Forgotten Hero

ALL hail Manny Pacquiao!

But who will bewail the plight of a forgotten champion, victor and hero who only nine years ago reaped the same honors and adulation from his countrymen after he defended his World Boxing Council featherweight title?

In 1997, in Koronadal, Cotabato, Luisito Espinosa finished off his challenger, an Argentine by the name of Carlos Rios, in a sensational sixth round round knockout that left the loser with a face only his mother could recognize. The Argentine went home with the features on his face rearranged with neither anesthesia nor makeup, but at least he was paid his purse, tax-free.

In contrast, Espinosa of the Philippines has not been able to claim his winnings of $150,000. Is this how it goes in boxing?

I asked his former manager, Hermie Rivera how come and he gave me a look as dour as only Hermie can make it: We filed a civil suit for collection before Judge Rosario Cruz, Manila RTC, no action taken (walang nangyari) Luisito wrote PGMA, walang nangyari. Luisito’s recently deceased father, Deo, wrote then Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide for assistance, walang nangyari. Urgent appeals were sent to both houses of Congress, lalung walang nangyari. Almost a decade and four lawyers later, the simple collection case remains unsettled. Why?”

That’s what I get for asking a simple question.Another question. Maybe the gentlemen who promoted the fight have a better answer than a resounding silence?

The world may have forgotten, his country and government may have forgotten, but not Luisito. He’s nursing a big hurt. His wife has left him, but not his art. These days, after he punches his “out” card as a store stocker in San Francisco , California , he goes to a gym to train young people who want to be like him, a champ.

Let the Pacman beware. If it can happen to Espinosa…

(MANILA BULLETIN)