EDITORIAL - The next generation

In the typhoon-ravaged wastelands of Leyte and Samar and the earthquake-struck communities of Bohol and Cebu, celebration punctuated the gloom yesterday following the unanimous points victory of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao over American Brandon Rios.

The strong decision in the welterweight bout ended a string of defeats and underwhelming performance of Pacquiao in his recent fights, giving him reason to proclaim that it was not yet time to declare his demise as a boxer. After his recent defeats, even some of his fans had said he should consider quitting while still ahead. Yesterday in Macau, Pacquiao said his time in the ring was not yet over.

He may still be good for a few more fights, but athletes’ performance typically declines with age. Sports officials should start scouting around for young Filipinos with the interest and potential to become the next Manny Pacquiao. These budding boxers need support from both the government and private sector for the grueling and disciplined training necessary to develop world-class athletes. It can be said that Pacquiao is one of a kind and some boxers are born to win, but surely champions can be both born and made. Proper training can improve the chances of an aspiring athlete. That kind of training can be costly for the underprivileged.

Pacquiao has shown that Filipino athletes can become world champions. Yesterday he once again reaped honors for the nation, bringing cheer to a people hungry for good news after a cataclysmic disaster. Now the nation must help a younger generation of boxers realize their dream of following in their idol’s footsteps.