Thais remain in love with Pacquiao

Former IBF mini-flyweight champion Ratanapol Sor Vorapin poses beside his food cart in the backpackers’ district of Bangkok. (Nick Giongco)

By Nick GiongcoKANCHANABURI, Thailand — They all asked the same questions: Where you from my friend?

And they all said and did the same things when told.

From the food sellers on the Bangkok to Kanchanaburi train line, the noodle soup hawker, backpackers and opportunistic men waiting for tourists to lure in the heart of the backpacking district of Banglamphu in Bangkok, only one name rang out each time they heard the answer: Manny Pacquiao.

“Pacquiao, Pacquiao!” exclaimed the over-sized lady offering tasty Thai treats during the 130-kilometer, three-hour journey one recent hot and humid morning from Bangkok’s Thonburi Station.

The little fellow selling ice-cold beverage was even more animated.

His eyes all lit up, the guy placed down the pail containing bottled drinks, raised his hands and began shadow-boxing, his face putting on a scowl to show utter intensity.

Even the tuk-tuk drivers moonlighting as travel guides along Soi Rambutrri near raucous Khao San Road, could not help but reenact the same thing over and over again.

But there was one person who stood out amongst them all.

A few meters from the main road of Chakkapong, where the hedonistic vibe begins to radiate, another short man was busy tending to his stall that caters to starving Western backpackers craving for steaming 50 Baht noodle soup.

Ratanapol Sor Vorapin, former International Boxing Federation mini-flyweight titlist, and tormentor of numerous Filipino fighters, was looking in tip-top shape even if he hasn’t fought the last seven years.

Now 42, Sor Vorapin victimized almost 20 Filipinos in a 19-year career en route to a 59-8-1 record with 48 KOs, including Ala Villamor (KO7) and Manny Melchor (SD12) in world title fights.

In halting and broken English, Sor Vorapin, now in debt and needing to work as a gym instructor by day and sell noodles at night, is obviously awed by Pacquiao.

“(When Pacquiao) come here Bangkok, Pacquiao small…now very big,” said Sor Vorapin as he gestured with his hands how Pacquiao has grown from a mere flyweight (112 lbs) to a legitimate welterweight (147 lbs).

Pacquiao fought in Bangkok in Dec. 1998 when he won the World Boxing Council fly throne but was knocked out in Sept. 1999 during the second defense of the title in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

“Pacquiao popular,” said Sor Vorapin.

While Pacquiao is entering the twilight, he remains a beloved figure here where boxing is a passion next to football.

Even the slender European tourist who munches on creepy crawlies and pad thai with a domestic beer in hand, had his share of Pacquiao moment when he overheard the conversation between the Filipino traveler and the aging champ.

Modulating like Michael Buffer, the flaxen-haired dude rose from his seat and blurted out the catchy pre-fight phrase and put on the all-too-familiar stance.