Becoming Pacquiao

Motivated by the rags-to-riches story of national hero Manny Pacquiao, many Filipinos see boxing as a ticket out of poverty. But success stories are rare. 101 East follows a group of young fighters as they try to survive a brutal boxing industry.

The crowd bays for blood as boxer Brian Diano steps into the ring. Tonight, the Filipino underdog fights for his life… and more. His impoverished teammates back home are counting on his paltry prize money to feed their hungry stomachs. Their manager and father figure Jun Gandeza is near bankrupt but refuses to abandon the close-knit boxers. Inspired by the rags-to-riches story of national hero Manny Pacquiao, many Filipinos see boxing as a ticket out of poverty. But success stories are rare. Meet those fighting for a brighter future and asks: Will these young fighters survive the brutal boxing industry?