FOR this victory, pain mixed with glory.
The glory of winning caused agony not only for the defeated but also for the victor.
Like the fast-approaching climax of Mayweather's quest to remain unbeaten against Manny Pacquiao, John Vincent "Mulawin" Moralde of the Philippines and Braydon Smith of Australia were in the thick of a fight not just for the title but also to prove who between them will remain undefeated.
Moralde took the victor's crown but unfortunately for him it was not all glory as Smith was down and out for good after passing away a few days later, after absorbing a cracking right to his jaw from the orthodox styled Davao City-born champ.
At the mere recall and mention of the name Smith, who like him was also sacrificing years of training and fight after fight to eke out a living, Moralde's face turned melancholic.
There's just one thing that can make Moralde smile and his face shine again with hope, and that is the thought of bringing honor to his family and country as he relishes the experience of getting a good laugh and encouragement from his original Kamay Na Bakal model Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
Moralde had broken through the column of international boxing popularity, tainted with the death of his opponent.
Nine years ago, I was sitting next to then 11-year-old Moralde as his escort the first time he went to the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City with his mother at the invitation of councilor Edgar Ibuyan.
Now at 20 years old, Moralde was recently back to the place where he started to get his support this time to be honored by the lawmakers for his intrinsic Dabawenyo courage and skills.
Another important part of the Legislative-Executive recognition awards is the inspiration and cash incentives from Mayor Duterte. The remuneration was timely and enough for him to fly to Manila to receive another boxing award at the Elorde's Night Banquet of Champions 2015.
Years ago when councilor Ibuyan and then sports division OIC manager Bong Go sent me to help clean up a warring and disorganized Davao boxing, Moralde was only a teener. There at the back of DCRC Gym where once Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao were doing the mitts, the Mulawin and myself had also the time together punishing the already worn-out punching bags.
Moralde even at a tender age was already showing the guts and talents to become champion as a teenage Kamay Na Bakal.
In boxing, as in all sports, the operative word is preparation.
Freddie Roach has said that in boxing God doesn't care who wins. I say yes, as long as you are prepared. Pray then, dear Floyd because even Filipino typhoons are murderous.
In compassionate sympathy seeing his fellow Visayan of Maasin and Tacloban reeling from the aftermath of killer Typhoon Yolanda, Rodrigo Duterte, the iron-fist mayor cried and said "God is somewhere else."
Easter Beat: Prepare to meet thy God.
