Unsaved By The Bell

At 2 minutes 59 seconds of the sixth round, Manny Pacquiao was knocked down by Juan Marquez.  Many may be surprised, as we were used of Manny's opponents usually were the ones who were sent flat on the canvass.  But hey, that's why it's called sport.  It's not all the time our guy or team wins, and this time Juan was the better man.  He really had hit Manny pretty good, which Manny never denied during his interviews.

Lucky shot or not, a win is a win, and it's all that matters.  Let's just be happy that none of them incurred permanent damage or worse, disability.  Juan, won it fair and square.  It's his day, let's just give it to him and let him celebrate his victory.  And for Manny, he gave his all and though this time was a lose, we should not forget that he was the one who brought back our country in the map, making us known to the whole world.  He risks his life everytime he steps in the ring, no matter what the outcome maybe, he deserves a hero's welcome, win or lose.

Religion wise, our Lord is fair and just.  Both players, may it be Manny or Juan is a son to Him, as every single one of us.  He didn't and wouldn't side to any of the player.  So the change in Manny's religion, doesn't really answer why he lost the game.  He still believes in the same God, does he?  And blaming his loss to his religion is like blaming our Lord for it.  So, let us just think that everything that happened had it's reason, maybe to humble us in a way.

For Manny, the Filipinos love you no matter what.  You already are a legend being the only boxer in the world who won world titles in eight different weight divisions and no one can take that away.  The Filipinos take pride on that.  You have far uplifted the hopes of Filipinos in the international world, because of you, a lot became proud of who they are, and started exceling in their own fields.  And that I think, is one of the many things the country should be thankful to you.

It's just a defeat compared to all his victories.  I think for now, if Manny decides to continue with his boxing profession, he must learn from what had happened and think of it as a thing of the past.  Moving forward, he was thinking of sharing his blessings to those unfortunate brothers of ours who were badly affected by typhoon Pablo.  And that's the best move for him now, for even his defeat will be nothing compared to the loss experienced by these people.

True champions are those who recognize defeat, know how to stand to it and use it to win again.  Yahweh bless.

After Pacquiao's Defeat To Bradley

After a winning streak of 7 years in boxing, Manny Pacquiao lost to Timothy Bradley by a split decision during their recently concluded fight on June 9, 2012 at the MGM Arena.  There's a lot of speculations and different views about the fight, where Manny  landed more cleaner blows than Bradley, while Bradley had a lot of thrown punches than Manny, and so on and so forth.

But there were judges and its their duty to come up with the decision.  What others may think doesn't really matter for them.  It was their sole judgement, whatever their reason maybe, for choosing Bradley to win the match.  Nonetheless, I want to share my views about the fight.

Sorry, it's just hard to find shots where Bradley's punching Manny.

Much bigger expectations  from Manny.  After his no knockdown fight with Marquez, the judges, as much as all the viewers, were expecting Manny to step up and do a more convincing winning performance above the ring.  Seeing more aggressiveness from Bradley, especially from the later rounds, might had gotten the attention and votes of the 2 judges.

Focus on the fight.  Even though its just a game, I can just imagine myself beating up a person or getting beaten up by someone, in front of my young children.  With all the blood coming out and other stuff, not to mention thinking about other controversies and big expectations.  I don't know about, Manny, but me, I can't focus with all of that.  Though its not an excuse.

Finding that lost spark.  Manny is still young to retire.  His game wasn't that bad, he was not knocked down and there was not even a portion in the fight that he was really overpowered by Bradley.  I think this loss by Manny will bring out that desire and hunger to win again, which someone won't feel especially when your on top.

The power of prayer.  We are so used to Manny winning every fight he had that we forgot to pray for him.  Remember how each and everyone offer a simple prayer for Manny's victory on his previous fights especially when he was still beginning to fight internationally?  I bet, there were more praying for Bradley during their fight.

Morale check.  Not so many people are talking about the fight.  For a long time, Manny Pacquiao always had been our nation's pride.  Because of him, many Filipinos around the world are proud of their being a Filipino or having a Filipino blood.  It's because of him, Filipinos found confidence to succeed in different fields around the world.  It's because of him that we are again recognized in the world map, giving due recognition to our cities not frequently heard by other countries.  I guess we are just sad about Manny's loss.  But life must go on, looking forward for the rematch this November.

Heads up, guys, Manny Pacquiao is the only 8 Division World Champion.  It will be a while before someone can even match that.  To Manny, you will still be our champion, win or lose.  Yahweh bless.