The search for the next Manny Pacquiao begins on 20 November at the same site where the eight-division champion carved a name for himself.
The talent identification program will be launched with the resurrection of Blow-by-Blow, the legendary television boxing show that propelled Pacquiao into stardom.
“We are going to (the) grassroots (level),” two-time world champion Gerry Peñalosa said.
Pacquiao himself is reviving the program and tapping his longtime friend and one-time sparring partner to call the shots in assembling the best boxers available.
“Just like what he (Pacquiao) said, we would like to discover new talent, somebody who will make it big on the world stage just like him,” Peñalosa added.
Blow-by-Blow was revived in 2014 and lasted until 2016, according to Gerry Garcia, who formed a solid partnership with the original producers of the show.
Before its 2014 return, Blow-by-Blow’s last telecast was sometime in 2001 or 2002, Garcia said, noting that it had to give way to another similar program — In This Corner — which was also being managed by the same boxing men handling Blow-by-Blow.
That cast was made up of the late Rod Nazario and Moy Lainez, Lito Mondejar and Garcia, who formed a formidable support staff of Pacquiao from the onset until the General Santos City southpaw made it big in the United States.
The initial show unfolds on 20 November at the Mandaluyong Gymnasium, where Pacquiao won six of seven fights while he was trying to make a name for himself.
Peñalosa has also gotten the services of a renowned matchmaker who will be tasked to come up with mouthwatering matchups that will guarantee the crowd’s approval.
“Those who are up-and-coming, those who will fight as four-rounders, six and eight-rounders will be going all-out since they would all be trying to impress and gain popularity.”
Just like a young Pacquiao.
