A reliable metric of the performance ofour boxers are the world rankings. In the The Ring Magazine?s Jan 2014 issue which ranked the top 100 fighters in the world, five Pinoy pugs made the prestigious cut.
Manny Pacquiao was ranked no. 6 (this was before the Brandon Rios victory), while NonitoDonaire took the 10th spot. Rounding up our elite group were Brian Viloria at no.35 , Donnie Nietes at no. 69 and JohnreilCasimero at the 93rd spot.
Also, in the overall world rankings of the top 10 fighters in all the 17 weight divisions and four major sanctioning bodies, the Philippines paraded 10 fighters which ranked us 5th, next to Japan which placed 4th with 16.
The United States had the most ranked fighters with 31, while Mexico came a close second at 29. The United Kingdom was third at 18.
If any, this doesn?t sound surprising considering that the US and Mexico are traditional powerhouses in the sport, together with the UK. Japan has been on the surge lately, but the fact that we made the top 5 is still an impressive feat, considering the level of worldwide competition.
THE ELITE. Floyd Mayweather continues to be the no. 1 fighter in the world, while Andre Ward is at no. 2 and Timothy Bradley takes the no. 3 spot.
This is a very accurate assessment considering that Mayweather and Ward have dominated their opposition and remain undefeated. Bradley deserves his lofty ranking as he had a breakout year in 2013, defeating Ruslan Provodnikov in a war, and outdueling Juan Manuel Marquez who is ranked at no. 5.
PROGNOSIS. While the present state of boxing in our country is quite robust and healthy, some concern has to be raised on its longevity and sustainability.
At age 33, Manny probably has three to four good years left in him. I wish I could say the same for Viloria, who is also 33, but may not have much left in that tank.
Donaire is still young at 31 and we may see him fight well into the end of this decade if he remains to be healthy and continues to be successful at the highest level.
WBO light flyweight champ Nietes is also 31 years old, but his reign has been shaky at times and I don?t seem him coming up to the level of Manny and Nonito in his remaining active years.
IBF light flyweight king Casimero is a young champion and he certainly has the potential to carry the load of Philippine boxing in the next few years as he gains more experience and seasoning.
He has an aggressive exciting style, has power in both hands and advances behind a fluid, boxing rhythm.
Yet being an elite fighter entails having more than the basic tools of a fighter and it remains to be seen if ?Quadro Alas? will be able to display Pacquiao?scourage and will to win, and Donaire?s championship poise.
On the periphery, I like what I am seeing with the Pe?alosa siblings, sons of former champion Dodie Boy Penalosa.
David and Dodie Boy Jr. continue to ascend in the rankings and I?m bullish they will continue the championship pedigree and make dad and uncle Gerry proud.
PASCAL WINS. In 2014?s first high profile matchup, Jean Pascal defeated Lucian Bute via unanimous decision in a light heavyweight battle between the best that Canada has to offer.
Pascal dominated Bute with his fast hands and is now poised to make another run for a world title. He was ranked at no. 58 in the world while Bute was no. 68.
VERBATIM. ? When I saw him now, he didn?t seem as aggressive as he used to be. Maybe that?s the type of fighter he is now.?—Shane Mosely on his recent visit to Manila.
LAST ROUNDS. Are on my SHS- B?89 batchmate Mark Montelibano and my cousin Atty. Dax Quijano, who celebrate their birthdays this week. Cheers!
