EDITORIAL - Happy that he lost

Yesterday would have been another feat for Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao. Aside from being the only eight-time world champion in boxing, he would have also been the only active champion who is also a member of the boxing Hall of Fame.

But this was not to be, following the majority draw decision against World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

In what was described by many as a stellar performance without the “ring rust” observed in many fighters who haven’t been in the ring for quite some time, Pacquiao matched and occasionally outfought the much-younger Barrios.

However, victory slipped from his grasp following the 115-113, 114-114, 114-114 decision.

Both fighters voiced admiration for each other and have expressed no opposition to a possible rematch.

Going a bit off-topic while still staying on topic, we can say that we are happy that Pacquiao didn’t win --as senator, that is. In fact, we can even say it was a blessing that he lost. If he had won in the previous election we don’t think he would have performed well as a senator because he would have been away most of the time, training for this fight. We don’t think he would have done well as an athlete either, considering he would have had senatorial duties to distract him.

But let’s set the politics aside. While Filipinos may slightly disagree on many things and be poles apart on some issues, most can agree on one thing; no other Filipino in recent history has repeatedly given Filipinos reason to be proud to be Filipinos.

He is a symbol who can unite a fragmented nation, even just for a little while. People of various social classes or even clashing political or religious beliefs come together to watch him.

As always, whether he wins, loses, or draws, we are proud of him.