REPORTING FROM HIS CEBU BASE, sportsman Rex Wakee Salud explained with unconcealed glee how he had to rope in Manny Pacquiao like a galloping colt.
“Sus, lahat man hinila si Manny (Lord, everybody wants to have a piece of Manny),” Salud said.
Monday morning, Salud successfully reined in Pacquiao and the two of them filed applications for Japanese visas in Cebu.
They’re booked to fly to Tokyo Friday to next help and root for RP’s Eriberto “Yukka” Gejon when he fights for the WBA minimumweight title in Yokohama on Sunday.
Salud already felt triumphant that he was able to corner Pacquiao, who could not cope with his endless commitments following that sensational knockout win over Mexican slugger Hector Velazquez in California on Sept. 11.
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Pacquiao had said yes in advance and Salud quickly attested that the world boxing hotshot does not relish running away from commitments.
When Pacquiao takes the connecting train from the Narita airport to Yokohama on Friday, it would be to help sustain the glorious multiple RP ring victories he had sparked at the Staples Center in LA.
Salud swore he cannot measure the inspiration and assurance the 26-year-old Gejon (21-0-1, with 13 knockouts) could draw from Pacquiao’s physical presence when the tall, talented warrior from Mandaue takes on Yutaka Niida (21-2, 16 KOs) at the 20,000-capacity Yokohama Arena on Sunday.
Niida, 28, a native of Yokohama, will be making the third defense of his 105-lb world boxing crown.
After the celebrated wins scored by the trio of Pacquiao, Boom Boom Bautista, and Brian Viloria, who went on to annex the WBC 108-lb crown, Gejon is now tasked to box magnificently and make it 4-for-4 for RP in the world boxing stage.
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Of course, just like your reporter here, you also haven’t heard much about Gejon.
For starters, we had to inquire the quality of competition he had faced in securing an enviable unbeaten record.
Our man in Cebu, international boxing judge Salven Lagumbay, reports that Gejon had fought some of the toughest foes in his division. He suffered a cut in Indonesia and was forced to settle for a technical draw. He had also scored a win in Venezuela.
Gejon has had several fights against tough Thais and rated local fighters in Cebu, Lagumbay added.
In short, he’s not the sort who had been fed straying barbers and assorted pushovers.
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The thing here is that Pacquiao, who obviously has a clearer idea of Gejon’s full worth and spear-like sharpness, won’t be wasting precious time going to Yokohama if he hasn’t smelled victory.
Wakee Salud? He won’t speak of the possible specter of a hometown decision.
Gejon’s manager simply said he expects a tough night, adding that his fighter should be equal to the task.
Yes, Gejon, son of a seaman, could make it a truly glorious 4-for-4 for the Philippines in world boxing.
Funny, but Wakee Salud would express amazement upon being reminded he himself would be eyeing for a Magic 4 come Sunday.
For the record, Wakee leads the local race among international boxing managers. He has already produced three world champions: Dodie Boy Pe?alosa, Gerry Pe?alosa and Malcolm Tu?acao.
Well, Salud could have been too obsessed roping in Manny Pacquiao for Gejon’s world title challenge.
Just as he had displayed at the Staples Center, Pacquiao could again flash the magic wand and sustain RP’s glory surge in Yokohama Sunday night.
