I don’t understand why our “Pambansang Kamao” wants to return to the ring so badly. With all that he has made in his career, he certainly has enough for his family to last more than one lifetime. Why does he claim to need the money so badly? I end up having to question why Bob Arum would want to put him back in the boxing arena on Nov. 5. Does he want to go after his former fame and glory? I can’t think of another good enough reason. After all, Manny already has so much on his plate as a Senator and owner and player of a basketball team. Adding boxing into the mix just seems a bit ludicrous and slightly overkill at this point.
In the latest edition of Ring Magazine, Pacquiao has dropped to No. 9 on the list of top active boxers. I think he wants to climb the ranks again while he still can. This is sad though because, like in any sport, you have to know when to make a graceful exit. Staying too long not only makes you look bad, it also kind of makes you look greedy. And Pacquiao saying that he needed to box for the paycheck made it seem less about the boxing and more about the money.
After all, Manny is already secured a place in the boxing hall of fame. His illustrious career has made him a star that nobody is going to forget. Until now, no one else has won eight division titles. He has been lauded as one of the best boxers of his time. I think that should be good enough for him and for the Philippines. After all, he always says that he fights to make the country and his fellow Filipinos “happy.” I think we are already pretty happy and proud of what he has accomplished in the boxing ring. It may really be time to move on.
Even Pacman’s biggest rival Floyd “Money” Mayweather has announced his retirement and is already off the roster and list of active boxers. It’s obvious that Floyd knows that he no longer has anything to prove. He can rest on laurels because he has beaten who was considered his equal and the best at the sport. Now no one can call him out on running anymore. Pacquiao, on the other hand, still has the thorn in his side of not being able to emerge victorious from his match with Mayweather. If there were any reason for Pacman to go back into the ring it would be to face Floyd again. However, a rematch is not going to happen. There is just no reason for Floyd to agree.
Which again, brings me to the conclusion that there just isn’t any good enough reason that Pacquiao should be fighting again. After all, didn’t he promise his constituents that if he was elected into the Senate he would focus all his time on politics and on making a difference? I mean I know that politicians rarely keep their promises but breaking one so publicly and so quickly seems quite sad. Then again, I highly doubt that anyone expected Manny to keep his word on that account.
His fight on Nov. 5 against WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas will be happening at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. Not quite as big and grand as the MGM. And it won’t be covered by HBO either since HBO was already committed to covering another fight. This is also really ironic and unfortunate, as these were the people constantly fighting to feature and showcase Pacquiao in the past.
I guess I just find it sad that this is the current state of Manny’s boxing career. After all, he is one of the greats. I don’t deny that I was a big Manny Pacquiao fan and I watched all of his matches with bated breath hoping and praying for victory. This upcoming fight though feels forced and it doesn’t have the same passion and urgency of his former glory. Personally, I think it truly would have been best for him to quit while he was ahead.
At this point, I can only wish him the best. I don’t want anything bad to happen to him, of course, and I certainly hope he doesn’t lose. Come Nov. 5, against the odds, I hope he gives a good showing.
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And speaking of good showing, I am very much looking forward to the opening of Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group’s (ATEG) musical Jersey Boys this coming Friday (Sept. 23) at the Meralco Theatre in Ortigas. It’s going to be a special treat for me because I have always loved the iconic sound of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons so it will be nice to once again hear those classic hits like “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man”, and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” to name a few.
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons were huge in my time and I’m sure I am not the only one who is familiar with their large repertoire of hits. So it’s a treat to be able to see their story unfold on the stage. Additionally, my son-in-law, Nino Alejandro is a part of the production playing Nick Massi alongside Nyoy Volante, Marrki Stroem, and Christian Bautista. It’s an amazing cast under the direction of theatre great Bobby Garcia. I have seen the hard work and passion Nino has been pouring into his role for the past couple of months and I’m already very proud of his commitment and dedication. I know it’s going to be a wonderful show.
If you love watching true life stories, listening to great music, and enjoying live theatrical entertainment, I highly suggest you catch Jersey Boys which runs from Friday, Sept. 23 until Oct. 16 at the Meralco Theatre. You can get tickets online at Ticketworld (ticketworld.com.ph). See you at the theatre!