Pacquiao 2.0: the Philippines scouts hunting for boxing's next big thing

In boxing-obsessed Philippines, scores of young fighters dream of becoming next Manny Pacquiao, but it takes a sharp eye and vast experience to pick out a potential world champion. That expertise comes from scouts and trainers who scour amateur matches at dusty town "fiestas", rely on spotters' referrals or size up hopefuls as young as eight training in well-worn gyms. y are lesser-kwn but vital cogs in Philippines' boxing machine, which has produced dozens of world champion fighters, many of whom were born into poverty.

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It's a risky way to make a living -- some coaches have faced ruin when fighters y have backed, pouring money into ir training and upkeep, didn't win. But when victory comes, pay-off can be big, or at least eugh to keep going in sport y love. shining example is, of course, Pacquiao. Born into a poor family, he quit school at 14 and ended up on street. Pacquiao, w also a Philippine senator, declared assets worth some $59 million in 2018. His career, including an unparalleled eight world championships in different weight divisions, is a tempting incitement to boys born into similarly bleak circumstances. While in real life y may be impoverished and igred, in boxing world y are a precious element to be forged into winners.

"We, coaches, are looking for boxers who would become next Manny Pacquiao so we teach m everything, including discipline and humility," said Anthony Orpia, a former boxer who is w a trainer.

Spotting m is more art than science, but scouts are looking for more than just ability to pummel opponents with ir fists.

" number one trait I look for in a boxer is attitude," trainer Joven Jimenez told AFP, saying his fighters need to be "determined, obedient and disciplined".

"It's a bonus if boxer looks good, too," he quipped, saying it helps in promotion of a match.

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'Many boxers failed' 

A dozen fighters train under his guidance in a rough outdoor camp south of capital Manila, spending hours a day sparring and lifting weights. Jimenez's star, and partner in gym, is 27-year-old Jerwin Ancajas, who is set for an IBF junior bantamweight title defence in December. boxers are a significant investment -- and gamble -- as y are fed, housed and given a modest allowance.

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Years of training expenses and wins drained Jimenez's savings, and by 2013 he was forced to sell his properties to stay afloat. But exercising same determination y demand of ir fighters, Jimenez and Ancajas kept going -- even if y h to train in vacant lots and in street. n in 2016 came what y h hoped and prayed for: Ancajas's IBF junior bantamweight belt. A defence of title a year later netted eugh cash to invest in ir own gym. ermous popularity of sweet science in Philippines means scores of children gravitate to gyms, but just a handful stick it out.

"Out of 10 children, re will only be one or two of m who really wants to pursue boxing," said trainer and coach Edito Villamor.

"I hope just one of two of m will (succeed)," he ded. "Just one or two of m and we're good." One of hotspots of boxing in Philippines is Pacquiao's hometown, General Santos City in nation's south.

Regular tournaments put plenty of contenders on display, and serve as a magnet for fighters from or areas.

"We look for potential of boxer wher he wins or loses in a fight," said promoter JC Manangquil of Sanman Promotions, which has 40 fighters including 12 who have won international titles.

Once y take on a boxer, real work of training and shaping begins. It can take years, and many fighters don't make gre.

"People always think that what we do is very simple -- one fighter gets big and famous and gets money," he said. "But y don't kw how we reach that after many boxers who failed." 

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