Many boxing scholars said that the golden years of Philippine boxing was during the reign of the late great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde. Indeed, it was a phenomenal feat for the Filipinos as Elorde made waves in the boxing world and was regarded by the “Ring” as their number one pound-for-pound fighter in the junior lightweight ranks in the 60s, thus, putting the Philippines literally on the map of the sport.
Today, with the sudden rise of Manny Pacquiao, Filipinos are looking to duplicate that feat.
Manny Pacquiao’s acknowledged success may seem not to be comparable just yet to what Elorde has accomplished, but his presence no doubt brought more than pride to the Filipinos as he actually shook the entire Philippine boxing community from its sagging status, now on the verge of duplicating its golden years.
Unknown to many, Philippine hope does not end on Manny Pacquiao, but it cannot be denied that the “Pac-man” was instrumental in bringing renewed hope and aspiration to up and coming Filipino fighters.
The Filipino up and coming fighters cannot be compared to the number of those from America and Mexico, but boxing is not a match of a “royal rumble”. It’s a match of only two men atop the ring. What counts most is quality and not quantity and from the view of this writer, the Philippines have its share of quality talents.
In my years of following boxing, I can bet to the boxing world that these Filipino fighters will be a force to be reckoned with in the next few years to come. I have serious thoughts on Rodel Mayol, Randy Suico, and Disodado Gabi to be in the league of the current champions in their respective divisions.
Hot prospects ZC Gorres, Jimrex Jaca, Glenn Donaire, Nonito Donaire and Yukka Gejon are talents that are just knocking on the door and waiting for the breaks to come their way as well.
The Philippines also have their version of teen-age sensations and most notable among them is Rey Bautista and following closely is Caesar Amonsot. However, unknown to many, little known Donnie Nietes and “rapidfire” Glenn Gonzales a 5-8 bantamweight who should also rise the same as Bautista has made for himself.
Battle-scarred warriors Juanito Rubillar and technical fighter par excellence Gerry Penalosa and ultimate warrior Malcolm Tunacao are ready anytime to prove to the world that they still have a bang in their gloves with the world’s best.
The whole world is watching, but the Filipinos have more Manny Pacquiao’s to come and just like in any sport, the Philippines can be regarded as the “dark horse” in boxing right now.
If not only for economic woes, boxing politics and hometown decisions, things would have been more flowery for Filipino boxers, but Manny Pacquiao is not finished yet and his corps are just waiting to reinforce Philippine pride!
