As the evolution of the fight game in amateur boxing continues, an opportunity to bring home the first Olympic gold medal for the Philippines has arisen. Yet, there are still no serious plans if the archipelago-nation will ever let its professional fighters take over in the quadrennial event for the sake of the country?s pride. Is an Olympic stint worth the risk for Filipino pro fighters?
Now that AIBA is allowing professional fighters to compete in the quadrennial event, a decision included in a ruling overhaul which included the elimination of head-gear and adopting the ten-point scoring system, this may be an opportunity for pugilists looking for career options elsewhere. Since the ruling, we have seen pro fighters step into the ring in the 2016 edition of the Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro.
The Philippines has been taking part in the Olympics since 1924 and has won ten medals so far (three silvers and seven bronzes), five came from boxing. The sad news is that the archipelago nation still longs for its first elusive gold medal.
Now that AIBA allows professional fighters in the Olympics, is it time for the Philippine national team to pit its best punchers against some of the world?s elite amateurs and pros in the most prestigious of games?
At a professional level, Filipino fighters excel (especially in the lower-weight divisions) where they have produced several world champions. The big question, however, is why can?t they snatch an Olympic gold medal knowing they don?t have a scarcity of talent? The issue seems to be so simple, yet complex, when broken down.
Professional fighters have handlers and promoters who look after them and provide everything they need. Depending on their market value, they could earn as low as $40 per fight, or a fortunate superstar fighters like Manny Pacquiao could pocket millions of dollars in a single outing.
While with the hunger of getting its first-ever Olympic gold medal, the Philippine government promises a lucrative cash reward (reportedly worth $200,000) for an athlete who can win one. The golden opportunity
It looks like the Philippine Olympic committee is not keen on giving up national team spots to allow professional fighters a chance of representing their country for better chances of victory.
With implementing the ten-point scoring system, fight styles have drastically changed with punch-power now being firmly favoured as a key ingredient for Olympic success. The way fighters execute their attack and defence pivots towards the professional style.
Having said all of that, there is arguably a better chance of an Olympic gold medal if Filipino professional fighters will be fielded in. It may not sound good for the long-time members of the national team (since their slots may be taken by pro fighters), but why not try one young promising puncher who has continually showcased brilliant performances like Jerwin Ancajas, Mark Magsayo or Marlon Tapales.
This idea is still far from being put into an implementation by the national team due to its complexity, but considering the pool of talent in professional boxing and how things have dramatically changed for amateur boxing, this may be the best road to Olympic gold medal for the Philippines.
Experience is vital in the sport and having a professional within the Olympic team will surely do wonders for the growth of the amateur fighters. The whole team need not comprise purely of pros, but if an Ancajas or a Magsayo (for example) is allowed to represent his country on the grandest of stages, surely this breeds the opportunity for others to follow from humbler backgrounds.
