?Passing of the Torch?
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 15 Dec 2012
An avid boxing fan and a friend of mine asked me if I am going to Houston to cover Nonito Donaire Jr.?s fight against Jorge Arce today.
I told him I can?t as it was too close to last week?s Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez fight and work related matter is preventing me to do so. But I badly wanted to, especially after last week?s devastating blow to fans of Philippine boxing after Pacquiao?s loss.
"I don't know if Nonito realizes it but this is quickly becoming the most important fight of his career in terms of his Filipino following based on all the social media posts from Filipino fans. I keep reading the phrase 'passing of the torch'," my friend told me.
He was right. This truly is an important fight for Donaire Jr. because of its implication to his countrymen who are heartbroken after the brutal demise of their most popular fighter in the hands of his Mexican rival.
They are in a state of shock, they are sad and they are in search of a better outcome this Saturday in Houston, Texas as the second most recognizable name in Philippine boxing steps in that ring against another proud Mexican warrior in Arce.
Donaire Jr. has been mentioned as the ?heir apparent? to Pacquiao?s throne by many. And as he collect titles in different weight divisions, his name grows and his achievements are recognized by more of his ?kababayans.?
But tonight, the eyes and hopes of the nation will be on him as they look for comfort in what is becoming the country?s favorite sport.
A week after one of the saddest day in Philippine sport, Filipinos all over the world cling on to one of their best in Donaire against another Mexican warrior and more so, against Nacho Beristain and company who was Marquez?s mentor.
This is not about revenge or vengeance as others would suggest. After all, this is just a sport. But the rivalry between the two countries in boxing is a known fact and a Donaire win will even the score for Pinoy fanatics of boxing who are still devastated by Pacquiao?s defeat.
And a loss will further sink their hearts in their belly, making this a one sad December to remember.
Pacquiao?s defeat is not the end of Philippine boxing. Those who believe so are just here for a ride with the Filipino icon.
Boxing in the country will prosper even after Pacquiao decides to hang up his gloves for good.
We have warriors like him who will carry the torch in every venue they go to.
Donaire Jr., Viloria, Nietes, Casimero, Cuello, Julaton, Penalosa Jr., Sanchez, Bautista et.al has brought glory to our sport and will continue doing so as they battle in that squared ring. And many are waiting in the sidelines to join them as they make a name for themselves and represent the country in the process.
One of Pacquiao?s unquestionable contributions to Philippine boxing is the recognition his popularity gave to his fellow fighters. He has opened the doors for his fellow Pinoy fighters for boxing in the big stage in the States and in other parts of the globe, one that has benefited our eager and hungry boxers.
Pacquiao promised that this is not the end of his career and promised that he will ?rise again? from his knockout loss last Saturday. But as he takes his much needed rest, the time has also come for our other warriors of the ring to step up and make us proud.
Nonito Donaire Jr. can start that tonight.
You can reach the author at rrmaze24@aol.com.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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