WATCH: ESPN’s mini-docu on Pacquiao’s early life

Nissi Icasiano

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WATCH: ESPN’s mini-docu on Pacquiao’s early life
'Manny Pacquiao: The Roots' travels to the Philippines to retell Pacquiao’s rise as one of the top boxers of his generation

MANILA, Philippines – With 6 days away from the heavily-hyped showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr, ESPN’s Sports Center released a mini-documentary that traced the humble beginnings of the Filipino boxing icon.

The 6-minute special feature entitled “Manny Pacquiao: The Roots” traveled to the Philippines to retell Pacquiao’s rise as one of the top boxers of his generation.

Using boxing as a way to provide for his family, the 5-foot-6 southpaw from General Santos City packed his bags and took the risk to go to Manila, where he competed on small-time fight cards and appeared on Vintage Sport’s weekly boxing program “Blow by Blow”.

The show, which focused mainly on up-and-coming boxing prospects and was held on small venues and gyms across the metro, highlighted Pacquiao as one of its featured fighters.

However, tragedy struck Pacquiao on December 9, 1995 as he witnessed the death of his close friend Eugene Barutag.

Barutag, a young pugilist who is also from Pacquiao’s hometown, was booked for an eight-round contest against veteran pugilist Randy Andagan.

Pacquiao’s comrade was winning in the first 4 rounds and almost knocked out Andagan, but the latter got his second wind and defeated Barutag by stoppage, who collapsed in his corner at the end of the bout.

During the ill-fated incident, there were no standby paramedics in case of emergency, prompting the show’s officials to use their service vehicle and rush Barutag to the Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Pacquiao was the headliner of the same event and had no other choice but to step into the ring with Rolando Toyogon, whom he outpointed via unanimous decision.

When asked where did he get the courage to continue his scheduled bout, Pacquiao replied, “He’s my close friend. I felt so bad at that time.”

15 fights after the horrific misfortune, Pacquiao captured the WBC flyweight title by scoring an eighth-round knockout win over Chatchai Sasakul in December 1998.

“Even though he died already, I will continue our dream. I will continue our battle,” Pacquiao said. – Rappler.com

 

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