THIS Sunday, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will take the ring against Mexican pug Oscar Larios in front of an anxious and excited nation that has idolized the warrior from General Santos City.
Many fans expect Pacquiao to defeat his opponent in his own backyard. But, what if the story doesn?t end that way? What if Manny loses?
Of course, no Filipino in his right mind would even imagine that. Pacquiao stands for everything that his countrymen strive for. He is that shining example of a man, who released himself from the bondage of poverty, left the country to earn a living and succeeded, while leaving an indelible mark on his profession along the way.
The Pacman?s iconic status is precisely the reason Filipinos will not be able to bear the sight of seeing him down on the canvas, bruised and beaten. He has been immortalized in this part of the world not only because he?s a Filipino, but because he has achieved everything a Filipino longs for.
If the pride of GenSan loses, the worst thing that can happen to him is become less marketable, in this case as a result of bowing to what some boxing observers perceive as a has-been.
The impact of a defeat, however, will be felt by his kababayans, who see a Pacquiao waiting to happen in themselves. He exerts such a tremendous influence on his fellow Pinoys that a loss will kill our spirits.
Pacquiao isn?t just an athlete anymore. He?s larger than life, similar to an all-conquering superhero who always triumphs despite all odds and obstacles.
That?s why defeat is unthinkable. This country will wail if and when Pacquiao is nailed inside the ring because the hopes and aspirations of a people will crumble with him.
Let?s hope and pray for Manny Pacquiao. Let?s hope and pray that the unthinkable doesn?t happen because the Philippines cannot afford to see its superhero go down.
