This is the “Purpose” of the January 8, 2005 fight card in San Pablo City, Philippines.
Noticeable in the list of donors in the raffle of tickets among politicians and the matchmaker is the name Manny Pacquiao for the 1st prize. Under the name of a fighter in the 10-round main event is the indication that he belongs to the “Manny Pacquiao stable, General Santos City”.
The widely acclaimed ruler of the featherweight division not only contributes to make boxing interesting and fun to watch, he also shells out a part of his earnings to help and support boxing in some other ways.
While in Thailand, I learned that one of the leading boxing promotional companies, OneSongchai Co., Ltd., has doubled the frequency of its conventional boxing promotions to twice a month. Thai kickboxing is staged weekly. I thanked the promoter’s son, Mr. Siraphop Ratanasuban who is asked me to just call him Songchai JR., for the increased opportunity for Filipino boxers of getting fights in Thailand.
Happenings in boxing, may help and support or tarnish it.
Already we read about the much anticipated 26 February ’05 rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez being aborted. The reason floated is that Marquez’s asking price is way above what the promoters are willing to pay. This fight cancellation is a minus for boxing. Fight fans will never know who is master of whom until the rematch is fought.
On the other hand, a Pacquiao-Morales fight at this time is good for boxing. Erik is getting heavier and a move to the lightweights could be difficult for Manny to catch up just to fight Erik if the fight is to be held much later. The slated March 19 fight at 130 pounds is already a big leap for the former Flyweight Champion. Ask Oscar De La Hoya who started at 130 and last fought at 160. Like Shane Mosley, Oscar is reportedly reducing down to 147 which should bring back the excitement in the welterweight division.
Glencoffe Johnson and Antonio Tarver pushed through with their December 18, 2004 fight at the cost of losing their respective belts outside of the ring. Having determined who the best light-heavyweight is today, surely the fight having been held was a plus for boxing. Those who made the fight possible are to be appreciated for having contributed much to the sport.
So, whatever your involvement now in boxing, be it as a writer, promoter, manager, fighter, or even a boxing website forum participant, ask yourself the question. “Is what I’m presently doing, a boost for boxing?” If not, discard it. A good guide in answering the question is that the interest of boxing should be upheld. Go for truth and fairness.
I’m sure, like Manny Pacquiao, there are many more people involved in boxing who are sacrificing time, effort and money just to prop up the sport and help young aspirants get the proper training and opportunity to succeed in boxing.
As I read names of the fighters in that January 8, 2005 evening fight card, I noticed that some have become familiar as the fighters have fought once or twice before in promotions I was assigned to officiate. While I remember a fighter’s face as he enters the ring, I refuse to recall whether he won or lost in my previous scorecard. I have to judge each round of a fight as if it were a separate fight, more so, in this separate fight. This is a rule for a boxing judge. I have to uphold the rules if I am to help and support boxing.
