What Manny Pacquiao Can Learn from Steffi Graf.......

Manny Pacquiao and Steffi Graf

Pacquiao vs. De La Hoya

        I am quite of a boxing a fanatic, but only if it’s Manny Pacquiao inside the ring. Other than him, boxing is alien to me. Thus, I give the credit to him, for making me fully aware of the aforementioned sport. I am drawn to his boxing matches, specifically because he is a fellow Filipino representing not just himself, but the entire Philippinedom. I have “watched” almost all of his boxing matches, most especially the famous ones where he defeated Oscar dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and just very recently, Juan Manuel Marquez. I am also drawn to all the drama and hype that surround the Pambansang Kamao pertaining to his wife and mother (the queen and princess of the House of Hermes), showbiz goings-on, and political career.

Pacquiao vs. Marquez

        Last Sunday, November 13, the world stood still for us Filipinos, as we await who between our very own Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico will emerge victorious in Las Vegas. As always, Manny came into view as the winner after twelve grueling rounds, but some of our kababayans were utterly dismayed with his performance. What the hell did they want? Two boxing experts made pronouncements immediately after the match that it was a lackluster performance by Manny, and that Marquez deserved the title more than the former. I also heard that some of those who watched the match at public venues were disappointed, to the extent of having to leave the venue during the later the stages of the match when Manny was perceived to be “losing” it to the Mexican. How dare you abandon Manny! A genuine fan is one who is fastened to his or her idol, come hell or high water. Correct?

Congressman Pacquiao

        Lackluster performance or otherwise, I think the most important thing is that he won, period. It may not be the kind of victory that most of us wanted, but nonetheless, it was still a victory. A common observation is that it was a close fight. Yes, I could not agree with that more. Finally, Pacquiao has met his match in the person of Marquez, and that Marquez reads him like a book according to what one boxing expert mentioned. The question still is why are some Filipinos disappointed? Is it because Manny did not go for the kill? Well how primitive can you be? Is it because the match lasted for twelve rounds? Is Manny Superman? He is not, may I remind you. What I admire most about our Pacquiao is his capability to win a fight, despite all the distractions, if they could be called as such, along his fringes. His plate is full of things to do: his political career as Congressman, showbiz activities, product endorsements, and domestic issues to boot. His win over Marquez, therefore, is no mean feat considering the many things that he has to attend to, inside and outside the ring. And lastly, can we not just respect the decision of the judges? They know better than us, and had a better view of the fight. Let us not judge Manny's career solely in terms of  his recent bout with Marquez. Where is our sense of history? Have we deleted from our memory his past victories? It is very disheartening to digest the fact that we Filipinos are the first ones to criticize Manny, who is our co-Filipino.

Ali is afflicted with Parkinson's disease

        But some good things never last. I personally and honestly believe that Manny should leave the sport while he is still on top, quit while he is still ahead of the race. Forget about Mayweather since there are too many obstacles to forge a match between them. It’s like asking for the moon, unless money comes into play. Manny has already achieved so much in terms of fame and fortune, and has already brought honor and glory to our country a number of times. So enough, Manny. You have nothing else to prove. All the injuries and blows that you had will hopefully, not took their toll on you later. We all know what happened to the great Muhammad Ali.  

S T E F F I   G R A F : Fraulein Forehand

        Talking of retiring from a sport reminds me very much of my favorite tennis player, Steffi Graf of Germany. She is hailed as the greatest female tennis player of all time, having won the holy grails of tennis at least four times: four Australian Opens (hard court), six French Opens (clay), seven Wimbledons (grass), and five US Opens (Deco Turf). She also excelled in the Olympics, having won the gold in 1988 (Seoul) and silver in 1994 (Barcelona). In terms of ranking, she was number one in the world for a record of 377 weeks, which remains unchallenged up to this day whether by any male or female tennis player. She retired in 1999, after winning the French Open and reaching the final at Wimbledon. She quit while still on top, as the world number three. What is most special about Graf's retirement is that she did it in her own terms. Just read in between the lines, and you will know what Manny Pacquiao can learn from my dear Steffi, on how she bid the tennis courts goodbye, and hung up her racket for good.

S T E F F I   G R AF : famous backhand slice and serve

        So, should Manny retire from boxing and call it a day?

"I think most Filipinos and myself always want to remember him as a champion, who did not lose a match to anybody. After his fight today, I think he should retire."
- Omid Irankhah (WCC RadTech student, businessman, jet setter)

"In my opinion, Pacquiao should continue his boxing career not because of his winning streak, but I believe God has blessed him with incredible talent which can influence and inspire other people."
 - Oscar Tetangco (WCC graduate, registered Radiologic Technologist, 
8th Placer - 2011 November RT Licensure Exam) 

"No, I don't think he should retire until he fight Mayweather, or it will be a big question mark in boxing history. If he retires, only maybe after Floyd so that Mayweather won't have any excuse ever on why they never fought." 

- Kyle Castillo (WCC Nursing student, skateboarding-dance-boxing-food-movies enthusiast)

"I think so. Fifty plus fights for any fighter is too much impact and stress for the brain and body. With all that weight cutting and gaining, and blows received from opponents. But I would still love to see a Pacman-Mayweather match. Though we all know it probably won't happen. But still......." 

- Hermann Weber (WCC Nursing graduate, registered nurse, model) 

with ROB GIER of PHL Azkals

"Yes, I think he should retire because he doesn't have to prove anything. He has nothing to lose and nothing to gain anymore. If he will engage in another fight, what will he gain from it? He already has fame and fortune." 
- Irish Planes (member, UP Pep Squad/Cheerdance, Speech Communication major)



       

with MANNY PACQUIAO

"I think Pacman should retire now. First, for health reasons. Second, he has nothing else to prove. Third, he should retire while still on top. Fourth, he already has millions." 
- Archie Zapanta (WCC Nursing graduate, registered nurse, former DJ - Pinoy Radio DM 95.5, radio anchor - Radyo Singko 92.3 news FM)