It?s good to know that boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, after falling flat on his face on the ring of the MGM Grand, is determined to stage a comeback. His legions of fans wish him well and pray for his health. As Pacquiao himself has publicly acknowledged, some boxers never recover from such a knockout. This time he has been gracious in defeat, acknowledging that Mexico?s Juan Manuel Marquez has beaten him decisively.
Even as Pacquiao prepares to fight another day, however, the nation should start developing the next generation of boxers who can win honors for the Philippines. Boxers are not like wine; they don?t grow better with age. There will always come a time when a world boxing champion, if he refuses to hang up his gloves while he is at the top, will face a younger and better opponent.
Like professional boxers in several other countries, Pacquiao rose to the top mainly on his own, with little support from sports officials. But he has shown that Filipino boxers can be world champions. This should encourage the government to invest in efforts to support boxers who show potential to excel in international matches.
That support should extend to athletes in other fields. Most of the nation?s athletes cannot afford to invest the required time, effort and resources in training to be at the top of their game. Many believe sacrificing education or regular employment for sports training isn?t worth it. It is no coincidence that several of the country?s best hopes for medals in previous international competitions were military personnel; they could rely on continued employment in the Armed Forces while undergoing rigorous sports training.
Non-military athletes who show potential deserve the same support. Pacquiao has shown that Filipino athletes can be world champions, several times over. Filipinos can continue excelling, in boxing and other sports.
