Uncertain Future for Philippine Boxing after Pacquiao
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 11 Apr 2010
What if Manny Pacquiao decides to retire at the end of 2010? Did we all speak to soon when we declared the ?Golden Age of Pinoy Boxing?? The latest horde of Filipino fight fans only know Pacquiao and a few other Filipino boxers. Will they turn their attention to the other up and comers when Pacquiao leaves?
Who do we have after Pacquiao?
Nonito Donaire,Jr. (23-1-0 ,15 KO?s) ?the only other Filipino aside from Pacquiao in Ring magazine?s top ten pound for pound list and he is now ranked number five. The Filipino Flash is a former IBF flyweight champion and currently holds the WBA interim superflyweight title.
He is obviously our best after Pacquiao but will find it hard to match the Pacman?s world wide crossover superstardom. But then again, we may never have another Pacquiao from this generation. Donaire also has a looming rematch with the still dangerous Vic Darchinyan.
Rodel Mayol (26-4-1, 20 KOs) ? finally fulfilled his destiny when he became WBC light flyweight champion but cannot shake off controversies. His title win against Edgar Sosa and his first title defense against Omar Nino Romero became the object of protests from the Mexican camp.
Mayol is currently based in Los Angeles and may have to face Omar Nino again in Mexico if he is not ?rescued? by people with deep pockets, corporate sponsors and Philippine broadcasting corporations.
Donnie Nietes (26-1-3 (15 KOs) ? current WBO minimumweight champ with three successful defenses; twice in Mexico. Beat Jesus Silvestre of Mexico by tenth round TKO last January in a non-title bout in Pasay City.
Stardom continues to elude Nietes and is familiar only to die-hard boxing fans.
Johnriel Casimero (14-0-0, 8 KOs) - won the WBO interim light flyweight world title eleven days before the end of 2009. He wants to face the WBO super champion Ivan Calderon of Puerto Rico but may have to defend his belt against Mexico?s Ramon Garcia Hirales instead.
Casimero is another talented boxer who has yet to enter the consciousness of the casual fans.
There was series of tragic losses this year: Brian Viloria lost his IBF jr.flyweight title last January in Pasay City to Carlos Tamara of Columbia then in February Gerry Penalosa lost his chance for another title shot when he lost a controversial split decision to Eric Morel and former WBO superflyweight champ Marvin Sonsona ? a 19 year old tagged as a future star- was knocked out by Puerto Rico?s Wilfredo Vasquez,Jr. in the 4th round of a WBO superbantamweight title bout.
Can we win another world title from the likes of Drian Francisco, Milan Melindo, AJ Banal, Rey Bautista, Michael Domingo, Eden Sonsona and Denver Cuello?
Pacquiao?s victories in the U.S. gave us an opportunity to export Filipino boxing talent abroad. Have we really tried hard enough to search and develop pugilistic talent? Have we really looked in the right direction? Have we tried to improve the way boxing as a whole is being run in this country?
The list of wasted opportunities in Philippine history ? not just in sports- is long and heart-breaking. Have we really maximized the opportunities that Pacquiao has given Philippine boxing or will this ?Golden Age? wind up as being just another wasted chance?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
NEWCASTLE WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS MURTAZALIEV AND KELLY CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE
Fri, 30 Jan 2026Boxers Make Weight for Brico Santig’s Exciting 21-Bout Promotion in Thailand (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 30 Jan 2026“It’s time for TSABZ to shine” Get to know Tanaka Saburi as he retuns March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Fri, 30 Jan 2026ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2026
Fri, 30 Jan 2026Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines: WCM Nika Juris Nicolas is Ready to Fight
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 30 Jan 2026PFDA Grass Nationals in Tagum on June 5-7
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 30 Jan 2026Press Conference Notes: Puerto Rican Star Xander Zayas Ready for Saturday's Hometown Unification Battle against Abass Baraou
Fri, 30 Jan 2026PFDA Grass Nationals in Tagum on June 5-7
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 30 Jan 2026‘THE RING 6’ TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 30 Jan 2026NEWCASTLE PRESS CONFERENCE: WHAT WAS SAID AS JOSH KELLY AND BAKHRAM MURTAZALIEV ARE KEPT APART AFTER HEATED FACE-OFF
Fri, 30 Jan 2026Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Flores vs. Castillo’ at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
Fri, 30 Jan 2026WAPA Deportes Confirmed as Puerto Rican Broadcast Home for Saturday’s Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown
Fri, 30 Jan 2026Legendary Panamanian Juan Carlos Tapia will be inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 30 Jan 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Additional Matchups for Saturday, February 28 Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York
Fri, 30 Jan 2026SWERVE TV STRIKES MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS TO EXPAND PREMIUM BOXING CONTENT
Fri, 30 Jan 2026