Chasing dreams as Manny Pacquiao’s shadow looms large

In the world of sports, people are constantly looking for the next in line—like the next Michael Jordan, the next Babe Ruth, or the next Pelé.

The need to find a successor for sports icons has always been there. But there is one problem: there isn’t always someone worthy of carrying the torch.

Since Manny Pacquiao, arguably one of the greatest boxers of his generation, entered the twilight years of his career, there has been no shortage of boxers in the Philippines hoping and trying to also go that rags-to-riches route.

Trying to be the next Pacquiao may be a daunting task, but it has not deterred young boxers to pursue their dreams of becoming that future one-in-a-million boxing supernova.

“Gustung gusto ko pong maging next Manny Pacquiao,” Roberto Gonzales, a Filipino lightweight. “Gusto ko pong ipakita sa buong mundo na hindi lang si Manny ang pwedeng mag kamit ng ganung [karangalan]. Nandito pa naman si Roberto Gonzales na pwedeng magtagumpay ng ganun.”

“Kung hindi man ganun, basta maipakita ko ang galing ng Pinoy.”

Gonzales, 25, is the no. 2 lightweight in the Philippines and he toppled down no. 1 Arjan Canillas for the vacant Games and Amusements Board Philippine lightweight title in a thrilling decision win.

Canillas, for his part, is not intent on trudging the same path Pacquiao has carved for his legendary self. Instead, he wants to make his own way while riding the wave of his fate.

“Next Manny? Gusto ko, pero depende rin,” Canillas said.

Pacquiao, began his career at the light flyweight division while still fighting for the Blow-by-Blow promotion in the early 90s and became the heaviest Filipino world champion when he won the WBC World super welterweight title in 2010.

Pacquiao will leave the sport as the only boxer to have won world titles in eight weight classes—a seemingly undoable feat which has become an inspiration to striving Filipino boxers.

“Oo naman po, inspiration ko po si Manny, kahit sino naman pong boksingerong Pinoy iniidolo si Pacquiao,” JC Francisco, 27, said. “Nakalagay na sa Guinness Book of World Records, ‘Eight world division champion’ kaya wala namang nakaabot dun kundi siya.”

Francisco admits he will never be the “next Manny Pacquiao,” but that won’t stop him from doing his best to become a respectable boxer.

“Hindi ko naman hinahangad maging ganun. Iniisip ko lang na makapundar, may mabiling gamit, makabiling lupa, bahay, kaunting negosyo na galing sa boxing masaya na ako dun.”