I recently found out that the legendary Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao is set to fight a Japanese fighter named Rukiya Anpo. For him to box at the age of 45, a long-past-prime age for any boxer, Manny’s determination to box is truly inspiring. And through him, I was reminded of the flag that flew behind him, decorated with the colors of blue, red, and white with three golden stars – the flag of the Philippines. This inspired me to delve more into the world of Filipino boxing.
The Philippines boasts a huge sports culture, with boxing being the most popular individual sport in the Philippines. However, despite its popularity, boxing was first introduced quite recently in the very late 19th century. During the American colonial period (1898-1946), boxing was introduced by American soldiers and the sport quickly gained traction amongst Filipinos. The sport was well received by the Filipinos, who had already developed a robust fighting culture with their martial arts like Kali and Sikaran.
Soon after its introduction, boxing was legalized in the Philippines and began to flourish. Numerous boxing institutions such as the Olympic Boxing Club were established, resulting in even more Filipino boxers. Since then, the Philippines have produced over 40 boxing world champions, and through them, the sport has firmly established itself in the Philippines.
Among the many world-class boxers the Philippines has produced, one pugilist stands out: Manny Pacquiao. Regarded by many as one of the greatest boxers of all time, Manny Pacquiao won titles in eight different weight classes. In his career, draping the Philippines flag, he has fought numerous boxing legends, including Floyd Mayweather Jr, Oscar De La Hoya, and Miguel Cotto, showcasing his skills and determination.
However, his success was not easy to achieve. Born in Kibawe, Philippines, Manny Pacquiao grew up in a poor family. Despite the challenges, Pacquiao had a passion for boxing so, at age 14, Pacquiao left home for Manila in pursuit of becoming a professional boxer. In Manila, he faced significant financial difficulties and even slept at the gym. There, he turned professional at the age of 16, even lying about his age to pursue his dream. Since then, the young fighter has come a long way, becoming a cultural icon not only in the Philippines but around the world. In addition to his career inside the ring, he has not forgotten his roots and has given back to poor communities, donating millions from his own pockets.
Through its journey in the Philippines since the late 19th century, boxing has ingrained itself within Filipino culture, becoming the nation’s most popular individual sport. As boxing continues to thrive in the Philippines, it stands as a symbol of hope and determination, through many of its fighters’ rags to riches stories. Boxing also stands as a source of national pride that brings the people of the Philippines together, as seen through Manny Pacquiao’s career whose bouts are watched by virtually everyone in the country. However, most importantly, boxing stands as a reflection of the Philippines’ fighting spirit.
Return to Asia
Global Boxing Atlas 