Stepping out of Manny’s shadow

He used to be known as International Boxing Federation (IBF) superbantamweight titleholder Manny Pacquiao’s kid brother. But today, Bobby Pacquiao has an identity of his own. He’s the reigning Philippine superfeatherweight champion and a hot prospect to become a future world titlist.

In the family, Manny — the second of four children — is and will always be the star. No other sibling is as charismatic and flamboyant. Isidra, 27, is the oldest in the brood. Manny, 24, comes next. Then, Bobby who’s 22 and finally Rogelio, 20. Only Manny and Bobby chose boxing as their profession.

At first, Bobby was reluctant to fight. He preferred to play basketball and was good at it. Bobby was a perennial Most Valuable Player in recreational hoop leagues in General Santos City where the Pacquiaos grew up.

Boxing scholar Moy Lainez, who watched both Pacquiaos mature as fighters, said Bobby is still hooked to basketball. When pro cager Asi Taulava hung around with Manny, Lainez recalled Bobby often challenged the 6-9 center to "piso-piso" foul shooting contests.

It was Manny who introduced boxing to Bobby.

"In-born ang lakas ng magkapatid," noted Lainez. "Si Bobby, talagang walang hilig sa boksing sa umpisa at pinilit lang ni Manny na maginsayo. Sabi ni Manny, magboksing siya, kaya nagboksing nga."

Bobby turned pro in 1997, two years after Manny made his debut. Under pressure to shine because of his brother’s glowing reputation, Bobby had a difficult start. He lacked confidence and the heart to push himself to the limit.

In March 1998, Bobby was knocked out by Isagani Perez in a single round and it looked like his career was in a shambles. Later that year, Manny captured the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight crown and the victory inspired Bobby to take the fight game more seriously. In June 1999, Bobby avenged his setback to Perez by scoring a 10-round decision in a rematch but his career still wouldn’t take off as he went on to lose back-to-back bouts to Raffy Aladi.

When Manny halted Lehlo Ledwaba to wrest the IBF 122-pound diadem in June 2001, Bobby took the cue and turned his career around. In December that same year, he outpointed Rud 4K Kevkatche and hasn’t lost since. He’s won his last six fights and manager Rod Nazario said the outlook couldn’t be brighter for his future.

"Kung sa galing at natural talent, skills-wise, mas magaling si Bobby kay Manny," said Lainez. "Mas matapang lang si Manny. Sa boksing, 50 percent ang puso. ‘Yung lang ang kulang kay Bobby. Sobra-sobra naman ang puso ni Manny. Of course, gawa ng training at exposure, gumaling na rin si Manny."

When Bobby faced Renato Inal for the Philippine superfeatherweight title in Parañaque last year, he was ready to quit after taking a blow to the midsection in the early going. It was Manny, screaming at ringside, who told Bobby to suck it up because he had a big bet on the fight.

"Paayaw na si Bobby noong sinabihan siya ni Manny sa corner," recounted Lainez. "Minura ni Manny si Bobby at sabi niya, huwag niyang ipahiya ang pangalang Pacquiao. Mukhang tumalab ang mga sinabi ni Manny kasi, bumagsak later si Inal at nanalo ng technical knockout sa 11th round si Bobby."

Lainez said Nazario eventually plans to send Bobby to Freddie Roach’s gym in Los Angeles. "With proper training, Bobby can become a world champion," added Lainez. "Ang balak ni Rod before was to bring Bobby to the US para lumaban ng mga eight-rounder. Hindi natuloy ang plano kasi nanalo si Bobby ng Philippine title. Pagbalik ni Manny kay Freddie, malamang kasama na niya si Bobby sa training doon."

Bobby, who is married with two young kids, is definitely following in his brother’s footsteps.

"He’s improved a lot," continued Lainez. "Dati, walang self-confidence. Ngayon, boo na ang loob. Na-challenge siya sa pagkapanalo ni Manny ng IBF title. Bata pa si Bobby and I predict he’ll go far."

Bobby hasn’t fought abroad. That will come in time. For the moment, he’s content to polish his skills here. His biggest purse so far was a P120,000 paycheck in the second defense of his Philippine title against Baby Lorona last November. In his first defense against Al Deliguer, Bobby was paid P100,000.

Bobby returns to action against Lorona on March 15 at the Rizal Park. The non-title bout will be in the undercard of Manny’s fight against Serikzhan Yeshmagambetov of Kazakhstan.

Bobby and Manny logged over 80 rounds of sparring apiece at the Almedras Gym in Davao City before setting up camp in Manila yesterday. Trainers Buboy Fernandez and Nonoy Nery are supervising their workouts. Nazario hired Fernando Montilla as Manny’s chief sparmate and Jobar Damosmog as Bobby’s.

Lainez said negotiations are underway for Bobby to defend his crown against unbeaten Bart Abapo of Tony Aldeguer’s stable in Cebu or Tagbilaran in May. But first things first. Lorona is itching to avenge his recent loss to Bobby and they’re getting it on once more on March 15. Bobby isn’t looking beyond Lorona and he’s out to impress the First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and the huge crowd expected to attend promoter Bebot Elorde’s card.

Bobby’s record is 20-8-2, with 11 KOs. Compared to Manny’s, it’s not as impressive. But Bobby doesn’t care. He’s tired of being referred to as Manny’s kid brother. Bobby is shaping his own destiny and while Manny will always be his inspiration, he’s determined to make a name for himself outside of anyone’s shadow.