Manny Pacquiao: THE END OF THE ROAD – Boxing News
By Gina L. Caliboso
For all RSR fans in the States, the April 15th or so tax deadline awaits. I don’t remember the exact date because I owe this year! Nonetheless, as I will prolong filing because I need to pay, it seems that Pacquiao, a Congressman by election, but truly a boxer by accomplishment, is facing some tax evading charges of his own. My Editor, Geno McGahee, previously published an article on the details. Pacquiao is also facing an accusation of housing a fugitive. Well, it was expected. It was only a matter of time.
As Manny Pacquiao has been the premier boxer of his generation, we have all been humbled and in awe of Pacquiao’s story. With his sheer drive and desire to be a champion boxer, Pacquiao emerged from General Santos City, Mindanao and has literally fought his way through 8 different weight classes and has been unstoppable. In the Philippines, he is revered to a cult-like status because he represents the heart and soul of a country that sadly, is devastatingly impoverished. Filipinos love Pacquiao because his story rings so familiar to a vast majority of Filipinos, and touches people that have seen and felt poverty, but through hard work and determination, and even prayer, one can achieve anything – even greatness.
But here is where it’s perhaps difficult or even disappointing to read such ‘bad’ news about Pacquiao. Behind all the fame, behind all the material success, there is the business of being a boxer. Tax evasion for a boxer? Sadly, this isn’t anything new. Even worse, looking at Pacquiao’s inner money circle, which according to my eyes includes former tax attorney Bob Arum and Michael Koncz, tax evasion in his home country is inexcusable. According to ABC News, Regional Director Rozil Lozares of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, says that a complaint was filed after March 1st after Pacquiao failed to submit the documents despite three notices and a subpoena. Pacquiao’s 2010 tax return contained “discrepancies” in consideration of his many businesses and endorsements. (http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/tax-case-filed-boxing-champ-manny-pacquiao-15874533#.T2INzpg5vdk)
Housing a fugitive? The downfall spirals I suppose. As I aptly consider that Pacquiao may be on the verge of a downfall, I’d only like to offer that it really was a matter of time that the business side of boxing just got a little ugly. First and foremost, the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather JR superbout failed to get done. You’ve got two of the best fighters in the world destined to fight one another. Really? Their respective entourages say no? Who’s really saying no here? Is it Pacquiao or is it Mayweather JR? Is it, dare I say it? Fear for both fighters? Call it a disagreement over money. Call it accusations of steroids. Call it fear of defeat.
It’s been reported that Pacquiao may still have 3 more fights left under his belt. On the horizon, he’ll be going up against Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley in June. Aside from being a clever fighter with some good ring awareness, Bradley does not lack in strength, but he does not have the speed, power, or the timing that could give Pacquiao a hard time. Against Marquez, Pacquiao showed vulnerability to a counterpuncher. Counterpunchers are ruthlessly patient and to anyone expecting a decision for Pacquiao, it more than likely will occur through a 12 round decision. I’m guessing that should there be any questionable holding on Bradley’s part and given that Pacquiao is always the smaller man at southpaw, he may be subject to an errant head-butt or elbow. It can happen.
So, for now I say, this time shall pass. Is this the beginning of a downfall for Pacquiao? It’s looking like it is perhaps. But more importantly, the sport of boxing has always been good at developing speed and momentum when it comes to building hype. In the end, it is about the money. But let’s get some perspective here also. Pacquiao’s only opponent is himself. He is humbled by his success, he serves his people, but in the end, we look to him as Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxer. As a boxer, he is untouchable. But as we are seeing, whether it’s through harsh words in the media and even my own opinion, we judge him as Manny Pacquiao, the man. Lately, the two have become one in the same because that invincibility is slowly showing a bit of vulnerability – as a boxer and a man. Let the events unfold as they may, I’ll still be rooting for Pacquiao the boxer.
