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Golden Age of Philippine Boxing?
Golden Age of Philippine Boxing?
Posted by FJ Parlan on 08.19.2009
In FJ Parlan's 411 debut, he launches his column "The FJ Fury" (and also introduces "Crashing Right Hooks") by pondering the legitimate question: Are we in a golden age of Philippine boxing?
Manny Pacquiao personifies the "golden age"
(Image by Coyote Duran of Doghouseboxing.com)
It seems that more and more Filipino talents in boxing are coming out of the woodwork lately. I don't know if anyone realizes this, but if there's an era in Philippine boxing that can be labeled as a "Golden Age"—it might as well be the epoch we are in right now. Think about it: There have been 37 Filipino world champions or world titlists, and five of them are in their thrones right now. Of course, if this is indeed a golden era, Manny Pacquiao - boxing's biggest star and best fighter - personifies it, while the notable others loom at the elite of their respective divisions.
And, also, I may be wrong in generalizing, so I'll stick with what I'm just witnessing personally: I've never seen the Filipino boxing scene more abundant with international talent, champions and world titlists and potential world-beater prospects alike, especially in the lower weight classes (which have always been the Filipinos' domain).
I am not declaring this in any way to jinx the country's current position in the international boxing order. Nor do I think of suggesting that there's nowhere to go but down from here. I'm just stating an observation that seems to have its merits—whether the next several big fights lined-up for the Filipinos result in their favor or not (although, more merit, if it does).
The Top Rank "Pinoy Power 2" card last weekend was a culmination of this. Not only was a Filipino fighter heading a card that was held on the United States' soil, but a bevy of his fellow countrymen were starring in the undercard. And it was on PPV. That's just totally unheard of.
It only goes to show how far the Filipino fighters following the footsteps of Pacquiao have taken advantage of the opportunities his greatness and popularity presented. "Early in my career I could not get a fight... When I tried to sign with managers in the past I was told that Filipinos were not marketable," admits Nonito Donaire in a press conference prior to the event, the IBF Flyweight Champion, and now the interim WBA Super Flyweight titleholder by virtue of decision against the overweight Rafael Concepcion in the main event of the said card.
But he continued, "I am thankful of Pacquiao's achievement... There is not much the rest of us can do because we are overwhelmed by what he has done."
Pacquiao has achieved a unique legacy and let's just say that there will not be another Manny Pacquiao, Filipino or not.
But these slew of Filipinos who have arrived and are mistakenly tied with Pacquiao, have made their own marks themselves, and are set to advance their careers and own legacy.
Donaire himself is a pound-for-pound entrant, sitting at Number 7 on the venerable Ring Magazine rankings (which by itself is a high achievement among filipino fighters in history). Brian Viloria, who fought with Donaire in an event held in the Philippines, last April, won his second world title then: the IBF Jr. Lightweight title, which he is set to depend on the 29th of this month. Gerry Peñalosa has carved his career before, and almost independent of, the Pacquiao era, and despite losing to Puerto Rican Juan Manuel Lopez at 122 lbs., still holds on to his WBO title at 118 lbs—his second title, which he won a decade after he lost his first one. Donnie Nietes, another Filipino titlist, proudly wears his WBO strap at the Minimumweights.
Bernabe Concepcion, the talented 21-year-old challenged highly-rated featherweight Steven Luevano for the WBO crown, was unfortunately disqualified after hitting Luevano with two shots on the chin after the end of the 7th round. But I think he'll still get his title shot.
On back-to-back weeks (September 4 and September 12), 19-year-old punching prodigy Marvin Sonsona, and Rodel Mayol, who took away the other goose egg off master boxer Ivan Calderon's record by forcing a technical draw in June, are challenging WBO Jr. Bantamweight champion Jose "Carita" Lopez, and The Ring Jr. Flyweight World Champion Calderon, respectively. And, of course, lest we forget, late this year, someone by the name of Pacquiao is gunning for a record 7th world title in 7 weight divisions as he faces top welterweight Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.
This is after a world title shot by Juanito Rubillar and surely, before more world title shots for other deserving Filipinos. The tide is continuing and is not about the change in the foreseeable tomorrow.
Whew. If you're a Filipino boxing fan, life is good.
Now that we have taken a look at the glowing state of Filipino boxing, there's only one valid question remaining: what happens after Manny Pacquiao? Or, as The Ring Magazine online puts it: Will Pinoy Power exist post-Pacquiao? I have actually addressed this question in a way before I came here in 411Mania, in an article length comment I sent to Dog House Boxing. To avoid quoting myself, give that a read, but in essence, I pointed out that Manny Pacquiao opened the doors to new fans, which may or may not crossover as general fans of the sport.
But now, we can see that Pacquiao not only opened the door to supporters of the sweet science, but also good boxers of his same race. These fighters will take advantage of the opportunities he leaves as he retires and carry it over to generations as these fans remain intact. In other words, when Pacquiao leaves the sport, he won't be the only top Filipino prizefighter left. He will have left Filipino boxing at more-than-capable athletes that can well-represent the nation and still draw some fans into the sport. Granted, Pacquiao will not ever be replaced in the hearts of many Filipinos, but quite frankly, let us not assign "next Manny Pacquiao" signs on any Filipino boxer to come along so we won't be set up to foreseeable disappointments. Let the Donaires be the Donaires, and we'll all be fine.
And so will the golden Filipino boxing of today, and tommorow.
Crashing Right Hooks:
"Crashing Right Hooks" will serve as my weekly dose of random thoughts for you, readers.
- Postfight bites from Pinoy Power 2:
- Nonito Donaire just went up a weight class and then he fights a guy about two division even further? Give him his kudos. He couldn't take Rafael Concepcion out primarily because of that and as luck would have it he injured his left hand in the 3rd round of the bout. Forgive his performance, Kevin Iole. Pound-for-pound he is, methinks.
- But of course, I have my own "rotten" take: Donaire's defense consists of largely circling around the ring and slipping away from punches. He's slick and he does a good job at using the ring in his favor. But he is hittable. His hands are very low defensively and his style doesn't prefer blocking punches. Concepcion was not-too-fast but his charges sometimes got to Donaire.
- Steven Luevano has the looks to perhaps be an actor in Mexico, and he may have done such a job last Saturday. But, acting job or not, Bernabe Concepcion had no business hitting him 3 seconds after the bell, especially when his opponent is smiling and asking to touch gloves. A rematch could be staged (no pun intended to Luevano's stage tactics), Bob Arum indicated.
- Mark Jason Melligen isn't a speedy puncher, but his opponent Ernesto Zepeda is even slower. Melligen seems contented style-wise to just throw one punch at a time, until he finally broke through in the 4th round, in which he was still punching in singular volumes.
- Roy Jones indeed found the perfect foil with Jeff Lacy in "Hook City". But still, it was more like "Hook Pity" for me. Or "Hook Pity: The Retirement Tryout". He mustered what he could to promote the event, but in a main event that basically features two washed-up fighters, in a weekend of another boxing PPV, I wondered how good the PPV numbers are of their card.
- As long as we're in random thoughts, I'd like to share to you this KO by Antonio Pitalua of Jose Reyes. Pitalua was lagging behind in the scorecards when he unleashed a straight right hand in the 6th round (after a light jab) that landed squarely on Reyes's chin. It has now made the short list for Knockout of the Year candidates. Now, say, "Oh, ****" in the comments below. Lol.
- For your 411: "The FJ Fury" was a favorite-by-some (not me, I didn't even know that before) WW2 fight planes. My online tag is Fj-3 and when I type that in me web-bestfriend Google, "FJ Fury" or "FJ-3 Fury" appears. Among my other options for my column title, this has more of a boxing feel to it compared to the others. It's a "fight plane" that are used in "battles" and "wars", after all.
- Author's note: I would like to thank 411Mania for giving me an opportunity to be a part of the 411 (I am aware how many times I've said this to Mr. Ramon Aranda, but since I have told the world this in my debut, you've just about finally heard the last of it if you are looking to, lol). I'm excited and I'm looking forward to the 411 experience with the participants of this site. Make it a habit to visit 411Mania, and check out my column in the process (lol again). In the future editions of "The FJ Fury", expect a feature about Diaz vs. Malignaggi and Marvin Sonsona, among others. Thanks. 'Til next time. God bless.
Posted by FJ Parlan on 08.19.2009
In FJ Parlan's 411 debut, he launches his column "The FJ Fury" (and also introduces "Crashing Right Hooks") by pondering the legitimate question: Are we in a golden age of Philippine boxing?
Manny Pacquiao personifies the "golden age"
(Image by Coyote Duran of Doghouseboxing.com)
It seems that more and more Filipino talents in boxing are coming out of the woodwork lately. I don't know if anyone realizes this, but if there's an era in Philippine boxing that can be labeled as a "Golden Age"—it might as well be the epoch we are in right now. Think about it: There have been 37 Filipino world champions or world titlists, and five of them are in their thrones right now. Of course, if this is indeed a golden era, Manny Pacquiao - boxing's biggest star and best fighter - personifies it, while the notable others loom at the elite of their respective divisions.
And, also, I may be wrong in generalizing, so I'll stick with what I'm just witnessing personally: I've never seen the Filipino boxing scene more abundant with international talent, champions and world titlists and potential world-beater prospects alike, especially in the lower weight classes (which have always been the Filipinos' domain).
I am not declaring this in any way to jinx the country's current position in the international boxing order. Nor do I think of suggesting that there's nowhere to go but down from here. I'm just stating an observation that seems to have its merits—whether the next several big fights lined-up for the Filipinos result in their favor or not (although, more merit, if it does).
The Top Rank "Pinoy Power 2" card last weekend was a culmination of this. Not only was a Filipino fighter heading a card that was held on the United States' soil, but a bevy of his fellow countrymen were starring in the undercard. And it was on PPV. That's just totally unheard of.
It only goes to show how far the Filipino fighters following the footsteps of Pacquiao have taken advantage of the opportunities his greatness and popularity presented. "Early in my career I could not get a fight... When I tried to sign with managers in the past I was told that Filipinos were not marketable," admits Nonito Donaire in a press conference prior to the event, the IBF Flyweight Champion, and now the interim WBA Super Flyweight titleholder by virtue of decision against the overweight Rafael Concepcion in the main event of the said card.
But he continued, "I am thankful of Pacquiao's achievement... There is not much the rest of us can do because we are overwhelmed by what he has done."
Pacquiao has achieved a unique legacy and let's just say that there will not be another Manny Pacquiao, Filipino or not.
But these slew of Filipinos who have arrived and are mistakenly tied with Pacquiao, have made their own marks themselves, and are set to advance their careers and own legacy.
Donaire himself is a pound-for-pound entrant, sitting at Number 7 on the venerable Ring Magazine rankings (which by itself is a high achievement among filipino fighters in history). Brian Viloria, who fought with Donaire in an event held in the Philippines, last April, won his second world title then: the IBF Jr. Lightweight title, which he is set to depend on the 29th of this month. Gerry Peñalosa has carved his career before, and almost independent of, the Pacquiao era, and despite losing to Puerto Rican Juan Manuel Lopez at 122 lbs., still holds on to his WBO title at 118 lbs—his second title, which he won a decade after he lost his first one. Donnie Nietes, another Filipino titlist, proudly wears his WBO strap at the Minimumweights.
Bernabe Concepcion, the talented 21-year-old challenged highly-rated featherweight Steven Luevano for the WBO crown, was unfortunately disqualified after hitting Luevano with two shots on the chin after the end of the 7th round. But I think he'll still get his title shot.
On back-to-back weeks (September 4 and September 12), 19-year-old punching prodigy Marvin Sonsona, and Rodel Mayol, who took away the other goose egg off master boxer Ivan Calderon's record by forcing a technical draw in June, are challenging WBO Jr. Bantamweight champion Jose "Carita" Lopez, and The Ring Jr. Flyweight World Champion Calderon, respectively. And, of course, lest we forget, late this year, someone by the name of Pacquiao is gunning for a record 7th world title in 7 weight divisions as he faces top welterweight Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.
This is after a world title shot by Juanito Rubillar and surely, before more world title shots for other deserving Filipinos. The tide is continuing and is not about the change in the foreseeable tomorrow.
Whew. If you're a Filipino boxing fan, life is good.
Now that we have taken a look at the glowing state of Filipino boxing, there's only one valid question remaining: what happens after Manny Pacquiao? Or, as The Ring Magazine online puts it: Will Pinoy Power exist post-Pacquiao? I have actually addressed this question in a way before I came here in 411Mania, in an article length comment I sent to Dog House Boxing. To avoid quoting myself, give that a read, but in essence, I pointed out that Manny Pacquiao opened the doors to new fans, which may or may not crossover as general fans of the sport.
But now, we can see that Pacquiao not only opened the door to supporters of the sweet science, but also good boxers of his same race. These fighters will take advantage of the opportunities he leaves as he retires and carry it over to generations as these fans remain intact. In other words, when Pacquiao leaves the sport, he won't be the only top Filipino prizefighter left. He will have left Filipino boxing at more-than-capable athletes that can well-represent the nation and still draw some fans into the sport. Granted, Pacquiao will not ever be replaced in the hearts of many Filipinos, but quite frankly, let us not assign "next Manny Pacquiao" signs on any Filipino boxer to come along so we won't be set up to foreseeable disappointments. Let the Donaires be the Donaires, and we'll all be fine.
And so will the golden Filipino boxing of today, and tommorow.
Crashing Right Hooks:
"Crashing Right Hooks" will serve as my weekly dose of random thoughts for you, readers.
- Postfight bites from Pinoy Power 2:
- Nonito Donaire just went up a weight class and then he fights a guy about two division even further? Give him his kudos. He couldn't take Rafael Concepcion out primarily because of that and as luck would have it he injured his left hand in the 3rd round of the bout. Forgive his performance, Kevin Iole. Pound-for-pound he is, methinks.
- But of course, I have my own "rotten" take: Donaire's defense consists of largely circling around the ring and slipping away from punches. He's slick and he does a good job at using the ring in his favor. But he is hittable. His hands are very low defensively and his style doesn't prefer blocking punches. Concepcion was not-too-fast but his charges sometimes got to Donaire.
- Steven Luevano has the looks to perhaps be an actor in Mexico, and he may have done such a job last Saturday. But, acting job or not, Bernabe Concepcion had no business hitting him 3 seconds after the bell, especially when his opponent is smiling and asking to touch gloves. A rematch could be staged (no pun intended to Luevano's stage tactics), Bob Arum indicated.
- Mark Jason Melligen isn't a speedy puncher, but his opponent Ernesto Zepeda is even slower. Melligen seems contented style-wise to just throw one punch at a time, until he finally broke through in the 4th round, in which he was still punching in singular volumes.
- Roy Jones indeed found the perfect foil with Jeff Lacy in "Hook City". But still, it was more like "Hook Pity" for me. Or "Hook Pity: The Retirement Tryout". He mustered what he could to promote the event, but in a main event that basically features two washed-up fighters, in a weekend of another boxing PPV, I wondered how good the PPV numbers are of their card.
- As long as we're in random thoughts, I'd like to share to you this KO by Antonio Pitalua of Jose Reyes. Pitalua was lagging behind in the scorecards when he unleashed a straight right hand in the 6th round (after a light jab) that landed squarely on Reyes's chin. It has now made the short list for Knockout of the Year candidates. Now, say, "Oh, ****" in the comments below. Lol.
- For your 411: "The FJ Fury" was a favorite-by-some (not me, I didn't even know that before) WW2 fight planes. My online tag is Fj-3 and when I type that in me web-bestfriend Google, "FJ Fury" or "FJ-3 Fury" appears. Among my other options for my column title, this has more of a boxing feel to it compared to the others. It's a "fight plane" that are used in "battles" and "wars", after all.
- Author's note: I would like to thank 411Mania for giving me an opportunity to be a part of the 411 (I am aware how many times I've said this to Mr. Ramon Aranda, but since I have told the world this in my debut, you've just about finally heard the last of it if you are looking to, lol). I'm excited and I'm looking forward to the 411 experience with the participants of this site. Make it a habit to visit 411Mania, and check out my column in the process (lol again). In the future editions of "The FJ Fury", expect a feature about Diaz vs. Malignaggi and Marvin Sonsona, among others. Thanks. 'Til next time. God bless.