Why the Filipino boxing scene must end ‘next Manny Pacquiao’ comparisons

Why the Filipino boxing scene should finish ‘subsequent Manny Pacquiao’ comparisons

PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 27 Jul 2022

Manny Pacquiao (L) and Mark Magsayo (R).

Boasting a proud custom for the artwork of pugilism, the Philippines has constantly produced a number of the greatest champions within the historical past of boxing, thrilling and galvanizing followers of the game in equal measure. Turning into a world champion is on no account simple, requiring big ranges of dedication and energy, to not point out some luck alongside the best way by securing bouts towards the very best within the enterprise.

Manny Pacquiao will at all times be thought-about the best Filipino boxer of all time, the very best ever southpaw to grace the ring, and completely distinctive within the historical past of the game. Certainly, he was the primary boxer to win the lineal championship in 5 completely different weight lessons, the primary to win main titles in 4 of the eight so-called glamour divisions, together with a number of titles and accolades all through his exceptional profession.

Even earlier than Pacquiao definitively determined to announce his retirement from boxing in 2021, sports activities media within the Philippines has usually added further strain to the present technology, fast at hand the ‘subsequent Manny Pacquiao’ label to potential champions. However the issue proper now could be that as of July 2022, there are presently no Filipino world boxing champions.

Mark Magsayo is now a part of Manny Pacquiao’s membership 👑🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/mGPZZT2hcS

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) January 24, 2022

The rise and reign of Mark Magsayo was as thrilling because it was transient. Unsurprisingly and like a lot of his compatriots, the 27-year-old had been handed the ‘subsequent Many Pacquiao’ tag as he scaled the worldwide rankings. When he received the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight belt in January 2022, the person from Tagbilaran Metropolis earned his championship on the first try.
After the bulk choice victory towards American boxer Garry Russel Jr. in Atlanta, who had held that title for a file interval of just about seven years, Magsayo was understandably delighted. “This can be a dream come true” he enthused afterwards, grateful for all of the help obtained alongside the best way. There was additionally a particular message of “welcome to the membership” from his idol, none aside from Pacquiao by way of Twitter.

Forward of his first protection of the WBC featherweight title, the inevitable comparisons with Pacquiao rose to the fore and notably amongst the Filipino media. Coincidentally and again in 2003, Pacquiao defeated Mexican fighter Marco Antonio Barrera on the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas, which Magsayo claims to have impressed his personal boxing profession. Virtually 20 years later, he was defending the WBC title on the identical venue towards one other Mexican.

Nevertheless, amidst all of the hopes of the ‘subsequent Manny Pacquiao’ inspiring newfound greatness for Filipino boxing, Magsayo admitted to being proud, albeit pressured by the massive weight of expectation. “There’s slightly little bit of strain for me. There isn’t a subsequent Manny Pacquiao. It’s nice to listen to that however the truth is it isn’t true,” he insisted, talking truthfully about his personal sensations throughout an interview given to Ring TV.

That actually proved to be the case in July of this 12 months, when Magsayo was overwhelmed by Rey Vargas after a punishing bout lasting the complete distance of 12 rounds, shedding towards the unbeaten Mexican by way of break up choice from the judges. His personal excellent file is now gone, though maybe the added strain and comparisons will now disappear, and perhaps that’s an excellent factor. Magsayo nonetheless stays a high boxer and one who Filipino followers may be happy with.

Pictures: Rey Vargas Overcomes Knockdown To Beat Mark Magsayo, Wins WBC Title https://t.co/cgoFGXb0Wc pic.twitter.com/nFL9NECEae

— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) July 10, 2022

Regardless of the exceptional legacy Pacquiao left us with, the boxing media neighborhood actually should put an finish to any additional comparisons. Because the now former champion Magsayo had underlined, all it serves is so as to add additional and arguably undesirable strain on the very best Filipino prospects. Allow them to forge their very own careers primarily based fully upon their very own deserves, which should even be appreciated extra and with out point out of a sure legendary boxing icon.

Magsayo will get extra alternatives and title photographs, that a lot is evident. Once they ultimately arrive, we will again him by way of the very best betting websites within the Philippines, selecting from these ranked by the newest SBO information. Additionally they make comparisons, albeit by way of skilled opinions relating to why every on-line bookmaker reviewed and rated is exclusive, every worthy of consideration primarily based upon their very own deserves, together with worth odds and interesting provides.

As for who Magsayo will battle subsequent, that is still huge open after the defeat towards Vargas. The lengthy street again to the highest begins now and undoubtedly, the Filipino might be extra decided than ever to get again the place he belongs. Hopefully, the success he deserves might be accompanied by extra appreciation for what he can provide the boxing world, slightly than the routine comparisons with a sure ‘different’.