CEBU CITY— Boxing hero Manny Pacquiao got a not-so warm reception from local fans during his appearance in Saturday’s boxing card headlined by Boom Boom Bautista and Z Gorres at the Cebu City sports complex.
Pacquiao was cheered and booed at the same time when he made his way to the premier ringside seat accompanied by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.
The 28-year-old General Santos boxer blew into town to watch the blockbuster card put up by sportsman Tony Aldeguer.
“Cebu fans did not like his (Pacquiao) decision to run for public office,” said one local newsman.
One placard in the crowd read: “Get back to the gym.”
While he did not show it, Pacquiao was obviously hurt by the hostile reception at the venue, according to a member of his entourage.
“He’s never been booed,” said the fellow who wished not to be identified. “Manny said later that he didn’t hear the booing.”
Pacquiao planed in late Friday night from Manila and politely turned down an invitation to play poker. He retreated to his Parklane Hotel room, a decision that surprised many of his handlers and even his friends here.
“I will just wake up early and jog,” Pacquiao told this writer after dining at the high-end Ching Palace restaurant in Lahug.
A few hours later, he got into his training gear and ran for about 30 minutes.
At 2 p.m. of Saturday, Pacquiao packed his bags and worked out at the newly-built gym inside the Cebu City Sports Complex in preparation for his April 14 showdown with Jorge Solis of Mexico in San Antonio, Texas.
After the Z Gorres-Fernando Montiel bout, Pacquiao went back to the Waterfront Hotel instead of joining his friends at the cockpit arena.
