AN EXTENDED search for Manny Pacquiao in Kidapawan City on Saturday produced no visible results.
At best, there were only raw hints of the famous boxer’s ring flair during a long hunt that went past midnight.
Glenn Porras, 20, clinched the Philippine Boxing Federation bantamweight title after exhausting doubtful power and limited skills against a plodding, muscular Edgar Gabihan.
But, despite winning a national belt inside the filled AMAS gymnasium, Porras, 6-win, one-loss, will have to try hard again.
The handsome local boy simply failed to make it as candidate to be the next Manny Pacquiao. Not by a mile.
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A happy revelation, and therefore apt birthday gift for Governor Manny Pi?ol of North Cotabato that night, was light flyweight Merchito Gesta. The former muay thai practitioner displayed enviable balance and splendid rhythm in conquering veteran Leo Escobido.
But Gesta, tabbed as a future world champ, honestly expressed doubt he could soon measure up to Pacquiao’s power.
Rex Pe?alosa, another Pi?ol favorite, has improved and threw shorter, crispier combinations to show the makings of a knockout artist. Sweet-punching Tommy Terrado also bears watching.
But, to repeat, the latest search for the next Pacquiao in progressive Kidapawan has produced no tangible results.
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We don’t know if there are other provincial officials similarly caught in a frenzied hunt for world-class boxing talents in their locality like Manny Pi?ol.
Out in Cebu City, there’s sportsman Tony Aldeguer who never tires discovering and training gifted young fighters.
Governor Joel de los Reyes of Palawan is said to be involved in his own hunt for future world-beaters.
What’s great here is that Pacquiao’s sensational rise to world boxing stardom, which has brought with it tremendous riches, has fueled a boxing renaissance hereabouts.
The mere mention of Pacquiao’s name, anywhere in the country, never fails to fuel thrill and rich expectations.
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Yes, there’s this growing, no-nonsense demand for the new or the next Manny Pacquiao. Whatever.
What’s actually unknown to many, and this includes those who work very close with the man, is this fact: there’s one foolproof way Pacquiao could avenge his loss to Mexico’s Erik Morales.
Pacquiao must himself succeed in finding a new Manny Pacquiao.
No kidding. Your reporter here is not trying to be cute or simplistic.
This is no condescending talk: Manny Pacquiao can enhance his chances against Morales in their Jan. 21 rematch only if he shuns the shallow ways and style of the slugger who lost to the Mexican great on March 19, 2005.
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It’s very clear. But it’s also not very simple.
The great thing here is that Manny Pacquiao need not travel long and hard to come by the secret.
The formula is right there. It’s within him.
In his first fight against Morales, Pacquiao was definitely stronger, faster.
But he lost because he was the inferior fighter, mainly when it came to the footwork test.
He got cut. He got outboxed. He suffered.
Pacquiao lost because he boxed blind and dumb.
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It was like this: Pacquiao entered the ring thinking, quite honestly, that he could slam, run over and finish off Morales.
He started out like a bull and ended up deluding himself.
Of course, Pacquiao and his team would offer assorted alibis, like thicker fight gloves and internal distractions.
But we still have that Pacquiao pre-fight pronouncement on tape wherein he said he would just toy with Morales — “Alin, si Morales, paglalaruan ko lang `yan.”
Manny Pacquiao will have to find a new, better self.
Stop this nationwide search for the next national boxing pride for the moment.
