THREE of the country’s finest boxers representing the past, present and probably the future were gathered under one roof Sunday in Las Vegas.
Two of them fought against Latino foes. One lost, the other won. The other of the trio watched at ringside.
Despite a mere 10-year gap among them, they are separated by three different decades.
Gerry Pe?alosa rose to boxing stardom in 90s just when Manny Pacquiao began wearing the punch mitts. To say that Pe?alosa passed the torched to Manny is not an understatement at all. Now, Manny’s time to bequeath his throne as the country’s eminent boxer is fast approaching. In Nonito, we may have found one.
On Sunday, the 37-year old Gerry may have fought his last fight on Sunday – a contested split decision loss to Eric Morel. It was also his second consecutive loss after racking up a sterling record since 1989 when he debuted as a professional boxer.
True, he was competitive against the bigger and taller Morel. But there is no mistaken that the fire is no longer there. It is time for him to close a chapter in his boxing life.
There is no shame in quitting even if you have lost two successive fights, Gerry. To most Filipino boxing fans, you are one of the best boxers they had ever since. Had you been as big as your father, you would have conquered greater heights. Before you become a willing prey to new rising stars, you should now quit Gerry. There is life after boxing. Do not emulate others who overstayed their welcome atop the ring. Quit while quitting is still honorable. I am sure his wife and parents in law, who are from General Santos, would also like you to walk away from boxing knowing you are still at your competitive self.
Seeing Manny at the ringside was a refreshing sight. He should do it more often. In fact, many would like to see him play the godfather’s role after he quits boxing a year or two from now.
Yes, politics beckon but there is always time for it. Manny is just 31 years old. He was born into the sports that he owes to repay. Many boxers have been looking upon his success story and are now following his footsteps. Manny knew how hard it is to reach the top. He should look for genuine talent while he still wields influence in the boxing world just like what Oscar de la Hoya is doing now.
In five or six years, Manny would have already developed a new Filipino boxing champion. Then he can rest and pursue a career in politics. By then, only the true and tested political allies will be left around him. Not the sycophants and freeloaders that are surrounding him now.
Nonito Donaire, on the other hand, is fast gaining the reputation as a boxer most avoided.
But he is still growing. At almost 5’7”, he is tall even by featherweight standard. Nonito should now forget about Vic Darchinyan. He already knocked out the loud-mouth Armenian. Nonito should set his sights in the super bantamweight and featherweight divisions where some of the bigger names in boxing are crowding. There is Juan Manuel Lopez, Chris John, Israel Vasquez – all marquee fighters who command bigger challenge and also bigger purse for Nonito.
Jerry, Manny and Nonito could from a formidable trio to keep the boxing flame in the Philippine on fire. Perhaps more than anybody else, with due respect to Manny Pangilinan of PLDT, they are more in the position to help bring the first Olympic gold medal for the country.
Three men under one roof on a Sunday – one now perhaps past his prime, the other at the apex of his success and the other on his way to stardom.
They represent the current state and future of Philippine boxing.
