FILIPINO ICON LOOKS TO SLAY MEXICAN
San Antonio, TX- Tonight, Manny Pacquiao will step into a packed house at the Alamodome to face Mexico’s Jorge Solis in what looks to be an exciting, albeit somewhat short main event. Pacquiao easily made the weight, even when the scheduled Friday afternoon weigh-on (2 PM CT) was delayed roughly 20 minutes. However, for Solis, who was seen “jogging” all over the Raddison Hotel in the days leading up to the weigh-in, making weight was hell. Many expected that although Solis was in good spirits, his constant running for the past two days were an indication of weight woes. After three attempts, Solis was an even 130 lbs.
Manny scaled 127 ?.
PACQUIAO “HAPPY” WITH DA’ MONEY
Pacquiao’s check will be greater ($1.5 million?) than he received for fighting Marco Antonio Barrera (2003) and the first Erik Morales fight (2005). Co-promoted my MP Promotions, Pacquiao will also receive a cut from the PPV buys and one of his fighters, Bernabe Concepcion, gets a chance to showcase his talents in the United States.
MANNY HAPPY WITH MERE $60K…BACK THEN
Almost six years ago, little known, Manny Pacquiao was in Las Vegas preparing to be a last minute substitute against IBF super bantamweight champion, Lehlo Ledwaba. After Pacquiao destroyed the worthy champion, he received the highest purse he ever got, around $60,000. At that time, Manny asked little questions, as he came to the United States in May 2001 with very little money. In a span of six years, Manny’s purse grew exponentially and money came in from all directions.
SPONSERS, TV RIGHTS…ALL GO TO MANNY
Pacquiao constantly tells his two sons that boxing is a hard sport that getting paid is worthy the pain of getting hit in the face. However, not only does Manny get money to fight, he has earned money without lifting a finger. When Solar Sports and GMA combined to offer Manny something he could not refuse; an astronomical amount just to televise the fight in the Philippines. Pacquiao could not believe it, “I can’t believe they paid me that. I didn’t even do anything. I never expected that; never expected to earn this kind of money.”
SOLIS FIGHT LOOKS LIKE “EASY” MONEY
At this stage of Manny’s career and the caliber of opponents he has and will face, it is impossible to imagine a one round beat down and knockout even against Jorge Solis. Solis has had several months to train and mentally prepare himself of the biggest fight of his career. However, it’s still Manny Pacquiao and a knockout looks like a no brainier. Solis has said all week that he plans to box and move all night all. That will buy him at least five rounds before the pressure of the Pac-Man finally ends Solis’ night in the sixth.
THE PINOY’S QUICK JABS…
MITT WORK CLUE TO PAC’S FIGHT GAME: Working with trainer, Justin Fortune on the mitts, Manny worked on several combinations that will surely be attempted later tonight. New weapons in the Pacman arsenal include an assortment of combinations to the head and body. Pacquiao is one of the best body punchers in boxing but you rarely see Manny throw combinations up and down. Manny made an emphasis to land either a straight left or a right hook and immediately go to the body. With Solis’ skinny frame, Pacquiao plans to work the body for as long as it last.
PACQUIAO TO RELEASE NEW TRACK: It’s hard for Manny to deny the numerous autograph seekers, but when it came to Manny’s new song, which will be his entrance music, Manny’s mouth is sealed shut. “Not yet.” Manny said, “It’s called “Lalaban Na” (We Fight Now) and everyone will hear it on Saturday.” PROTESTER AT WEIGH-IN: Open to the public, one Pacquiao fan voiced his opinion clearly, holding up a large banner “Pacquiao: Stay Out of the Political Ring.” Pacquiao plans to leave back to the Philippines on Sunday to resume his campaign for a congressional seat. The majority of fans did not support Pacquiao but the tide has slowly shifted. “Before, in a survey in my district, it was like 70%-30% for her (incumbent Darlene Custodio). Now it’s like 50-40 for me, with 10 % undecided. I’ve got a shot” Manny said of the campaign. According to Gerry Penalosa, former World champion, the protester spent his own money to fly to San Antonio to voice his opinion. Penalosa explained, “Yeah, that’s okay but this is all about boxing. Wait until after the fight and he can tell Manny to his face you’re against politics.” Penalosa also said that the protester will reframe from waving his banner during the fight. PENALOSA STILL WANTS TO FIGHT PONCE! Spending the afternoon around Riverwalk, the tourist spot in San Antonio, with Gerry Penalosa, his wife, Goodie, and their two kids, Gerry said he wants another shot with Daniel Ponce De Leon, who beat Penalosa in a disputed decision last March. “Golden Boy Promotions wants be to go back down to 118lbs and fight Jhonny Gonzalez in Manila. But for me, Ponce has one year before fighting Rey (Bautista), so as soon as possible, I want to fight Ponce again. After I beat him, I’ll vacate the belt and go down and fight Jhonny.” CONCEPCION HOPING FOR SUPPORT: Bernabe Concepcion easily made the 122 lbs. weight limit and quickly joined Pacquiao at the lunch table. Bernabe has experienced world class training at L.A.’s Wild Card Gym, as well as preparing for a fight along with Pacquiao-which includes the protection of Rob Peters, free rides, gym time, and food waiting for him after the weigh in. “My fight is the first fight (4 PM Texas time) so I hope Filipinos can make it on time.” Bernabe told this writer while feasting on fruits, soup, and rice, “I promise a good show.” THE CALVARY HAS ARRIVED: Familiar faces arrived early Friday in San Antonio. Quinito Henson, Philippine Star journalist, will do the play-by-play coverage during tonight’s telecast in the Philippines. Also arriving was Wakee Salud, GAB boxing division Chief Dr. Nasser Cruz, and many of Manny’s friends from Los Angeles converge in San Antonio to support Pacquiao.
FIGHT REPORT & MANNY ON RADIO SUNDAY
In addition to a post-fight written wrap up from San Antonio, I will tape a post fight chat with Manny Pacquiao, that will air Sunday night at 10 PT on “Ring Talk Radio.” You can listen to a pre-fight interview with Manny from this past week, by clicking on the arrow in the Manny Pacquiao interview box at the top of this page.
