This is a commendable boxing idea, another timely shot in the arm, I would say.
Our national boxers have come home empty-handed in the previous Olympics and Asian Games which tells us that something vital needs to be rectified or improved.
I like the PPBC’s (PSC-Paquiao Boxing Cup) geographical design. It begins and ends in GenSan, home of the legendary 8-division world boxing champion. The program has also accurately pinpointed the spawning regional grounds where raw but potentially talented youths can be discovered.
Which is what ideally should be the case.
In my decades of experience covering and writing the sports scene, I have observed that all National Sports Associations have developed a form of inertia since they have become dependent on the Palarong Pambansa, the UAAP and the NCAA in their search for youthful talents.
What a shame.
The PPBC national competition is geared only for the 15-16 years age group in the boys and girls division.
PSC Chair Butch Ramirez announced that no national team member can take part to ensure a level-playing field.
Aside from amateur boxing clubs, LGUs are also enjoined to form their respective squads. There are many LGUs whose mayors are genuinely interested in promoting boxing in their respective towns and cities and are afficionados of the sport. They need not worry about the logistics because such is provided for in the Local Government Code.
Even if this may appear to be a duplication of the National Amateur Boxing Championships the ABAP has been traditionally staging annually ever since, the PPBC serves to continually stoke the hunger and thirst that motivate the ever-increasing young boxing population.
The credibility of the office of Sen. Manny Pacquiao is at stake here even if the marketing promo strongly says only the PSC is financially funding the nation-wide slugfest.
Make no mistake about it. That Pacquiao lent his name and integrity to the title of the competition indicates in no small matter how serious he is in contributing to the discovery and identification of future national standouts who may bring home the elusive first Olympic gold medal.
Which means that no stone should be left unturned. No stone, I repeat.
Funding is first and foremost a source of irritation in many national competitions. Complaints usually arise where there is a lack.
I would suppose that the good senator has already earmarked and released his share of the huge budgetary requirements.
I say “huge” because I know the meticulous details in the charting of the budget requirement for a national sports event.
Organizing the PPBC is peanuts for the PSC. Ramirez has a large staff of men and women capable of running the operations even with their eyes closed.
Which is why I am tempted again to strongly suggest that the PPBC be institutionalized so that there is something beautiful the young boxing fans can dream about and look forward to every season every year.
More than saying “cheers” to Manny Pacquiao and to the PSC, I say “Bravo” to the hordes of boxing participants and coaches and LGUs who will actively take part. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Eph. 2:10. “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
