A GREAT win is a great win.
But there are victories that are etched indefinitely in the consciousness of spectators.
Here at home, that shrieking stoppage by Manny Pacquiao of the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera last year is a top candidate as the main event of main events in Philippine sports.
That distinction has, however, suddenly started to be threatened over the weekend.
Anyway, before that super explosive Pacquiao win, there was always the summertime demolition by Gabriel Elorde of Harold Gomes in the 1960 opening of the Araneta Coliseum as the most unforgettable climax in the local sports world.
Before Elorde, of course, the world flyweight boxing championship victory by Pancho Villa over Jimmy Wilde in 1923, the first by an Asian fighter, was the noblest achievement by a Pinoy brown doll.
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Of the Villa triumph, there was no radio broadcast, and news of it from abroad took maybe a full week to reach local shores.
Still, the title snatch by Villa was welcomed here at home with the pealing of church bells and the sounding of sirens in the city, mainly at the old Manila Cold Storage close to the Liwasang Bonifacio in front of the Post Office building
When he finally returned as world boxing champ, the first Asian at that, Villa was to become a walking main event. He lived a fast, flashy life and was celebrated everywhere he went.
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In Elorde’s case, there was no television coverage of his triumph, but a coliseum full of fans witnessed his 7th round stoppage of Gomes for the world junior lightweight boxing crown which he held for seven years.
After Villa, Elorde was to become our greatest sports treasure.
Today, we have Manny Pacquiao, whose stirring surprise knockout of the celebrated Barrera last year has started to be considered the main event of main events in RP boxing.
Only now, there’s this possibility that Pacquiao’s ascent as the greatest Pinoy fighter, courtesy of his stoppage of Barrera, could still be stalled.
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Look, if Barrera had retired, as he had reportedly planned following the humiliation suffered in San Antonio, Texas last year, Pacquiao’s stature would’ve been cemented.
But Barrera sent a most threatening message by stopping Ring Fighter of the Year Paulie Ayala in California on Sunday.
Barrera said he wants Pacquiao next, mainly to prove that his ignominious loss to the Filipino ring idol was a fluke.
Barrera has been claiming he had entered the ring with Pacquiao last year after suffering from distractions, like his having to move camp due to the raging California forest fires.
He also mentioned the destabilization and anguish caused by his breakup with his previous manager.
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The much-awaited Pacquiao return bout with double world featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez has been shelved for this year.
Meanwhile, Barrera has been hollering all over he wants Pacquiao again.
And it looks like his demand would be granted.
Latest word, courtesy of Ronnie Nathanielsz of Manila Standard, says socialite-philanthropist Baby Arenas is interested in staging a bout between People’s Champion Pacquiao and the legendary Barrera of Mexico.
“Pacquiao is ready and willing to give Barrera a rematch anytime, anywhere,” Nathanielsz reported Tuesday.
If plans push through, the bout, which will most likely be called Thrilla in Manila II, would be staged here either in September or October.
This should be the occasion for Pacquiao to affirm he’s truly the greatest here.
