Here’s How Pacquiao Can Again Become Pound-For-Pound No. 1
The Philippine senator’s latest boxing victory reminds Filipinos there’s much to hope and strive for.
The Philippines is becoming China’s province. Inflation (5.2%) is at a 5-year high. Bystanders (tambays) are getting arrested, and priests and mayors are getting shot.
But no worries, Manny Pacquiao (60–7–2, 39 KOs) knocked the brakes off Lucas Matthysse (39–5, 36 KOs), 35, of Argentina in the seventh round on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to reclaim the WBA welterweight title. Pacman’s win could — just could — elevate him to god status if he can somehow reclaim the pound-for-pound throne while finally ending a legendary career. Something Muhammad Ali, Roy Jones, and other pugilistic icons couldn’t do.
Sarangani-native Pacquiao turns 40 in December.
No gray-haired male can assert that he can kick anyone’s ass, unless you’re Zeus. Which is exactly why defeating the current boxing king at the age of 40 would be heroic, epic, mythic — cathartic.
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The graying-haired senator (future president?) would need to set up a mega-fight with Vasyl Lomachenko (11–1), the current pound-for-pound No. 1 and lightweight champion. The 30-year-old Ukrainian is promoted by Top Rank. So the matchup is possible.
Reminds you of Pacquiao vs. Oscar De La Hoya a decade ago, which thrust upon the world stage a classic theme: An established lion of the boxing jungle violently tries to ward off the rising, younger version — with a model personality archetype hanging in the balance. A fight for the right to grip a global audience’s imagination. Just like a god.
Pacquiao vs. Lomachenko is salivating. But this time around Lomachenko would be much faster (like young Pacquiao in 2008) and would have to move up in weight while 40-year-old Pacquiao would be slower but possess knockout power (like bigger but faded De La Hoya). For the Filipino hero, it could avenge the 2015 loss to now-retired villain (Floyd Mayweather, Jr). Bob Arum has the power to make it happen.
There are many, many problems in the Philippines and they will continue. And things will look hopeless for many. Pacman is one who lifts their spirits and rejuvenates their hopes.
