IS THIS THE END OF OUR BOXING CAMELOT?
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 10 Dec 2012
CEBU ? The crowd watching the pay-per-view broadcast inside the Cebu International Convention Center gave a collective gasp when Manny Pacquiao fell face first on the canvas. It was a shock that reverberated throughout the Philippine archipelago; millions of Filipinos watching erected giant screens, with millions more gathered in their homes, howled when Referee Kenny Bayless signalled the end. Juan Manuel Marquez loomed large on the screen. Vengeance was finally his.
So what happens now?
Pacquiao?s brain CT scan was reported to be negative. It was also a good sign that he was able to give coherent answers during the post-fight interview.
Moments after his loss, Filipino boxing pundits and fans already started discussing whether he should fight again. Boxing insiders have also started talking amongst themselves about the impact of his loss - both long and short term - on Philippine boxing.
His unprecedented success for the past decade has boosted boxing promotions all over the country. It also spawned a new generation of Filipino boxing writers on the internet, who chronicled not just his victories but the flourishing local fight scene.
Boxing found a bigger audience in our country and it has become mainstream. It was not just young and middle-aged men who were seen watching the fights live, but even women, children and senior citizens with canes.
Will these new fans remain when Pacquiao doesn?t come up with spectacular wins anymore?
Chances are, he will fight again. The great ones always have trouble when it comes to saying goodbye.
Pacquiao is a rare cross-over star. For the past few years, he has been seen on Philippine TV talk shows and noon time variety programs. Now, these same shows have started to guest other Filipino boxers. For the past couple of years, boxing as a brand was booming.
Will they continue to treat boxers the same way in the post-Pacquiao era?
How will this impact the commercial sponsors? Will they continue to support boxing?
Pacquiao has given us unlimited pride as a people. Filipinos born and living abroad have embraced and proudly proclaimed their heritage. Pacquiao?s work ethic has also spilled over not just to the other boxers but to other Pinoy athletes. How many kids decided to train as amateur boxers because of him? How many dreamed of turning pro and earn the same millions he acquired from big fights in Las Vegas?
We still have other world boxing champions. But Pacquiao is Pacquiao. He is irreplaceable.
We may never see his like again.
?Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot,
For one brief, shining moment
That was known as Camelot?
? lines from the musical Camelot
Topmost Photo - Marquez standing over a fallen Pacquiao. * Photos by WENDELL RUPERT ALINEA via PCSO
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
NYC PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES: BERLANGA VS. SHEERAZ / SHAKUR STEVENSON VS. WILLIAM ZEPEDA
Fri, 16 May 2025HALL OF FAME TRAINER FREDDIE ROACH TO BE HONORED BY THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES IN PUBLIC CEREMONY AT FREDDIE'S GYM!
Fri, 16 May 2025HALL OF FAME BROADCASTER JIM LAMPLEY TO PARTICIPATE IN 2025 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
Fri, 16 May 2025Minnesota, Indiana Back Again in the Eastern and Western Conference Finals
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 15 May 2025In Jonathan’s memory
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 15 May 2025WATCH: HITCHINS AND KAMBOSOS JR IN INTENSE FACE-OFF WITH ONE MONTH UNTIL NYC SHOWDOWN
Thu, 15 May 2025Toledo-Xignex Trojans finally win the PCAP online team chess tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 15 May 2025Former WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Nazarena Romero to Exercise Immediate Rematch Clause Against Mayelli Flores Rosquero
Thu, 15 May 2025Pacquiao's Controversial WBC Ranking Explained: "Legend" Status Cited Amid July Return
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 15 May 2025No-contest ruling awaited
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 15 May 2025FISHER VS. ALLEN 2 + UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Thu, 15 May 2025Tyler Langer Defeats Raphael Carolina By Unanimous Decision in Headline Bout of Jeter Promotions Card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland
Thu, 15 May 2025Canelo vs. Crawford Bout Faces Date and Venue Shift
By Dong Secuya, Wed, 14 May 2025BROADCAST TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR “CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH: A NIGHT OF BOXING” ON THURSDAY, MAY 22
Wed, 14 May 2025UNBEATEN AMATEUR WORLD CHAMPION TIAH-MAI AYTON SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Wed, 14 May 2025