As we turn the page on our calendars to yet another new year, the boxing junkie in me has plenty to look forward to in 2012, especially when it comes to my beloved Philippine boxing.
First things first: 2012 will be a breakthrough year for Philippine boxing. From our promising Olympic boxing hopefuls, to several talented fighters on the cusp of becoming world champions, this is going to be the year that Filipino boxers get their full credit and respect, as opposed to playing bit roles in the “Wapakman” show.
The Philippines is like an iceberg when it comes to its world-class boxing talent; you only truly see 10% of it. Take for example this unknown kid named Weng Haya (Wilson Vismar Ogso) from Mandaue City, Cebu, who almost upset Orlando Salido in Mexico a couple of weeks ago. The 22-year-old Haya dropped Salido twice in the fight, only to be stopped in the 8th. That, however, is an article on its own for a different time. Advertisement
The agenda at hand is regarding the man that influenced this generation’s influx of boxing aspirants with his ring conquests: Manny Pacquiao.
2011 was a letdown year for Pacquiao. His 12-round tango with Shane Mosley turned out to be a snoozer, and his third fight against nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez produced more doubts and controversy than new fans.
Truth is, Pacquiao has achieved more than anybody ever thought he could inside and outside of boxing. From a kid that had to cheat the scales and falsify his age just so that he could fight to make money to feed himself, to making more money any Filipino athlete has ever made and feeding thousands of people in poverty; the man has done it all.
Anybody who would want to knock on that is simply hating. What more do you want from the guy?
Personally, I have nothing but respect and admiration for the man’s accomplishments. As a fellow Filipino, his story is definitely an inspiration, but if there is anything that I can say, it’s that I just hope Pacquiao ends his career on the right note.
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Money, fame and the sense of accomplishment can blunt the sharpest of knives. That appeared to be the case with Pacquiao on top of the many other responsibilities and distractions he took on that divided his focus, time and attention.
Truth is, Pacquiao is at the tail end of a story book career. Truth be told, there are only two things left worth pursuing to enhance his legacy: 1. Beat Floyd Mayweather, Jr. 2. Beat Juan Manuel Marquez convincingly. But even if he doesn’t and decides to retire today, he will still be remembered as one of the greatest that ever did it.
With that said, when you’re as high as Pacquiao is, it’s almost as if there’s nowhere to go but down. What can a win over Timothy Bradley, Lamont Peterson or a second win over Miguel Cotto really do for him other than fatten his pockets further? Although, if that is indeed the route Pacquiao takes, so be it. All I ask and hope for the guy in the new year, is that whatever he does, may he do so with the same kind of passion, fervor, enthusiasm and commitment as he did when he was still just trying to make it.
Bring back the old Manny Pacquiao in 2012.
Happy New Year to all of you!!!!!!!
