That’s it. But before we close this day’s column, let’s listen to boxing expert Hermie Rivera, who has some urgent grievances to air:
Dear Recah,
Ever wondered why sports is in such a dire mess?
Blame it on rampant graft which remains unabated due to our failure to punish the guilty. There’s no one of note who is serving a stint at the New Bilibid for stealing privately or emptying the coffers publicly.
The latest victim of these “incorrigibles” is no less than Manny Pacquiao who had to settle the cases he filed against his ex-bosses who bled him dry since he skyrocketed to fame.
After blasting to submission his erstwhile handlers, the hardworking (General Santos) campaigner handed his sleaze-tinted operators their costly ruin, thus freeing him from their flagrant clutches for now.
How much was paid by Murad Muhammad to Manny for the settlement is undisclosed, obviously to keep the Internal Revenue Service and the Bureau of Internal Revenue in the dark — for the nonce.
Rod Nazario is quiet as a clam as expected, so we’ll never get to know how much greenbacks rolled into Pacquiao’s banks.
Manny, emerging the clear victor against his employers, validated the efficacy of the Ali Boxing Reform Act which now serves as beacon for abused fighters.
Well done, Mr. Pacman. Now if only the problems of other ill-fortuned “great unwashed” are addressed, such as the long-delayed decision on the Luisito Espinosa case whereby about $150,000 remain unpaid to the two-time champ.
Last heard, Louie is still punching the bags like crazy at some West Coast gyms hoping a promoter can book him a fight or two to keep body and soul intact. An occurrence not likely to happen since the priority of those who can be of help is way off field — jueteng.
Till the next mail — keep punchin’.
Hermie Rivera
