So it has happened. After an impressive streak of 15 wins in 7 years, the taste of a loss does not only linger in Manny Pacquiao’s mouth, but to ours as well. We all witnessed the Pacman’s successful pugilistic campaigns, conquering his opponents as he moved up the scales, and we now have to deal with the fact that he is not invincible. But that does not take away anything from his unique position in boxing history. Just count the belts that have adorned his waist over the years. Fighting and putting on the pounds while pounding adversaries is no mean feat. Manny, in short, is a special fighter. No boxer has ever done this before and if the trends continue, Pacquiao’s feat will never be replicated. That will be his legacy to the sport of boxing.
The recent fight with American Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley was indeed a close one. Leaving the technicalities to the judges, commentators, and experts; it was really a victory for Pacquiao. Taking on the perspective of a fight fan, the match had its moments of hesitance and suspended energy between the two. But here and there you’ll get glimpses of those Pacquiao flurries which are things of beauty. The precision of those fists—particularly his legendary left—homing in and rattling Bradley’s face. Fists, with their top-caliber power, that have made Pacquiao’s career. And this time, their power seemed not to be enough.
Are we asking too much from Manny? Are we always expecting for him to come out victorious in the ring and making the nation feel elated, proud for a brief moment of their existence as Filipinos? Hopefully, that’s not the case for that is a symptom of misplaced nationalism. A rematch is booked sometime in November and the span of those months of waiting and training will be filled with bated breaths and burgeoning expectations. Manny and his team will figure this one out. As for us, resentment should reside as we continue on with our lives as Filipinos and contribute to nation-building.
A loss is still a loss. Pacquiao, at 33, should start to look back at a career that has been generous to him and the people around him. Our “third-world emperor” as one commentator called Manny, has done enough to make our country proud. As our Pambansang Kamao (National Fist), there is still a lot of fighting to be done outside the ring. And Pacquiao knows this; he’s already the fighting congressman from Sarangani and maybe to higher office. As stories of heroes go, his myth will be around for the succeeding generations. It will continue on, being a wellspring of inspiration for Filipinos. And yes, he’s still our champ.
***
Mango Tours is a provider of quality, affordable and convenient travel services that include low-priced airline tickets, customized Philippine and International Tour Packages, Cruises, Land Transfers, Passport and Visa Concerns. It is the #1 producer of reliable travel services particularly when it comes to Philippine travel arrangements to the Filipino-American community in the US Mango Tours is able to provide its customers with a number of travel options at affordable rates because of its consolidator contracts with over 11 airlines. Book your travel bookings with Mango Tours by calling its 24/7 U.S. toll-free number at 1-866-2-MANILA (1-866-2-626452). Visit www.mangotours.com to know more about its latest promos and travel offers.
