5 of 6 Pinoy boxers beat Mexicans at World Cup

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Sunday congratulated five Filipino winners in the World Cup of Boxing held at the 7,000-capacity Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. "I join the Filipino nation in giving our heartfelt congratulations to our boxing champs for their victory over Mexico," said Mrs Arroyo in a statement. Five of six Filipino boxers won in their fight with Mexican opponents during Sunday's match. They are Gerry Peñalosa, Diosdado Gabi, Z "The Dream" Gorres, AJ Banal and Michael Domingo. Rey "Boom-Boom" Bautista was defeated by World Boxing Organization junior featherweight champion Daniel Ponce de Leon. "Gerry Peñalosa has shown remarkable courage and skill in winning his title. Boom-Boom's lost is but a temporary setback, one that he will rise from with greater strength and determination.," the President said. "We value our champions as symbols of Filipino excellence. They serve as role models for our youth while inspiring the rest of us to work hard for a more united and triumphant future," she added. Oscar "Golden Boy" dela Hoya, the tourney's organizer, is expected to personally visit the Manila next month to award the $500,000 cash prize and present the World Cup trophy to Mrs Arroyo at Malacañang. - GMANews.TV