McAllen, Texas--A strong Filipino contingent is ready to give morale support to compatriot Jimrex "The Executioner" Jaca when he takes on WBO featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez tomorrow at the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo.
Jeff De Guzman, one of Jaca's closest buddies in the United States, arrived here today after a long flight from Los Angeles just to be at ringside for the Jaca-Marquez showdown.
"I'm here to lend morale support to my friend. I'll do whatever it takes just to give him the needed psychological boost," the youthful De Guzman said.
Yesterday, when two members of Philippine media arrived here to cover the event after a five-hour trip from Los Angeles, Jaca heaved a sigh of relief, as he has been thinking all along that he has been forgotten by mainstream media following a much-chronicled falling out with manager Rex 'Wakee' Salud.
Also, a good number of Filipinos based in Texas trooped to the Wyndham Hotel a few hours ago at the weigh-in, all bringing their digital cameras to pose for photos with the Filipino fighter.
"It will be big news for the Filipinos especially if he wins the title tomorrow. He will be up there with Manny Pacquiao in terms of popularity in the Philippines if he pulls this off," said Texas-based John Modesto.
Aside from the Filipinos, Mexican boxing fans are also rooting for Jaca to win, even supporting Team Jaca through financial sponsorships for the fight.
"We are now doing well here. This is dream-come-true for us," said Jaca's Filipino trainer Robert 'Jun' Bubuli, who had just sent $1,000 to his family in the Philippines from his US earnings.
Meanwhile, Jaca's manager Rex 'Wakee' Salud also sent in his sincere send-off for his fighter as the latter takes on the biggest fight in his career.
Salud, in a text message coursed through international matchmaker Leonil Lazarito, wished Jaca the best of luck, and even directed Lazarito to do his best to make Jaca win the fight.
More to come...
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