It could well be the “Clash of the Titans” when seven Filipinos take the spotlight against an equally determined band of Mexicans in the run-off dubbed as the World Cup of boxing. The fact is that the card, explosive as it is, does not include Mexico 's active fabled ring gladiators like Marco Antonio Barrera, Eric Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez along with the Philippines ' ring icon Manny Pacquiao. Stopping short of selling the Aug. 11 ring date at the Arco Arena in Sacramento (Aug. 12 am Philippine time) as the ultimate ring date for Filipinos and Mexicans, it is nevertheless a red-letter day by any reckoning. To Filipinos, there are seven exciting reasons to watch the fight. They go by the names of Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, Gerry Peñalosa, Z “The Dream” Gorres, Bert Batawang, AJ “Bazooka” Banal, Michael Domingo and Diosdado Gabi. The Mexicans of course are no pushovers, as if we didn't know.

Two of them are world title holders namely David Ponce de Leon, who is fighting our very own Boom Boom in the main event, and Johnny Gonzales who squares off with Peñalosa. Still, the Filipinos should not be awed by the credentials because those who wear boxing crowns should prove that they deserve the title by the only way they know how – fight till the bell tolls or the other drops, whichever comes first. It may just be a game to some people. Not so with a people who have had reversals for as long as they can remember. In a way, boxing brings out the pent-up frustrations for the years of disappointments and raw deals. Going for the jugular would have been a more attractive proposition but it has a negative connotation just like going for the kill. While boxing is a cruel sport in certain aspects, it is about time we adjust our sails for positive motivations. Indeed, while the victory of the “Magnificent 7” would certainly be a cause for a national celebration, there is more to it than just the Aug. 12 ring date. Without a doubt, it involves a national awakening that transcends the four corners of the ring at the Arco Arena. A triumph of this magnitude could trigger a national outpouring unrivaled in recent memory. It would be more than just a celebration for the victory of the Filipino boxers. It could very well be the key to the search for national dignity. For too long we have toiled in negative emotions ranging between apathy and indifference to anger and rage. It is about time we discover the power of positive inspiration such as hope and optimism. Come to think of it, is there something wrong about going for the prize?