EDITORIAL - The race is on

The question whether Manny Pacquiao still has air left in his tank has been answered Sunday when he unanimously defeated American Tim Bradley in a highly anticipated rematch in Las Vegas.

It was clear to many that Pacquiao displayed a superb performance against Bradley, a showing reminiscent of his ring dominance when defeated the likes of Oscar dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto.

The victory was actually a validation of the general perception that Pacquiao really won in their first encounter in 2012 but the judges scored it for Bradley. This time, the fighting congressman made it sure that the judges were wrong in the first fight.

However, still there are doubtful of his impressive victory. Some sweet science analysts argued that while Pacquiao dominated Bradley in the entire fight, he could not knock the American out.

At 35, boxing writers said Pacquiao is now well on its way to calling it quits, noting that gone are the speed and combinations that made the Filipino star the hottest commodity in the fighting world.

Pacquiao hinted after his Bradley fight that he can still slug it out with best in the world, having no problem fighting with pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. and longtime nemesis Juan Manual Marquez for a fifth installment. He declared he has two more years left in his career.

Once the era of the super Pacific Storm barreling through the world dissipates, the Philippine boxing would be left without a main man out to rock the world stage with great intensity.

Yes there are Nonito Donaire, Brian Viloria and the rest of the ALA gang. But no one of them has the potential to be the next Pacquiao. This is not to belittle their abilities. Only that they lack the potential destined to be the next world superstar.

The race for the next Manny Pacquiao is on. But whether another Filipino would follow in his footsteps remains to be.