WORK stopped. People were rendered star-struck. Whether inside or outside the ring, Manny Pacquiao still has no equal as a showstopper.
Pacquiao, hands down the most popular homegrown athlete in the country today, became the vortex of a hero-worship deluge yesterday during his courtesy calls to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osme?a and Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano.
The all-action pugilist, who graced the OPBF super-featherweight title fight between Randy “Kumong Bato” Suico and Thai champion Muangfahlek Kiatwichien last night at the Lapu-Lapu Sports and Cultural Complex, caused a major stir at the Cebu City Hall as employees stopped working and flocked to the People’s Champion.
Pacquiao also caused quite a positive stir when he said that he has roots in Cebu: “My father (Rosalio), is from Pinamungajan, so I’m part Cebuano, too.”
This as Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osme?a recommended making Pacquiao an “adopted son” of Cebu, said boxing promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud, who accompanied Pacquiao during a courtesy call on the mayor yesterday.
“It’s just fitting because he has Cebuano roots,” said Salud.
For his part, Pacquiao said: “People love me here in Cebu. I am happy and privileged they recognize me as one of their own.”
Pacquiao’s next stop was the Mandaue City Hall, where he paid a courtesy call on Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano and graced the press conference of the Dindo Casta?ares-Steven Marks WBF light-welterweight title fight. To no one’s surprise, Pacquiao, who came with better half Jinkee, stole the show.
Pacquiao kidded around with another Pinoy boxing hero, Edito “Ala” Villamor, who was seated across the table.
“Kinsa gani to naka away nimo (Who was it that you fought)?” Pacquiao asked Villamor.
“Ricardo Lopez,” Villamor replied.
“Aw o bitaw no. Maayong laki sad kaayo to (He was a great fighter, too),” Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao said he may fight in June of July.
“It might still be a Mexican,” said Pacqiuao, who added that a rematch with Morales might take place after this year.
The reigning Ring Magazine featherweight champ said he plans to come back and watch Casta?ares’ fight and take part in the 5-Cock Derby on May 3-7 at the New Mandaue Gallera.
Pacquiao, however, declined to comment on the controversial issues of his squabbles with promoter Murad Muhhammad.
“My lawyer told me not to comment on this issue.”
