A question of greatness

When we were first shooting the plug of the daily ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) program Hardball, we were thinking of issues to discuss that would get the attention of the sports-savvy Filipino audience. Naturally, the discussion came to Manny Pacquiao, whose overwhelming popularity made it easy to talk about him.

But what had not been said about Pacquiao, who had galvanized a nation, eliminated crime on fight days, and inspired millions? The one debate that had not been addressed was his place in history. So, for our plug, this writer’s co-host, Boyet Sison, said the words "I don’t think Manny Pacquiao is the greatest Filipino boxer."

We received quite a few e-mails asking why we said things like that and lines like "But basketball does not love us back." The challenge was to back up our controversial statements, which we try to do every night on Hardball. Two weeks ago, at a pictorial for the ANC, we were informed that the WBC international super-featherweight champion had finally seen our plug, and was displeased. So, Friday of last week, we decided to put our money where our mouth is. We decided to name the greatest Filipino boxer ever.

Naturally, the first name that came up was Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, in whose name is commemorated the annual award for the best Filipino boxer (and which Pacquiao has had a lock on since the award’s second year, six years running), and for whom the Orient Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) named its perpetual trophy for its best boxer every year. We mentioned Elorde’s credentials, and his remaining undefeated in a tough junior lightweight (and later lightweight) division. We also talked about how Filipinos seem to have no sense of history, and for most of today’s generation, what is in front of them is all they remember.

"Flash Elorde is even someone I’ve heard of, even though I’m too young to have even met him," admitted my co-host Jinno Rufino, and it made sense, since Da Flash died of lung cancer in 1987. "And the mere fact that I know of him says a lot."

We also sought another opinion, so we called up boxing analyst and researcher Atty. Ed Tolentino, expecting him to concur.

"Definitely, Pancho Villa," Tolentino declared emphatically. "He was the first Asian world champion, and he did it in America, even though he was often the smallest boxer. And he is still considered by many to be the greatest flyweight ever."

Upon further reflection, Atty. Ed had a point. Looking at the record of Villa (Francisco Guilledo in real life), we saw the volume of fights and wins that he racked up in an abrogated career. (Guilledo died of a gum infection at the age of 24, aggravated by incessant partying even after doctors advised him to rest). If you look at it, Pancho Villa was fighting a little over every month, or about eight to nine times a year. What modern-day boxer can claim that?

Villa was also a showman, who once did a backflip after an impressive win, and even jumped up onto turnbuckles to pump up the crowd. He was so impressive that the best American boxers of his time would not be satisfied until they had tested themselves against him. And his achievements during the Great Depression have stood the test of time.

"One thing we can’t take away from Pacquiao is how much attention he has brought to the sport," Sison concurred. "He came along at the right time. He is definitely the most well-known Filipino boxer."

We likened today’s media explosion to the times when Michael Jordan rode the wave of widespread TV, cable and Internet to become the most recognizable face on the planet, while the NBA barely got a glimpse of a Julius Erving who was already past his prime.

I said that, definitely, given time and good decision-making, Pacquiao will be one of the greatest champions of all time. If he wins the world championship again, there will be no doubt of that. But time is slowly becoming a factor.

It reminds me of the time when Michael Jordan retired, and Larry Bird was asked if His Airness was the greatest basketball player of all time.

"Is he the greatest? He’s in the top two," Bird smiled.

Pacquiao is already near the top. But he’s not there. Not just yet.

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Catch tomorrow’s episode of The Basketball Show: Upgrade on Basketball TV at 3 p.m.