Work as usual for ex-pug in Los Angeles

MANILA, Philippines — For ex-World Boxing Federation (WBF) featherweight champion Orlando Villaflor, it’s work as usual as a machine operator at Pacific Plastics, Inc., a manufacturer of PVC pipes in Los Angeles. He checks in for the graveyard shift, earning $15 an hour and wears a protective mask at the factory. Some co-employees have resigned to stay home because of the pandemic but Villaflor continues to drive to work every night. He’s got to make a living to pay for his $400 monthly room rent and send some money to his 86-year-old mother Epifania in Catanduanes.

When Villaflor went to San Francisco to find fame and fortune in 2001, he was touted to be the next Filipino boxing great. The year before, he won the lightly-regarded WBF title but knew to make it big, he had to conquer America. Villaflor left behind his wife Jennifer and a one-week-old son Mac Johnson. In May 2001, Villaflor made a smashing US debut, stopping Mexican Luis Lizarraga in three rounds, on Pier 32 at the San Francisco waterfront with Manny Pacquiao and Luisito Espinosa watching at ringside. He was 22, undefeated and a rising prospect.

Pacquiao was in San Francisco with manager Rod Nazario to explore opportunities and shared a room with Villaflor for two weeks before moving to Los Angeles where he would eventually meet Freddie Roach. Villaflor stayed in the Bay Area, hooked up with Nonito Donaire Sr. and lived in the Donaires’ home in San Leandro while preparing for his second US fight. In July that year, Villaflor was back in the ring and lost to Mexican Yoni Vargas by a second round knockout for the California state lightweight crown. He never fought again and ended his career with a 19-1-1 record, including 14 KOs.

“Na-injure ang kaliwang balikat ko sa sparring with Joel Casamayor at sabi ko kay (manager) Sydney Hall, i-postpone ang laban but too late na,” recalled Villaflor. “Parang walang foam ang gloves ni Vargas. Kaya kong tumanggap pero iba ang dating ng suntok niya.” Villaflor said he asked for an examination of Vargas’ gloves after the fight but before officials could act, the Mexican had left the arena in Anaheim.

Villaflor said he did odd jobs to make ends meet and worked in a factory producing rubber spare parts for cars. Twice, he considered a ring comeback. In 2004, Villafor was back in the gym but his left shoulder, which was never operated on, wasn’t the same and he abandoned the plan. In 2010, he trained for three months then decided to call it quits for good. Through another Filipino fighter Jerry Balagbagan, Villaflor met an American girl Michelle whom he married and lived with for two years in Pensacola before they divorced. Their son Niko is now 14 and still in Florida. 

Villaflor said he has no regrets with what could’ve been. He’s 40, alive and healthy. He lives alone. When Pacquiao’s in the US, Villaflor always visits his former roommate. “Mabait si Manny, lagi niya akong inaabutan, tinutulungan,” said Villaflor. “Swerte ako nakilala ko siya.”

Villaflor hasn’t been back in the Philippines since leaving 19 years ago. His first wife Jennifer has remarried and lives in Tacloban with their son Mac. “Sa Facebook kami ni Mac nag-uusap,” said Villaflor. “Tapos na siya ng high school. Balak mag-boksing.” Villaflor, the youngest of nine, said thrice, he had a ticket to go home but never pushed through. A US immigrant, he said he hopes to visit next year with Niko.