Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire share a unique achievement. They are the only Filipino fighters to have beaten South African boxers in big fights – and there have been several such bouts between pugilists from these two nations.
Pacquiao beat Lehlohonolo Ledwaba for the IBF junior-featherweight title in 2001, and Donaire defended his IBF flyweight crown against Moruti Mthalane late last year. Both won by TKO in the sixth round!
Yet, just 10 or so years ago, South African fans rated boxers from the Philippines lowly. That’s because of the calibre of fighters that promoters brought out to take on South Africans. In one tournament in the late 1990s all three Filipino boxers failed to survive past the second round, and one writer referred to them as Manila folders! Ernie Alesna lost to Giovanni Pretorius (TKO2), Dennis Sabsal lost to Lindi Memani (TKO2) and in the main fight Eric Jamili lost to IBF minimumweight champion Zolani Petelo (KO1).
But that perception has changed somewhat in the new millennium.
Randy Suico came close to winning in 2004, dropping Mzonke Fana twice in an eliminator for the IBF junior-lightweight title, but he lost on a split decision.
Florante Condes, nicknamed “Little Pacquiao”, travelled to East London in June this year to face Nkosinathi Joyi in an eliminator for the IBF minimumweight title. He came with much experience and a good reputation, but on the night he was simply no match for Joyi, who is arguably South Africa’s best fighter right now. To his credit Condes went the distance.
Wyndel Janiola took on Mhikiza Myekeni in 2003 and lost on points. Eric Barcelona has travelled here a few times, losing to Silence Mabuza, Mbwana Matumla (who is actually from Tanzania) and most recently Simphiwe Vetyeka, all on points.
Roy Doliguez visited South Africa twice, first losing on points to Hawk Makepula in 2001 and then escaping with a technical draw against Mzukisi Sikali in 2002.
Nowadays South African fans have much respect for Filipino fighters, and they’re eagerly anticipating the Pacquiao v Miguel Cotto fight.
