Just like old times

After an 11 month hiatus from boxing, Manny Pacquiao climbed back into the ring to face Brandon Rios in Macau. Reeling off two straight losses – a controversial split decision to Timothy Bradley and a sixth round knockout against Juan Manuel Marquez – many believed that the man known as Pac-Man was better off retiring from the sport and that he was past his prime.

Many doubted Pacquiao and criticized him over the past year. For those who loyally supported Pacquiao during his heyday, it was difficult to watch him lose after growing accustomed to his reign of dominance.

Who could forget his third round knockout of Erik Morales in 2006? Remember when he forced Oscar De La Hoya to throw in the towel after eight rounds in a supposed mismatch back in 2008? What about when the Pac-Man destroyed Antonio Margarito to win another world title in an eighth different weight class – an all time record?

Just like the boxing legends that have come before him, Pacquiao’s career seems to be inevitably entering its twilight as he grows older by the day. No longer is he the blur on the mat who compliments his blistering speed with a mean and powerful punch that struck fear in even the toughest of opponents.

He seemed determined to prove everyone wrong and pull off a surprise though, and last November 24, Pacquiao went into battle once more, this time against Rios. Abroad, boxing fans and experts of all ages and nationalities had their eyes fixed on Pacquiao. Though many doubted his ability, millions of Filipinos still flocked to support him as they gathered at barangay covered courts, beside radios, mall theaters, homes equipped with pay-per-view and country clubs to catch the fight live from the Philippines. Once the opening bell was heard, the country’s roads once again fell silent and were noticeably empty at noontime on a Sunday – a phenomenon that only Manny Pacquiao can cause.

As the fight was underway, Pacquiao’s supporters were given something to cheer about as he controlled the tempo of the bout from the opening bell. As the rounds went by, he continued to wear down Rios and his finger prints were all over the match. When the final bell rang, everyone in the venue and watching from all around the globe knew that the fight belonged to Manny Pacquiao, the pride of the Philippines.

The announcement of his win came as no surprise after his dominant showing, but it brought joy, cheers and laughter to Filipinos amidst the aftereffects brought about by Typhoon Yolanda. It was mentioned several times over the broadcast how much this victory meant for the Filipino people, especially those in areas affected by the recent natural calamities, and it couldn’t be any truer as it gave everyone a much needed respite.

People in the devastated city of Tacloban did what they could to catch the match, while those in relief centers took a break to witness our modern day hero at work as well. Once again, Pacquiao emerged victorious and managed to unite the people amidst all the sorrow and chaos. Though Pacquiao may not have a boxing match everyday, this kind of bright and positive attitude from our countrymen, harnessed everyday, could prove to be the deciding factor of whether or not we will rise from this tragedy and eventually into a more prosperous state.

Now is not the time for us to criticize one another and it is time to rally together to help our country move forward, in the same manner that we cheered Pacquiao on. When the Filipinos needed Manny Pacquiao the most, he stepped up and gave the country a throwback performance for the ages that united us all. This time, aside from being an inspiration in the ring, he paid back our support by teaching us a lesson and giving us a reminder that the Filipinos can unite and work as one.