OnThEGRiND BoXiNG

May 5th, 2009
by Suge Green

Manny Pacquiao. That’s a name the boxing fan has been hearing a lot lately. Get used to it. It won’t be stopping anytime soon. A changing of the guard took place in December of 2008, allowing this present year to be monumental in boxing. When Manny Pacquiao walked away with the win over Oscar De la Hoya he didn’t just walk away with a mythical title or the old championship gold…he earned his place in history. He at that moment, wrote his name on the proverbial wall of fame beside other great men who have altered their times, and their sport, their nation, or their world.

Oscar De La Hoya fought 6 times on Cinco De Mayo weekend throughout his career, bringing Oscar de Mayo to Las Vegas a total of 4 times ( and 5 if you want to count Stateline, as many non-locals do). However after losing in 2007, history was altered for the first time in years…this was going to be the last Oscar de Mayo Celebration in Las Vegas. He ran into the son of his own dismissed trainer with a perhaps hastily assembled new corner, in what proved to be one of the final chapters of a legendary career…on an infamous night that became known amongst boxing fans as the first, and so far only Cinco de Mayweather. De la Hoya however was able to celebrate one final Oscar de Mayo when he took the festivities to Los Angeles, in what turned out to be both his only bout that actually occurred on May 5th, and the only time in his illustrious career that he competed in his hometown during the first weekend of May.

When Manny Pacquiao shocked the masses in what turned out to be the boxing world’s “December to Remember”. He changed history. He demanded a torch, when really none was passed. He earned his place. Years of hard work, campaigning in, and winning world titles in several weight divisions, tearing himself away from his much loved family and country to sacrifice and train like there is no tomorrow prior to each epic clash, all culminated in a single performance. Manny fought the perfect fight on December 6, 2008 and a new constellation at that moment was drawn into the sky. Oscar De la Hoya’s place in history was no longer being written, but had been written. However as the end of the sixth day of the twelfth month came to a close in the year 2008, Manny Pacquiao’s star was now the brightest shining in the heavens above.

In relieving boxing’s “Golden Boy” of his Cinco de Mayo duties for what would be the coming year, he ensured that he would be the one beating on a pinata in 6 months time…and what a multi-cultural celebration it turned out to be. A Filipino fighter, beating on a British pinata, on a Mexican holiday, in an American city…for all the world to see. The 1st weekend of May is no longer only for Mexicans and Americans to drink tall margaritas and eat tacos, the pride of his people Manny Pacqauiao has made this day a holiday for the whole world to celebrate. When you toast in the company of friends and loved ones on this historic 5th of May, 2009, think of the great Manny Pac and all he did so that you can enjoy that Corona, those chips, that salsa, those fights…What a weekend, may there be many more extended ones like it. It was a pleasure meeting the great British fans and Filipinos in Vegas this weekend, and I’m sure that right about now at least the Brits could stand to drown their sorrows away with an imported beer or mixed drink…and the Filipinos never need an excuse to party. Happy Cinco de Manny from OnThEGRiND BoXiNG. Party safe…You almost made it thought the extended weekend….and remember, “There’s only ooooooooooooooooooooone Manny Pacquiao.”