Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro played a big part of the country’s rich sporting history.
Exactly 30 years ago, a young man with nothing but grit, power and an overwhelming desire to climb out of poverty tried his luck at prizefighting right there in that small, seemingly insignificant place.
Against all odds.
Little did any one know it was going to be a start of a legendary career that will line up a Filipino among boxing greats.
Manny Pacquiao took a trip back to where it all started this weekend, returning to the place of his professional debut.
The boxing icon, the only man in history to win world titles in eight different weight divisions, made a memorable return to the very province that helped shape his legendary career.
It was on January 22, 1995, when Pacquiao first stepped into the ring in Sablayan, winning a four-round unanimous decision over local fighter Titing Ignacio. Two months later, he was back in the same venue, defeating Pinoy Montejo of Cebu in another four-round clash.
“This place holds a special place in my heart,” Pacquiao shared, reflecting on the roots of his incredible journey. His return drew a massive crowd, with many fans excited to see the champ in person, ringside.
But while Pacquiao stole the show, the night’s main event saw Pepito Masangkay deliver a thrilling knockout over Alvin Lagumbay to capture the Philippine Boxing Federation super-lightweight title.
The event, presented by San Miguel Beer, was broadcast live by Cignal’s ONE Sports, the official network partner of Blow-By-Blow, which airs every Sunday at 8:30 p.m.
Blow-By-Blow, which Pacquiao revived in November 2022, continues its mission of providing Filipino fighters a platform to showcase their skills.
Last year, the program made waves with its first-ever world title fight, a World Boxing Council minimumweight bout between Filipino Melvin Jerusalem and Mexican challenger Luis Castillo.
Pacquiao’s return to Sablayan wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was a powerful reminder of how far the boxing legend has come.
And for the fans, it was yet another unforgettable chapter in the ongoing story of Blow-By-Blow, a program that has become an integral part of Filipino boxing history.