MANILA, Philippines — It’s still boxing over politics; that’s the clear message from national idol Manny Pacquiao after he finally began training for his April 14 fight in Texas, USA.
Of course, the Pacman tarried and thereby again allowed himself to be late, meaning he would now be working at a handicap against undefeated Mexican Jorge Solis (32-0).
Actually, Pacquiao should be in Cebu this Saturday for the Moment of Truth card featuring two Filipino great hopes, Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista and Z Gorres.
Sorry, Pacquiao will not be there, bared a reliable media person assisting sportsman Tony Aldeguer in the big promotion.
It’s a Golden Boy promotion and Pacquiao now fights for Top Rank big boss Bob Arum.
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Is that the only reason Pacquiao has decided to snub fans and friends in Cebu?
Hold it, please. Before the issue gets out of hand, it must be noted that Pacquiao will be where he is better needed come Saturday.
Yes, there’s the promise and possibility of a cockfight extravaganza outside Puerto Princesa City, but the Pacman will be in Palawan on a noble mission.
The great fighting cocks will have to be shelved in cages and teepees.
Listen: Pacquiao on Saturday will help launch a sports facility that promises to be an active boxing hero factory.
Young Palawe?os, who have great potentials in boxing as announced in a press release from the Office of Palawan Governor Joel Reyes, may just be able to realize their dream of following in the footsteps of the Filipino boxing champion.
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Gov. Reyes will launch the Adopt-A-Boxer Program on Feb. 24 at the new Job Training and Recreation Center (JTRC) at the annex compound of the provincial government.
“The presence and message of Manny to the program beneficiaries will surely inspire our young boxers,” Reyes explained. “Palawan has produced boxers who have shone brightly in national and international amateur competitions. This is a good indication and that is why we are coming up with a program that will allow us to train potential boxers.”
The program, the press release explained, will provide a total environment for the trainees under one roof.
“I have instructed the Provincial Sports office to devise a program that will not only provide the athletes the necessary training they need but will also include education, medical and health benefits and allowances,” Reyes explained.
Program beneficiaries will get scholarship grants from the Provincial Government under the JTR Scholarship Program. The Provincial Health Office, on the other hand, will take care of the medical and health needs of the trainees.
Those who eventually make it in the international circuits will be trained by professional trainers. Reyes added that his office has already identified the first batch of 15 beneficiaries of the program following the talent identification criteria set by the Philippine Sports Commission.
Coinciding with the launching of the Adopt-A-Boxer Program is the inauguration of the Job Training and Recreation Center at the Gov. Salvador P. Socrates Government Center in Puerto Princesa City which will serve as training facility and dormitory for the trainees.
The second floor of the complex will be equipped with training facilities and a boxing ring. A section of the building will be a multi-purpose area for other sporting events like badminton and basketball and it could also be used as convention area. The ground floor will serve as offices for provincial and national agencies.
End of press release.
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Now, to the hotter issue of the day: Pacquiao in politics.
There obviously is no turning back for Pacquiao in his decision to run for Congress.
There’s a growing vote by concerned fans for Pacquiao to stay out of the messy political arena, but Pacman has decided to walk the tightrope.
Now, Pacquiao will have to fight two bouts at the same time, swearing blindly that all he honestly wanted was to help his poor provincemates.
However, these same people are clearly convinced Pacquiao could be of better help (to them) if he doesn’t jump on the bandwagon and instead work for reforms in the wretched government system.
Don’t look now but there seems to be enough voters who, despite their adulation and honest concern for Pacquiao, might end up voting for his opponent in the May polls.
Why? Because, as gathered by this reporter, that’s the only way to save Pacquiao from messing up both his life and golden career.
These same people sincerely feel they could best express their love for Pacquiao, their idol and patron, by making him lose in his political bid.
Pacquiao is free to believe that or not. Wow Wow Wee!
