There were stories about a teacher becoming a boxer, most notable of which was that of Australian Jeff Horn, who once battled and beaten Manny Pacquiao for a world boxing title.
Now, get inspired by the story of Alfonso Acero Ferando Jr., a former Filipino professional boxer who strived hard to finish his studies and become a teacher.
Jun Ferando, a high-school teacher at Saint Joseph College in Maasin, Leyte, once dreamed of becoming a world boxing champion. He fought 13 times in the professional boxing ring and recorded eight wins, two coming by knockouts, against five losses.
Ferando’s pro debut was in June 2001 against Jerome Dansing, winning by unanimous decision. He won four more bouts, all by decision, before losing to an undefeated fighter Isidro Lorona in May 2002 in Daanbantayan, Cebu.
“Doon ko natikman ang unang talo ko sa professional. Kaya natanong ko sa sarili ko, what if, sa susunod na mga laban ko magtatatalo na ako? Kaya naisipan kong huminto at ipagpatuloy ang high school ko,” Ferando told Manila Standard in an exclusive interview.
“Noong natapos ko na ang high school ko, bumalik ako ng boxing at pinagsabay ko ang pag.aaral. Okay naman nakalaban ako at nanalo ng dalawang beses.”
For two years, Ferando had to wake up early to train in boxing and go home late for his night schooling.
“Natiis ko ang dalawang taong iyon dahil sa ginusto ko talagang makikilala sa larangan ng boxing at the same time gusto kong matapos pag aaral ko.”
Five years after his loss, he came back strong in his next two bouts, pulling off back-to-back technical knockout victories at the expense of Ian Arcalin and Jimboy Casiple, respectively, before losing also via TKO to Nelson Llanos in Maasin, Leyte.
“Noong pangatlo natalo na naman ako, naisip ko itigil ko muna kolehiyo ko at bibigyan ko ng dalawang taon ang pagboboxing ko, yung tipong doon lang ako magpo-focus. Kaya ayun boxing nalang talaga inatupag ko, “ Ferando recalled.
Ferando did exactly just that as he stopped going to school to focus on his boxing career.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go Ferando’s way, winning only once in his last four fights. His farewell bout was in October 2010 which was a split decision loss to Jonathan Ricablanca.
He attributed his failure to various factors such as poor management and fear of what lies ahead.
“Ang manager ko dati ‘di nagpopromote ng boxing event, singit-singit lang ang mga boxers nya sa mga boxing promotions. ‘Di ako napipili kasi nga come back fighter ako.”
It is at this juncture that Ferando had to choose between pursuing his boxing dream or take another path. “Natakot nako sumugal sa pag aantay na umangat boxing career ko since medyo nagkakaedad nako kailangan kona talaga pumili kung anung career tatahakin ko,” admitted Ferando.
He decided to go back to college with the support of his father and his wife. “Wala po akong naging trabaho habang tinatapos ko kolehiyo, sinuportahan po ako ng papa ko at asawa ko.
Passion for boxing
Ferando’s passion for boxing was born out of necessity.
He claimed that when he was in elementary school, he used to be bullied by his bigger classmates.
“Kasi nga maliit ako. Kaya naisip ko pag aralan ang boxing para ng sa ganun sa protektahan ko sarili ko sa mga bullies sa school naming,” explained Ferando although he was quick to point out that it was a childish mindset at that time. “Pag-iisip po ng isang bata.”
But much influence came from his father with whom he used to watch boxing shows on TV.
“Kaya halos sa lingo-linggong panonood ko ng boxing sa TV parang nakahiligan ko sya at gustong kong matutunan.”
He started joining backyard sparring sessions. Then he began competing in barangay competitions. At the age of 15, he turned professional in 2001.
He advises young, aspiring boxers to make up their mind and focus on where they will really excel but always make sure to invest time in education.
“Sobrang napakahalaga ng pag aaral kaya kung darating ang panahon na kailangan nyong pumili, piliin nyo ang pag aaral. Totoong pwedeng makapagbigay ng kaginhawaan ang pagbo-boxing pero di dapat natin iasa ang ating kinabukasan sa pagbo-boxing lamang dahil hindi lahat nagiging world champion.”
Even as he works full-time as a high school teacher, Ferando has not totally abandoned his passion.
He devotes his free time to training young boxing prospects at Ninzgym Boxing in Leyte. He does not only teach them about the rudiments of boxing but also lessons in life.
