What I learned from Manny's Defeat

        This is the second time that I am writing something about Manny Pacquiao. The first time was after his controversial win over Marquez. And now, after his equally controversial loss to Timothy Bradley. I must admit that I was heartbroken when Pacquiao lost last Sunday. How can I go on with the rest of the day? Just kidding. 

    For this new blog post, I have enumerated five lessons that I have learned from the Pacquiao-Bradley fight, wherein the latter prevailed over our Pambansang Kamao, much to the disappointment of every Pacquiao fan.

 In any game, there is only one winner…

We all know this for sure. One need not be a molecular biologist to understand this. However, this is something that is difficult to digest when our team lost the match, or our favorite athlete was defeated by the opponent. Manny’s fans, most especially Filipinos, were stunned to hear a different name being proclaimed as winner last Sunday. Our ears, for so many years already, have been accustomed to hearing Manny’s name being announced as winner after several boxing rounds. However, this was not the case last Sunday. We heard a different name this time, which was not music to our ears. But at the end of the day, when the dust has settled, we all have to accept the fact that in any game or competition, there is only one winner, and it was Bradley who won.

Opportunity could present itself to us in a form of defeat…

In the career of any athlete, there will always be ups and downs, wins and losses. Any athlete cannot expect himself or herself to be winning every point, every game, and every match, all the time. What do we do then with losses? Manny’s defeat could serve as a motivation for him to do better next time, should he agree to the rematch between him and Bradley on November. I am quite sure that Manny will not take his controversial loss sitting down. Hopefully, it will give him a fresher perspective as far as his boxing career is concerned, and further beef himself up for the fight. This could pave the way for Manny to end his career on a high note. This could be his last dance, and his last chance at greatness. His recent loss could jumpstart the necessary fine tunings that he needs to do.

We are not forever young…

Though Manny’s loss could ignite the spark in him that has led him to greatness, he has to be reminded that he is not getting any younger. Being an athlete has a limited shelf life. Manny, and other athletes for this matter, will not forever be energetic and youthful. All the wear and tear will manifest either sooner or later. I personally believe that Manny is still strong as a boxer, having survived 12 rounds with Marquez before, and just very recently with Bradley. If ever the November rematch will push through, that should be Manny’s last and final gladiator stance inside the ring. You are not getting any younger Manny.

A plateful of food is difficult to finish…

Manny has a lot of things on his plate right now. Apart from being an athlete, he is also a congressman, TV host, endorser, businessman, and what have you. If you will read in between the lines, the message is lucidly clear that any person in Manny’s situation could lack focus with the many things that have to be attended to. It is very remarkable though, to see how dedicated Manny was in his trainings months prior to his match against Bradley. I think it is only Manny who can do such feat. Plain logic, however, will tell us that if we will just focus on one thing, then the more that we will become successful since there no “obstructions’ and “distractions” along the way.

Graciousness in defeat…

Manny painted a face of disbelief when he was not declared as the victor after twelve grueling rounds. But shortly after, he was able to regroup, and appeared to be calm and collected. He did not act like a spoiled brat who was robbed of his toy. Such is the composure of a true champion and we all take our hats off to Manny. He accepted his fate immediately, and showed humility and graciousness even in defeat. He did not try to question the judges, and even ruled out the possibility of making a protest or having the result investigated. He accepted his defeat with all positivity. His newly found religious advocacy, must have contributed significantly to his current disposition in life, and may he remain this way for the rest of his life. With his exemplary behavior even in defeat, it is very obvious as to who emerged as the real champion that fateful day.

 Congratulations Manny!