Sports

Filipino Boxers Try to Follow Pacquiao’s Path Out of Poverty

Published

11 years ago

April 29, 2015

In this April 22, 2015, photo, Filipino boxing promoter and trainer Gabriel Elorde Jr., center, trains boxers at his boxing gym in suburban Paranaque, south of Manila, Philippines. Manny Pacquiao’s rise from crushing poverty to global fame and fortune has inspired a whole generation of Filipino fighters, who look up to his legend as their dream and boxing as a ticket out of harsh lives and uncertainties. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

AARON FAVILA, Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Manny Pacquiao’s rise from crushing poverty to global fame and fortune has inspired a whole generation of Filipino fighters, who look up to his legend as their dream and boxing as a ticket out of harsh lives and uncertainties.

They train hard and passionately, away from their families in the countryside and for long hours. The young remain hopeful, despite the long odds, thousands of body blows and dreams of rival boxers that stand in their way. They learn from those whose fighting careers are behind them, and have gained wisdom if not riches and fame.

The Associated Press talked with three young boxers as they toil and sweat it out in a gym in suburban Paranaque city in metropolitan Manila, as well as three retired fighters who train young aspirants. All idolize Pacquiao and think he will beat Floyd Mayweather in their much-awaited fight Saturday:

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JOEMARIE NOYNAY, 19, has won eight fights in the super bantamweight division:

“I sometimes think of the hardships, but I tell myself, if Pacquiao can do it, I can do it, too. … I just need to train hard and pray to the Lord to realize my dreams and the dreams of my family.”

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WILLIAM DEVELOS, 58, a trainer who was the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation super flyweight champion in 1980-1981:

“In training, you are already being made to suffer so that it will be easier for you when the time comes.”

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ROLLY MACASO, 21, a former laborer and baker who once scavenged garbage heaps for recyclables, and now hopes boxing leads him to a better life:

“I want to be like Manny so I could help my parents, to lift them out of poverty. … Just one (title) belt would be enough for me. That’s my dream — to be a world boxing champion. … If I get the belt, the money will just come with it.”

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REXON FLORES, 33, a trainer who was the World Boxing Organization Asia Pacific flyweight champion from 2004 to 2006 and WBO Inter-Continental light flyweight title holder from 2006 to 2007.

“They all want to be champions … but the most important thing is to not be swell-headed. If you become swell-headed, your boxing skills will suffer. You will just fool around and you will lose focus on boxing.

“Discipline is primary. If you don’t have discipline, all your dreams will just flow away like water.”

Flores said his largest purse came in 2006: 1 million pesos (about $20,000) for losing a fight for the WBO world flyweight title. He said he split the money with his promoter and spent his share on houses for his family and his mother. He said he decided to quit early because he did not want his body to take any more punishment.

“It’s true, many fighters’ bodies get destroyed, and their brains get damaged. I didn’t want that to happen to me. I was able to leave without any harm to my body.”

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MELJUN PENAPIN, 19, a former barbecue vendor, construction laborer, bakery helper and fisherman who is training for his first fight:

“I want to be a champion like Pacquiao. … I was thinking that maybe I will be lucky. With such a hard life, maybe I will find my way of living here.”

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MELVIN MAGRAMO, 44, a trainer and former WBO Inter-Continental flyweight champion who lost to Pacquiao by decision in a 10-round, non-title fight in 1997:

“The number of our (boxing) students has been increasing along with the popularity of Pacquiao. … It was God who put him where he is now.”

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

2 weeks ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

7 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

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Activism

McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

10 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.