THE TOP FIVE FILIPINO BOXERS

This has to be the easiest pick since I bet that the sun would rise this morning. The 30 year old from General Santos City in the southern Philippines is not only far and away the best Filipino boxer. He’s probably the finest boxer in the entire world right now. Over the last few years he’s been fed a steady diet of only the best fighters in the world and he’s beaten them all. He’s gone from a one dimensional whirling dervish to a multi-dimensional whirling dervish who can both box and slug as good as anyone. He’s proven himself in an incredible range of weight classes and did the unthinkable and not only beat Oscar de la Hoya, he massacred him. No matter what happens from here on in, Pacman has already provided fans with a lifetime worth of boxing memories. He’s a once in a several-generation fighter. Quite simply, Pacquiao is THE MAN.

2. Nonito Donaire

Hopefully Donaire’s sensational victory over a somewhat overrated Raul Martinez will catupult the IBF Flyweight champion to that next level, which is enduring greatness. To do this Donaire must fight only the best possible opponents. Forget about alphabet mandatories, Nonito. If the IBF lackeys force you to fight their number one contender and threaten to strip you if you don’t, burn their belt in the public square. The Filipino-American is a superb talent and is sitting on the cusp of a stellar career so he has to ignore the patsies and take on other greats. Fernando Montiel would be a good start. Last Sunday was the first time I watched Donaire in person, and although Martinez was not as good as advertised, Donaire has got the goods. Fast hands, varied punches, good thinker and super confident. About four more fights against only the best fighters and we’re talking entrance into Pacquiao territory.

3. Brian Villoria

Before last Sunday’s fight at the Araneta Colliseum in Manila, I didn’t even include Villoria in my top five current Filipino fighters. But after watching the 28 year old Filipino from Hawaii win the IBF Jr. Flyweight belt in a sensational fight against tough Mexican Ulises Solis, he easily comes in at number three in our list. Villoria did what all great athletes do when the chips are down and their careers are hanging in the balance. He ate nails for breakfast during three and half months of grueling training in Oxnard, California and came to Manila jacked to the gils and ready to prove his detractors wrong. The fight with Solis was hardly easy and was perhaps even going into the championship rounds of 9 through 12. Villoria sucked it up and came through like the champion he deserves to be. And the blistering short right he knocked out Solis with in the 11th round was perhaps the knockout of the year. A perfect way to cap off a career defining fight.

4. Gerry Penalosa

Still one of the most talented Filipino boxers of all time, the 36 year old Penalosa’s career has suffered somewhat due to inactivity in the last few years. And it couldn’t come at a worse time as he prepares to face off April 25 against the WBO Batamweight champ, 25 year old rising star, Juan Manuel Lopez, in Lopez’ home of Puerto Rico. Five or six years ago I’d have given Penalosa a big chance. Now, practically none. Penalosa feels that his infamous counterpunching will be just the answer to the hard charging Lopez. But age and inactivity slow a boxer’s reflexes, and no matter how much you wish it weren’t so, father time takes its toll on everyone. But even at this late stage in his career, Penalosa’s smarts and savvy still land him in the top five of all Filipino boxers.

5. Bernabe Concepcion

The 20 year old from Bicol has, in a few short years, done what no other Filipino boxer has done in recent times. He actually served what could be described as boxing’s version of an apprenticeship. Over the last three years, he’s fought eight times combined in the US and Mexico. He’s been training at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card gym in Los Angeles, in the shadow of the great Manny Pacquiao. In fact, Pacquiao and Concepcion have become close. Concepcion even sleeps at Pacquiao’s LA condo during training, and runs with Pacman in the mornings. Concepcion was due to fight on the undercard of the Paquiao-Hatton fight on May 2nd in a mouthwatering matchup vs. WBO featherweight champ Steve Luevano, until the fight was called off due to Luevano getting injured in training. Hopefully Concepcion can find a solid opponent soon. He’s a good looking prospect with solid skills and speed.

Honorable Mention:

1. Z Gorres 2. AJ Banal 3. Michael Domingo 4. Rey Bautista 5. Dennis Laurente