The streets didn’t become empty in the Philippines or the crimes decreased significantly when he fought, but there was no doubt that thousands in his home country were still glued to their television sets whenever he stepped inside the ring. He might not have inspired the same type of passion as Pacquiao among his countrymen; but there is no question that he brought the same pride, humility and hunger to make them proud each time he fought.
He wasn’t the defensive whiz in the class of Gerry Penalosa, but had enough guile and counterpunching skills to get out of trouble. He wasn’t as dynamic or explosive as Manny Pacquiao, but his lethal left hook and determination were enough to provide many of his fans some exciting moments such as when he knocked out Kennedy McKinney. He wasn’t as consistent as Flash Elorde, but becoming a multi-divisional champion and being able to defend his featherweight title successfully seven times is nothing to be ashamed of.
He is none other than Luisito Espinosa, the original ‘Golden Boy.’ The fighter, who before Pacquiao took the boxing world by storm, probably carried the sole burden of keeping Philippine boxing alive at the world wide stage since many of the great Filipino boxers during his time such as the Penalosa brothers were relegated to fighting in the Asian continent.
Now in what might be the golden age of Philippine boxing, many probably expected him to be more visible and adored by Filipino boxing fans since he was one of their best. But instead he’s become almost an afterthought or a mystery to many boxing fans. Sure, Espinosa had always been a humble human being who never really craved the limelight or to be the center of attention, but another reason might be the injustice that had been done to him, which has not been righted.
As many people know, he still has not gotten paid the $150k that he was promised when he fought Carlos Rios in Koronadal in South Cotabato in 1997. It’s no secret that Espinosa experienced some personal problems which included his wife leaving him towards the end of his career. As a result, without the help of the purse that he deserved, he was forced to work menial jobs. The last report on him was that he was working as a janitor at Lucky Chances Casino in the bay area.
So attending a boxing related event is probably the last thing on his mind since his priority is to work in order to provide for himself and his family. Others have also mentioned that he might be reluctant to appear in public more often because of his current situation.
Sure I have come across a couple of people who have said, “He is just now a janitor in a casino.” But it should be the reason that he should be admired more since he embodies the typical struggle and work ethic of most Filipinos abroad. In addition, being a janitor is nothing to be ashamed about, since it is a respectable job or as we say in Tagalog, “marangal na trabaho.”
His story also reminds me of the time when Chino Trinidad, a broadcaster in the Philippines mentioned during a conversation that for all the times he had been back and forth in the states, he had never seen a fellow Filipino begging in the streets. Espinosa could have easily given up or ended up on the wrong side of the law, but he didn't.
There will be people who will put the blame on Espinosa for his current problems since it was his decision to go on through with the fight. But he did it because he didn't want to dissappoint his fans and those responsible for ensuring that he receives his purse were suppose to be the type of people that he can trust. One of them is former Governor Larry De Pedro whose duties as a public servant is to uphold the law and protect the people. Another is Rod Nazario, who was Pacquiao's former mentor and supposedly one of the more respectable promoter in the Philippines.
Espinosa must receive the justice that he deserves now. He brought tons of accolades to the country during his tenure as a fighter and deserves to live a comfortable life. Besides he is not asking the government for extra benefits but just the money in which he earned by putting himself at risk in the ring. Moreover, this is a case where the overwhelming evidence is on Espinosa's side, thus it should have been quickly resolved, instead of toiling around for years without any progress. But until it is, this case will only serve as a reminder for many Filipinos of why they are disenchanted in their government, which only seems to protect those with money and connections.
Also read: Remembering King Louie, Now Back To Poor Espinosa, Remember Lindol
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