There’s yet to be a boxer to break his record. Probably it might stay so for many more years to come. The only missing element from Manny Pacquiao‘s illustrious career was an Olympic medal. A distinction his all-time great rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. managed before turning professional. Years after he fought his last fight in 2021, the ‘PacMan’ gave his Olympic dream a shot. Sadly, it didn’t make it through. However, he can be confident that a fresh wave of Filipino boxers will achieve what he could not.

Davao-born Nesthy Petecio became the second boxer from the Philippines to secure a medal in the sport. The 32-year-old lost her semifinal bout to Julia Szeremeta. On 7th August, her compatriot Aira Villegas also brought honor to her country when she received the bronze medal in the women’s 50 kg. weight class. Never to miss such a tremendous feat, Manny Pacquaio didn’t waste time to pen his thoughts and congratulate Petecio. So what if he couldn’t realize his dream? He sees it being fulfilled through the success of others.

High Five: Manny Pacquiao hails young star

“Another proud moment for the Philippines!” said the legend. While wishing Nesthy Petecio for her winning bronze at the Paris Olympics, Manny Pacquiao said, “You’ve shown the world the true spirit of a Filipino fighter. We are all incredibly proud of you.” He closed his message in his native Tagalog, “Salamat, Nesthy! Mabuhay ka!,” which roughly translates to “Thank you, Nesty! May you live long!”

Petecio commenced the Olympics campaign on July 30 at the North Paris Arena. She faced India’s Jaismine Lamboria in the round of 32. The Filipino achieved a flawless victory, winning all three rounds convincingly. Next, it was France’s Amina Zidani in the round of 16. Though the Frenchwoman proved a tough match, Nesthy Petecio had convinced the judges enough to award her the second victory.

Four days ago, in the quarterfinals, she defeated China’s Zichun Xu, thus paving the way for a semifinal clash with the two-time Polish champion. A multiple Asian and World championship winner, the bronze in Paris, follows Nesthy Petecio’s silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The motivational words from a boxing great who is still willing to fight may perhaps go a long way to get her inspired and do better at the LA28.

Ring to Rings

As for the champion is concerned, well, three years after the Yordenis Ugas fight, the former eight-division champion entered the ring again to face the Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo for an exhibition match. The match followed rumors of a rematch with Mayweather Jr. Later, talks of an exhibition match with Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek surfaced. Recent reports suggest that discussions are ongoing for a potential title clash with WBC (interim) welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

USA Today via Reuters

Last year, news surfaced that Manny Pacquiao was expressing keen interest in an Olympic legacy. Reportedly, the Philippines National Olympic Committee (NOC) also made a representation to the International Olympic Committee in this regard. But sadly to no avail. Given that Manny Pacquiao had already turned 45, the apex body upheld its stance on age limits, which it seems restricts boxers over 40 to compete at the games. Now his fellow Filipino, their national flag bearer at the opening ceremony, may have achieved his goals.

What is your take? Should Manny Pacquiao stay retired or try another shot at professional boxing?