fighters who work out there?
GS - I work out and
practice every day with WBO world number one [flyweight contender] Milan “Metodico”
Melindo and A.J. “Bazooka” Banal, two-division world champ Donnie Nietes, Rey “Boom
Boom” Bautista, Michael Domingo, Jimrex “Executioner” Jaca, OPBF flyweight champion
Rocky Fuentes and a lot more.
AW - You were born in Bacolod City. Could
you tell us about your youth and what it was like growing up for you and how
moving to Cebu to be part of the ALA Gym came about?
GS – Yes, I was born
in Bacolod City, Philippines and even though we came from a below-average
family - a poor family - we were happy. I am grateful to have supportive
parents. I started out as an amateur fighter, then joining local tournaments
until I decided to turn pro. I love boxing and I wanted to improve all the time,
then I got introduced to “Sir ALA “[Antonio L. Aldeguer]
through a fighter friend of mine. I have heard a lot about the ALA Gym and I
always saw that they are constantly looking for talents and developing them
tirelessly. That is what made me decide to be with them as I only saw
positive things there.
AW - Some boxers have to earn a living working outside of the ring. Is this
the case with you?
GS – Yes,
it is true but I only know boxing and that is my only job. I love to fight.
AW - Can you tell us about your life away from boxing? What are your hobbies
and interests?
GS - I like
everything simple. I just like to relax after fights and practice. I hang out
with Milan Melindo and some other fighter friends. I love music and we go to
church at times. I'm just your regular guy.
AW - Two of the top fighters in the world are Filipino, Manny Pacquiao, of
course, and Nonito Donaire, who fights in your division. Can you tell us how
their achievements have inspired you?
GS - Us young
fighters are very lucky to have Manny and Nonito to follow and look up to.
There is no reason why fighters won't be inspired of their achievements. Manny
and Nonito inspire me and give me reasons to pursue my goals in the sport. If
they can do it, why can't we?
AW - Have you ever met Pacquiao or Donaire?
GS - I have never
gotten a chance to meet both of them but it would be great if I do.
AW - What are your ultimate goals in boxing?
GS - My short-term
goal is to remain undefeated and my long-term goal is to be world champion.
AW – Finally, do you have a message for the super bantamweight division?
GS - The super bantamweight
division is very talented. I am still young and have a lot to learn and I will
continue to learn and improve. In the coming years, I look to the day to test
myself with the best in the division and, God willing, be world champion.
