IT was easy to understand why Stanley Pringle fell in love with boxing. His best buddy happens to belong to one of the most prominent boxing families in the country.
Nico Elorde was the biggest reason why Pringle decided to take up boxing, which ended up strengthening their friendship during their time as teammates at NorthPort.
The 27-year-old grandson of Filipino boxing great Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde once brought the shifty Fil-Am playmaker to the annual Elorde Awards Night where his appreciation for the sport grew.
Eventually, he tried boxing as part of his personal training.
“Nagba-box siya and gusto niya ring mag-boxing din. Gusto niya nga ring magkaroon ng (boxing) gloves,” said Elorde of his close pal, who had since been traded to Barangay Ginebra.
Unfortunately, Pringle noticed that his shooting form was affected a bit when he began to take up boxing.
“Yun nga ang sabi niya, kaya tinigilan niya muna,” said Elorde.
But that didn’t dampen Pringle’s love for the sport.
“Sabi niya imbitahin ko siya sa mga (boxing) fights,” said Nico, whose parents, Johnny and Liza Elorde, are known fight promoters in the country. “Nung Elorde Awards may featured fights kasi, kaya natuwa siya nung napanood niya.”
Other than boxing, Pringle and Elorde have one other thing is common: a blue-collar work ethic.
The guard out of Ateneo was a witness to it in the two seasons they were at NorthPort, first as back-up to Pringle at the point, and later on as chief backcourt partner.
“Si Stanley sobrang bait and sobrang sipag mag-workout. Kahit may injury yan kaya matagal gumaling, kasi workout pa rin siya as in hindi magpapapigil,” said Elorde.
Pringle was definitely a big influence to him, according to Nico.
“Ako rin nakikita niya naman na sobrang seryoso ko rin pag training. Kaya parang siya na rin ang naging guide ko and kuya ko sa team,” said Elorde. “Sobrang laki talaga ng naitulong niya sa akin as a player and as a teammate. Kaya sobrang thankful ako na naging teammate ko si Stanley, sobrang laki ng opportunity.”
Despite belonging to separate teams now, Elorde and Pringle still keep in touch.
“Nag-uusap naman kami ni Stanley. Sabi niya tuloy ko lang daw yung ginagawa ko and nandun pa rin daw siya. Mag workout pa rin daw kami together.”
Most importantly, Pringle reminded Elorde not to leave him out of one of the most important events of his life.
“Invite ko pa rin daw siya sa wedding ko,” said a smiling Elorde, who got engaged recently to his long-time partner.
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