Manny Pacquiao vs Jorge Solis; Post Fight
 By Jason Petock (April 16, 2007) Doghouse Boxing (Photo © German Villasenor)
The 14,793 high-spirited fight fans that came to see Mexico and the Philippines wage war against one another in the form of the always electric 12 year pro and three-division world champion Manny ’Pac-Man’ Pacquiao 44-3-2 (35) versus the previously undefeated Jorge ‘Coloradito’ Solis 32-1-2 (23) for the WBC International Super Featherweight Championship were not disappointed on Saturday, April 14, 2007. ‘Pac-Man’ failed to let down the audience as expected when he methodically dissected Solis for 7 rounds, until in the 8th round he attacked, knocking him down twice to put an end to this sensational bout, much to the approval and euphoria experienced by the excited crowd who went wild during this dramatic finale to the main event.
It was a mixed crowd, with rows upon rows of loyal boxing fans of both proud heritages cheering for their respective countrymen with an enthusiasm and vigor that echoed through the Alamodome arena with a passion that could be felt
throughout all of the city of San Antonio that evening. Flags waved by adoring fans showing their support and country allegiances only added to the intense emotions that overtook everyone as the 2nd biggest fight attendance wise came back to this wonderful fight town.
At the post fight press conference, Edgar Sosa 27-5 (14) of Mexico City, Mexico was the first boxer to take the podium. He fought a blistering, hard fought battle with Brian ‘Hawaiian Punch’ Viloria 19-2-0 (12) of Waipahu, Hawaii. Sosa pummeled Viloria during the fight, and clearly dominated the rounds as things progressed. In the end Viloria had a puffy right eye and a swollen knot on the left side of his forehead, and his valiant efforts against the hard charging Mexican were not enough to win as Sosa was crowned the new WBC Light Flyweight Champion. Quite simply, new champ Sosa offered up a brief but memorable statement to the inspired crowd of press, publicists and photographers when he said, “I want to thank everyone. I told you I was going to take the belt back to Mexico.”
In what could be considered the fight of the night to many observers, and rightfully so, WBC No. 1 contender Jorge ‘Travieso’ Arce 46-4-2 (35) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico went head to head with defending and still current WBC Super Flyweight Champion Cristian Mijares 31-3-2 (11) in an epic bout that left the crowd in awe and amazement at the courageous and heroic fight that Arce put up against Mijares, even in the face of defeat. Arce has always been a highly entertaining and spirited fighter and this night was no different. In the early rounds Arce’s timing seemed a little off at first, but this may have been due more to the technical aspects of Mijares’ fight plan rather than timing, as the champion hit Arce with pinpoint punches and crisp combinations that peppered the brave fighter’s face throughout the fight. But don’t get it confused, Jorge Arce is a warrior, and as he took several punches he kept coming forward and delivered some dynamic ones of his own. During the bout, Arce repeatedly would indicate to Mijares to “come on”, by waving in his gloves or hitting his waist. He is the epitome of a fighter and deserves all the credit in the world and then some.
Arce’s face became more and more damaged as the fight went on, having sustained a cut above his left eye as well as a garish and deep cut across the bridge of his nose that left his face in a constant state of blood, and left Mijares’ previously white trunks a pinkish hue, having been saturated with a heavy dose of his opponent’s donations. Champion Cristian Mijares was honorable in victory, paying tribute to Arce by saying, “I want to give applause to Jorge Arce who is a great warrior.” Following that, Jorge Arce took the podium. With a bruised and swollen face he spoke with nobility yet also dissatisfaction when he stated, “I am very disappointed. I’d like to say that I’m not going to make any excuses. I’m a man. As you can see he beat me tonight in every way. I’m not going to take anything away from Cristian. It was a great win for him. I’d like to apologize to my family and my friends and the fans who came to see me fight. I want a rematch please.”
Jorge Solis was next to comment to the crowd of boxing pundits awaiting classic photo opportunities and historical quotes. He was accompanied by his brother Ulysses Solis who is also a fighter and serves as his trainer as well. Jorge was humble but also candid in his statements, offering up the following, “I want to apologize. I wanted to give you a great fight. I’d like to say that I came very prepared. I just got caught with a punch. I did my best, I gave everything I had. I lost to a great Champion.” He continued with, “He’s a very fast fighter, very strong. He puts on a lot of pressure. He’s a real fast and tough fighter, but to be honest I think my wife hits harder than him.” That comment drew a mass wave of laughter from the press, especially seeing as he lost due to a being knocked down. He closed with, “But I have no excuses. He was relentless and next time I’ll do better. We always hear what a great and powerful puncher he (Pacquiao) is. Is he? No.”
And the highlight of the evening was when Manny Pacquiao stepped onto the stage. Smiling as he always does, he closed the conference with positive and insightful comments from a truly great champion and an
even greater human being. His words spoke for themselves and were heartfelt and showed how genuine Manny Pacquiao is as a person before being a champion and whirlwind in the super featherweight division. These are his words, “Thanks to the people that love boxing. We thank all of you for always supporting us. And I hope that you continue your support. Thank you to my Phillipino people, my countrymen. Thank you to my sparring partner. And to all the American people and all of the languages spoken, we thank you for all of your support. God gave me the strength tonight. Thank you very much for your support.”
All in all it was another thrilling night at the fights at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas and I had the distinct pleasure of being in attendance. The crowd was animated, the leather was flying (as well as the blood), and the view was spectacular. You could not ask for a better evening and if you had the opportunity to see these fights then you’re probably already in agreement. And if you haven’t, do yourself a favor and check them out. You’ll be glad you did.
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