Alex Eala downplays Pacquiao comparisons: ‘Medyo malayo pa ako’

Alexandra “Alex” Eala has generated so much interest in Filipino sports fans that her matches have begun to draw comparisons to those of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

Pacquiao’s career soared in the 2000s as his fights drew massive crowds abroad. Back home, police even noted zero reported crime and lighter traffic during Pacquiao matches, as many viewers were glued to their screens.

Eala, meanwhile, has been drawing members of the Filipino diaspora wherever she plays—most recently during her singles match on Tuesday against Alycia Parks.

But she downplayed comparisons between her rise and that of Pacquiao's, saying she has a long way to go.

“Oh my God, hindi naman ganoon. Iba naman si Manny Pacquiao, I think. Nasa ibang level na siya,” Eala said in her post-match press conference.

“Naaalala ko ‘pag may laban si Manny, talagang parang bakasyon ‘yung mga tao, hindi pumapasok. Then ‘yung buong pamilya, nasa bahay, may lechon, may popcorn.”

“So sa tingin ko, medyo malayo pa ako,” she laughingly added.

(Oh my good, it's not like that. Manny Pacquiao is different, I think. He's on another level... I remember when Manny had a fight, it was like a vacation for people, nobody works. The whole family will be home, there's lechon, there's popcorn. In my view, I'm still far from that.)

Still, Eala expressed gratitude for the support she has been receiving, especially amid her historic rise in 2025.

During her match against Parks, where she lost, 0-6, 6-3, 6-2, the umpire repeatedly asked fans to lower their voices during rallies, as some continued to cheer loudly.

“It was so heartwarming and I think that's one of the things that makes a loss like today a little bit harder is that I know a lot of people were rooting for me, but then again, Alicia played really well and you know, I just hope that the support continues, with the losses along with the wins. I think that, would really touch me,” she said.

“But then again, just the fact that everyone came out and really squeezed into that cozy court. I really appreciate it. I felt so loved even when I was 5-2 down in the third, you know, still felt the love. So I'm really appreciative and super thankful.”

Eala remains in competition at the Australian Open, teaming up with Ingrid Martins in the doubles tournament.

—JKC/JMB, GMA Integrated News