Where is Manny Pacquiao?
Photos by Wendell Alinea/MP Promotions
I was so excited today I almost forgot to eat breakfast. The key word is almost forgot... Once I quickly devoured my complimentary hotel breakfast in record time. I was on my way and extremely pumped to be off on a mini adventure. I was finally going to be able to visit the world renown Elorde Boxing Gym near MOA (Mall of Asia) today in Manila, Philippines. Not only is Elorde Boxing Gym an elite facility, but it's named after a Philippine boxing legend Gabriel "Flash" Elorde who sadly passed away back in January 02, 1985, after losing a tough battle with cancer. It’s also were boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was training for his bout with Keith "One Time" Thurman , billed as Welterweight Supremacy in an upcoming professional boxing super-fight for the WBA welterweight championship belt. The fight will take place on July 20, 2019, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(images property of LongLiveBoxing,com)
I couldn’t wait to see the only eight division champion in boxing history in person. I couldn't believe I was actually going to meet MANNY PACQUIAO…Well, that's what I thought... My boxing euphoria quickly turned into self-doubt and fear of future disappointments .
It was like I was in a really, really low budget Sci-fi movie with horrible writing, and even worse casting. It didn't feel like I was about to go see boxing royalty in person at all. After going all over a maze of hallways, stairs and getting past all of the sleeping "Top Flight" security guards near the gym. I quickly realized no one was actually there at the gym. No one... What was going on ? I went from happy to see, Manny Pacquiao to being desperate to see anyone inside of the gym. Just when I was about to wake up one of the "Top Flight" security guards for assistance. Some one finally appeared from the back of the gym. I had been at the entrance between 10 - 15 minutes with no one in sight. Well, that's what it felt like at least. Before a staff member finally appeared from the back of the gym. It was a complete ghost town at only 9:45 am (Philippine Standard Time). I was pretty confident the gym had just opened at 8am (Philippine Standard Time) per my frantic internet search on my phone. I was totally confused at this point. I was even more confused than usual. A helpful staff member did advise me on what was happening. The gym had rescheduled all other appointments while Manny Pacquiao trains in Manila. The staff member also advised that, Manny Pacquiao had apparently already finished his training for the day. Well, that’s what the staff member told me anyway... I was slightly disappointed, but not completely discouraged, and I promised to return tomorrow.
(images property of LongLiveBoxing,com)
I don’t think the staff member really cared, but it made me feel slightly more important [temporarily] advising of my imminent return to Elorde Boxing Gym . The false scene of importance quickly disappeared though. I reluctantly walked back through the creepy maze of stairs, and hallways to get “My Grab”, that’s (Manila slang) for (Uber) ride. Yes, I can adapt to any environment my friends. It's kind of my gift, and my curse in life.
Seriously, the trip to Elorde Boxing Gym was actually very eventful. It was cool just to be there. I took some very nice shots from inside of Elorde Boxing Gym. I’m also still getting a lot of great fan reactions on video here in Manila. Not just on the upcoming Pacquiao versus Thurman fight, but other hot boxing takes that I'll post soon.
(images property of LongLiveBoxing,com)
Manny Pacquiao has truly help put the Philippines on the boxing map. Even when Manny finally does retire years from now. I'm extremely confident the passion for boxing in the Philippines will always continue to burn bright. The Philippines has a rich boxing history, and they currently have a very solid amateur boxing program (One amateur actually being Manny Pacquiao's own son Jimuel Pacquiao, below is footage of 1st boxing match).
( video from EsNews YouTube Channel)
It was being reported today by the Philippine Star that Manny Pacquiao actually moved his training camp from Manila to Los Angeles for the second and final phase of his preparation for his WBA welterweight title showdown with Keith"One Time" Thurman next month... That's what I heard anyway. Manny Pacquiao is super fast on his feet he could actually be anywhere right now.
In all seriousness, Manny Pacquiao is a living legend in boxing, and a global icon . I'm still not completely sure where, Manny Pacquiao was today or right now, but I have no doubt where he'll be on July, 20th 2019 and I for one can't wait to see the legend Manny Pacquiao do his thing in the ring one more time...
(images property of LongLiveBoxing,com)
- Sean Hicks
Twitter @LongLiveBoxng