David and Goliath

(This post is a bit belated since we are waaaay up there in the mountains. LoL. Still, I couldn’t help but post my thoughts on this subject matter.)

When both guys came out after the sounding of the bell for round 1, that was what initially came to mind. The disparity between height and build was so obvious that once couldn’t help but notice it. Add to that that the betting odds were 2 to 1 in favor of the big guy. Amid the excitement, I was still able to send my dad a text message, and it went a little something like this..

“It’s David versus Goliath..Pacquiao is dead..”

But then again, as the rounds went by 1 by one, I was like a child mystified and awestruck by what I saw. Instead of Oscar dela Hoya (ODLH) giving Pacman a boxing lesson, it went the other way, with Pacman tagging and rocking ODLH’s head numerous times. And he was as precise as clockwork.

At first, I was ecstatic, watching Pacman connect again and again, to the delight of the jampacked theater in downtown Legaspi. But as the bout went on, I no longer felt that way. I felt pity for Oscar. Here was a guy, a respected and accomplished boxer during his prime. I had high regard for him, having watched him fight quality opponents time and again. But here he was at the mercy of our modern day David. I pitied him, and wished that his cornerman would stop the fight. Everytime Pacman would fake a punch, I could see him visibly retreating and almost cringe in anticipation of the next barrage of power punches.

After the fight was over, and as I looked back in retrospect, I could only hope that Pacman would be spared the same beating he gave Oscar that day. I do hope he would have the sense to retire while he is still on top. I could only hope. For history has always told us of a different story. Many boxing greats exited the stage pretty much the same way. Even the great Muhammad Ali retired in the same fashion. It’s Oscar dela Hoya’s time now, and soon, it will be Manny’s.

After Oscar refused to come out for the 9th round, I got this txt message from my dad..

“Goliath retired after the 8th round”

I couldn’t help but smile.

Here’s to you Manny! Let’s drink to that!