AS he jetted in for the United States yesterday, coincidentally when the Roman Catholic faithful around the globe celebrated the birthday of Mother Mary, the consensus people’s featherweight champion Manny “The Destroyer” Pacquiao left his countrymen a striking reminder that more than luck and destiny, the power of prayers will weave miracles for his colorful career.
This as the Filipino ring superstar joined eminent lawyer-sportsman Rudy Salud, Pacquiao’s avid supporter, in praying of the rosary at the Widlcard Gym in Sucat, Para?aque hours before he depart for the US.
With them were Pacquiao’s younger brother Bobby, Salud’s able assistant George Alcantara, super flyweight prodigy Z Gorres, business manager Rod Nazario, associates Moy Lainez and Gerry Garcia, and journalists Ronnie Nathanielsz and Nick Giongco of the Bulletin.
Salud, who is very passionate in his desire to produce a world boxing champion for the country, said that spearheading the prayer was his humble way of manifesting his support for Pacquiao and for all other ringsters aspiring to follow the footsteps of the General Santos-native punisher someday.
Nazario, Gorres and the Pacquiao siblings left for the United States last night.
The three promising fighters will train under the eagle-eyed 2003 Trainer ofthe Year awardee Freddie Roach at the Wildcard Gym in Hollywood, California, while Nazario will meet with American promoter Murad Muhammad to talk things over regarding their immediate plans for Manny.
“Murad called up this morning and he told me HBO is giving us three options. Unfortunately our conversation was cut short so probably when we arrive in the US, I can clear these things with Murad,” said Nazario in an interview, which will be played at 5pm today over DZSR 918 kHz.
While awaiting what’s up for him next, the conqueror of Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera said he will get back in shape at the soonest possible time so he would be ready anytime once his next fight is going to be firmed up.
“Pagdating ko dun, ensayo agad ako at maghahanda para kung sakaling may biglaang laban, ready ako,” said Pacquiao adding that he leaves it all up to his handlers when it comes to arranging the date, venue and his next opponent.
“Kahit sino naman OK lang na makalaban ko. Basta ang kailangan lang maging handa ako anytime na sabihan ako na may laban,” added Pacquiao.
Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Erik “El Terible” Morales, the reigning WBC/IBF super featherweight titlist, dispelled rumors of a third meeting between him and Barrera.
Morales told Mexican writer Ernesto Castellanos the other day that he still has to meet Top Rank Inc. Bob Arum in the middle of this month and discuss their next move.
