Tungod, Inabanga, Bohol – Two of Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s (49-3-2, 37 KOs) compatriots are already considered as the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) in their respective sports disciplines. Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno’s achievements in Bowling are unparalleled, while Efren “Bata” Reyes’ mark in Billiards has already been etched in stone. Pacquiao is arguably in a perfect position to add yet another B (for Boxing) to complete a Triple B (Bowling-Billiards-Boxing) for the Philippines. But before we try to break down Pacquiao’s chances, let’s first take a little peek at his fellow Pinoys’ exploits.
Starting off with perhaps the greatest Filipino athlete of all time, Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno owns 118 career bowling titles that include four Bowling World Cups. He is the only bowling athlete in the world who has received the prestigious International Olympic Committee President’s Trophy. Paeng was also the first international male bowling athlete to be enshrined in the International Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum based in St. Louis, Missouri in 1993 where his seven foot image is displayed at the Museum’s entrance. In November 1999, the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ) named Paeng as the “International Bowling Athlete of the Millennium” and in September of 2003, Paeng was named by the Prestigious Bowlers Journal International as the “Greatest International Bowler of All Time.”
Paeng is probably best known for being listed in Guiness Book of World Records for three separate distinctions, namely; i.) for being the youngest (at 19 years old) person to win the Bowling World Cup, ii.) for most Bowling World Cup wins (a total of 4), and iii.) for having won the most number of bowling tournament titles (a total of 118).
Now let’s proceed to possibly the most loved and most adorable Pinoy athlete of all time – Efren “Bata” Reyes. Nicknamed “The Magician”, Reyes requires no introduction to any fan of the game today. Bata took the pool world by storm, winning at least 78 international tournaments along the way. Most great players develop their expertise and exceptional play in one particular pool game, be it pocket billiards, snooker or billiards. It is extremely hard to specialize in 2 of those 3 categories, but Reyes is an all around player. He plays extremely well in all three categories. This separates him from the rest of the pool greats and puts him on a league of his own.
Owning almost certainly the world’s most adorable toothless smile, The Magician has endeared himself to fans with his exciting and magical brand of play that has definitely changed the game in more ways than one. He is a two-time world champion and has two World Cup of Pool titles under his belt that he shares with bosom buddy Francisco “Django” Bustamante. In 2003, Bata became the first Asian to be inducted into the Billiard Congress of America’s Hall of Fame. As a player in professional pool, Reyes has been known to have won a number of money-rich tournaments worldwide. This makes him one of the most profitable players around. To prove it, he topped AZ Billiards Money List 5 times; 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006. In 2006 he set a record by earning $646K in a single year.
Going back to Manny Pacquiao, his achievements thus far has merited him comparisons with all time greats like Robinson, Leonard, Duran, and Ali. Being mentioned in the same breath as these boxing icons, albeit didn’t come on a silver platter. Pacquiao had to overcome size disadvantages throughout his rise to boxing superstardom. He is a 4-division lineal world champion (112lbs, 126lbs, 130 lbs, and 140lbs) and 6-time alphabet soup champ in as many divisions (112lbs, 122lbs, 126lbs, 130lbs, 135lbs, and 140lbs).
On the 14th of November this year, Pacquiao will have a chance to become the only fighter in history to win seven world championships in as many weight divisions. Once again, he will have to overcome a significant disadvantage in size, as he faces his toughest opponent to date. If he triumphs, this victory will catapult him to much greater heights and move him closer to the G.O.A.T.’s throne, which is in all probability shared by Robinson and Ali. Will Pacquiao make it Triple B for the Philippines? Well, a year or two from now, after he defeats Cotto, Mayweather, and Mosley, there will be no reason left to rank him lower than anyone among boxing’s all time greats.
