Son of the Bad Boy: Rolando Dy’s quest to exceed his infamous father’s legacy in the Philippines
The Filipino fighter makes his UFC debut in Singapore as he looks to step out of the murky shadow of boxing superstar – and absent dad – Rolando Navarrete
Rolando Dy had only ever seen his father once but it was impossible to escape the man’s shadow.
“I grew up without a father,” says Dy. “But of course people knew who my father was. He was Manny Pacquiao before there was Manny Pacquiao.”
Rolando “the Bad Boy of Dadiangas” Navarrete is a superstar in the Philippines, as famed for his exploits in the ring as he is infamous for his exploits outside of it.
Capturing the WBC super featherweight title from Cornelius Boza Edwards in Italy in 1981 ensured Navarrete was an idol for millions.
The “People’s Champion” counted among his fans the eventual eight-division world champion Pacquiao, who would also fight his way out of the poverty of General Santos City.
Struggles with drugs, a prison stretch for sexual assault and a string of high-profile relationships ensured Navarrete was never long out of the spotlight, and these days his story is held up as a cautionary tale to aspiring fighters.