In one popular radio sports program in the Philippines, the anchor and several of his avid followers were saying that Manny Pacquiao deliberately threw his match against Erik Morales.
I was disturbed a bit upon hearing this, since the anchor is a personal idol of mine and a respected sports analyst, but on the matter that Pacquiao threw his match with Morales is the first time that I have to disagree with him.
It’s hard to believe a person like Manny Pacquiao be accused of something that he could hardly ever do to his Filipino fans. All of us have our own God-given common sense and perceptions and in the case of Manny Pacquiao by following him through the years, it will be hard to subject him to such ridicule.
It is clear to my heart and mind that Pacquiao gave his all in losing to Erik Morales, but it was just that Morales was more mentally prepared to win that fight.
As told by Quinito Henson, Pacquiao and a few supporters right after the fight went directly to a nearby hospital to operate on the cut he suffered. While in the hospital, a few witnesses said that Pacquiao was quoted in saying to his wife “Babe I gave it all”, did I bring my countrymen down?” Isn’t it clear I gave my all?” While saying these words, Pacquiao was in tears.
I do not know what is their basis in judging such, but I cannot see a reason for Pacquiao to favor a deliberate loss at the expense of his millions of Filipino followers that prayed for him.
In case Pacquiao indeed threw his match with Morales, what does he gain from doing this? A deliberate loss to Morales is like a suicidal dive, he may have earned more than his official prize, but his future would be at stake. Wouldn’e he earn more and his marketability rise if he beat Morales?
Erik Morales is a great fighter and he won fairly over Manny Pacquaio, let us not discredit what Morales has done to the entertainment of boxing.
I advise some of my fellow Filipino fans not to add insult to injury. Our champion, is more in a precarious situation right now, and let us not add more woes to his head. Manny Pacquiao is too good of a person to fool his compatriots; and his conscience could never absorb such a hit.
