LOS ANGELES — It gets lonelier everyday as they wait for Manny Pacquiao to return and complete his training here.
But, before everything, there are two distress calls that must immediately reach home.
The first comes from the remaining staffers of Team Pacquiao here who now complain about the nauseating presence — a first-rate pest, they call him — of one hanger-on, an original of the so-called LA Boys, at the Pacman’s gated Palazzio residence.
The second is from boxer Bert Batawang who, after a second frustrating cancellation of his big fight, continues to train extra hard with no idea whatsoever when he would officially enter the ring.
Now for the details:
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Trainer Nonoy Neri says Pacquiao is super “bait” (kind-hearted), super “maawain” (pitiful).
But there’s one problem: People take advantage of Pacquiao — “niloloko na, nakatawa pa rin.”
Neri spoke of a certain Ramos, a flamboyant head of the LA Boys who was so close to Pacquiao he reportedly knew what brand of underwear the super boxer wears to sleep.
He reportedly absconded a big sum but, despite being banned from the quarters, he has been forgiven and was again seen visiting the Pacquiao camp here.
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The bigger problem, Neri said, is the Pest.
Neri gave the floor to Greg Asuncion, a staffer at the LA Sheriff’s office, who has been assisting Team Pacquiao around here:
“Please tell Boss Manny we cannot have peace and harmony because of this troublesome fellow. (Name given but withheld.) He’s a big fake. OK, he’s supposed to be in charge of the bills and other papers. But he’s the main reason behind the disorder in the place. He’s lazy and messes up the place. He drove Manny’s car, even if he did not have a license and authority to do it. He’s facing several charges, including battery and desertion. If he loves Manny, he should step out and stop smearing the Pacquiao reputation with his presence. Nobody likes him here.”
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Batawang was crushed when his first big outing, as member of the successful RP team in the Boxing World Cup in Sacramento earlier in the month, was called off at the last minute.
He took it with a grain of salt when this cancellation was followed by the slashing of his title fight against IBF light flyweight champion Ulises Solis, who reportedly injured his shoulder.
Dejected, Batawang prepared to pack up for home. But he got orders to stay put and continue training.
“Pero kailan talaga ang laban, sana malaman namin (But when do I fight? I need to know, at least),” Batawang wondered grimly.
* * *
Well, the latest information from the Cebu office of manager Sammy Gello-ani is that Batawang could be included in an Oct. 4 card in Las Vegas.
But nothing is clear yet at this reporting.
As for the trouble at the Team Pacquiao quarters here, this reporter was reluctant to publish the urgent call.
But, sensing the distress, we found it our duty to fire away.
The Pacman, ever kindhearted, could pick it from there.
