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Philippines, 16 Nov 2024 |
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Why the Filipino boxing scene must end ‘next Manny Pacquiao’ comparisons PhilBoxing.com Wed, 27 Jul 2022  Manny Pacquiao (L) and Mark Magsayo (R). Boasting a proud tradition for the art of pugilism, the Philippines has consistently produced some of the best champions in the history of boxing, thrilling and inspiring fans of the sport in equal measure. Becoming a world champion is by no means easy, requiring huge levels of determination and effort, not to mention some good fortune along the way by securing bouts against the best in the business. Manny Pacquiao will always be considered the greatest Filipino boxer of all time, the best ever southpaw to grace the ring, and entirely unique in the history of the sport. Indeed, he was the first boxer to win the lineal championship in five different weight classes, the first to win major titles in four of the eight so-called glamour divisions, along with multiple titles and accolades throughout his remarkable career. Even before Pacquiao definitively decided to announce his retirement from boxing in 2021, sports media in the Philippines has often added extra pressure to the current generation, quick to hand the ‘next Manny Pacquiao’ label to potential champions. But the problem right now is that as of July 2022, there are currently no Filipino world boxing champions.
The rise and reign of Mark Magsayo was as exciting as it was brief. Unsurprisingly and like many of his compatriots, the 27-year-old had been handed the ‘next Many Pacquiao’ tag as he scaled the international rankings. When he won the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight belt in January 2022, the man from Tagbilaran City earned his championship at the first attempt. After the majority decision victory against American boxer Garry Russel Jr. in Atlanta, who had held that title for a record period of almost seven years, Magsayo was understandably delighted. “This is a dream come true” he enthused afterwards, thankful for all the support received along the way. There was also a special message of “welcome to the club” from his idol, none other than Pacquiao via Twitter. Ahead of his first defense of the WBC featherweight title, the inevitable comparisons with Pacquiao rose to the fore and particularly amongst the Filipino media. Coincidentally and back in 2003, Pacquiao defeated Mexican fighter Marco Antonio Barrera at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas, which Magsayo claims to have inspired his own boxing career. Almost two decades later, he was defending the WBC title at the same venue against another Mexican. However, amidst all the hopes of the ‘next Manny Pacquiao’ inspiring newfound greatness for Filipino boxing, Magsayo admitted to being proud, albeit pressured by the huge weight of expectation. “There’s a little bit of pressure for me. There is no next Manny Pacquiao. It’s great to hear that but the fact is it isn’t true,” he insisted, speaking honestly about his own sensations during an interview given to Ring TV. That certainly proved to be the case in July of this year, when Magsayo was beaten by Rey Vargas after a punishing bout lasting the full distance of 12 rounds, losing against the unbeaten Mexican via split decision from the judges. His own perfect record is now gone, although perhaps the added pressure and comparisons will now disappear, and maybe that’s a good thing. Magsayo still remains a top boxer and one who Filipino fans can be proud of.
Despite the remarkable legacy Pacquiao left us with, the boxing media community really must put an end to any further comparisons. As the now former champion Magsayo had underlined, all it serves is to add further and arguably unwanted pressure on the best Filipino prospects. Let them forge their own careers based entirely upon their own merits, which must also be appreciated more and without mention of a certain legendary boxing icon. Magsayo will get more opportunities and title shots, that much is clear. When they eventually arrive, we can back him via the best betting sites in the Philippines, choosing from those ranked by the latest SBO guide. They also make comparisons, albeit via expert opinions regarding why each online bookmaker reviewed and rated is unique, each worthy of consideration based upon their own merits, including value odds and appealing offers. As for who Magsayo will fight next, that remains wide open after the defeat against Vargas. The long road back to the top begins now and undoubtedly, the Filipino will be more determined than ever to get back where he belongs. Hopefully, the success he deserves will be accompanied by more appreciation for what he can offer the boxing world, rather than the habitual comparisons with a certain ‘other’.  |
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