ThE IRoNy of TwO FiGHteRs

In the Philippines, Boxing is a sport that is denominated by persons who belong to the 3rd class. Mostly if not all, come from poor provincial families, are out of school and would opt to have their body bruised in an attempt to gain victory, fame and fortune thereby making their lives better. Not realizing the risks or if they do, its one they are willing to gamble.

Over the years, we have come to embrace boxing as a sport in which Philippines excel. As a matter of fact, among the few (if any) medals our country has won in the Olympics, i think boxing is one (of the few, ofcourse!) And in the recent years, we have come to appreciate the game and take pride of our players both in the professional and amateur levels.

Just this weekend, we have witnessed two of our pride fearlessly face the challenge in the ring. Z 'the dream" Gorres and Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao. Both come from the grass roots. Both of them dreamed to be champions and dared to take the risk in the hope of making their lives better through boxing. And both of them made the Philippines proud after beating their opponents.

But there ended the similarity of their fate. For while Pacman, after beating up Cotto will still continue to gooble up any fighter and bag more millions, Z Gorres' dreams has turned into a nightmare. His victory against Melendez last Friday ended his boxing career and God forbid, his life. As Manny Pacquiao savors his hard earned winnings by splurging on designer labels and partying with glam society's whose who, Z Gorres winnings will most likely be eaten up by hospital bills. I bet Pacman's promoters are now in the wraps for his next fight (paging Mayweather :p) and up to now I'm still glued to the tube to catch the latest update on the status of Z Gorres whose condition is still uncertain.

The lights went brighter for one fighter.. the lights went off for the other. Both of them dreamed, risked and fought the fight. Fate was kind to one yet cruel to the other. This is their story, the irony of the two fighers.