On religion and loss

Source: http://realcombatmedia.com

It is very human to wonder how things have happened. And so human too to explain things in our own ways and lens. When all explanations seem to escape our imagination, we tend to seek explanations from the One above through religion.

One of the things that would keep boxing fans especially Filipinos wondering for a long, long time is this: Why did Manny Pacquaio lose by knockout?

For boxing fans, Manny Pacquaio needs no introduction. For others, here are some general information. He is the only one who held boxing champion's belt  in 8-weight categories and widely considered as the "People's Champ." He was on top for some time in pound-for pound list of elite boxers. He was declared by one of the prestigious boxing councils as the "Fighter of the Decade (2001-2010)."

In the Philippines, Pacquaio is a politician, a Congressman at that who represents Sarangani Province in Mindanao  to the Philippine Congress. He too is a businessman. He is a singer and host to a TV game show. He is active in his Church. When he fights, almost the whole country is in standstill watching him because he is a well-loved boxer who becomes an icon to many Filipinos.

Then, in a fight that people expected Pacquaio to win convincingly and decisively, he was knocked out by a right hand from his nemesis, Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico. The fight was their fourth since 2004. The way the fight ended was stunning (in my view; well I did not really see the punch, and so Pacquaio).

Why did it happen?

From the two boxers: Marquez said that it was his technique, skills, and preparation for the fight that did it. Pacquaio attributed his knockout loss to his overconfidence and eagerness to finish Marquez off who was apparently bloodied and hurt. Pacquaio was winning in the judges' scorecard before that devastating one punch.

Many boxing analysts agreed with both assessments.

But as we often say, mothers know best. Pacquaio's mother, Dionisia, was interviewed, and she associated the loss to his son's change of religion. As a devout Catholic, Dionisia raised her son as a Catholic. In Pacquaio's previous fights, he would be normally seen wearing a rosary laced around his neck. This time (and in Bradley's fight where he lost too in a controversial decision), he was not seen wearing a rosary.

The interview was beamed in a national television in the Philippines. Many Filipinos, to a certain extent, gave credence to this reason.

Why did Pacquaio lose?

Again, it is very human to wonder and give explanation.

And if we are unsatisfied with the explanations given, we turn to the One who knows it all. But others still wonder and give their own explanations. Others say, it's One's will. Accepting, still we wonder. How long will we wonder? Well, a fifth fight may end it.