CHICAGO – In the immediate aftermath of my twin coverage of Pacquiao-Morales II and Kobe’s 81-point explosion, opening my e-mail Inbox has become quite an experience.
I usually get a load of e-mail during the NBA Finals, but I can’t recall ever getting this many. My readers’ response since Jan. 22 has been simply overwhelming. And when the small trickle turned into a massive puddle of letters, I stopped counting.
But I always paid attention, though. So here are some of views and comments that I’m able to accommodate today:
1) Marc Berdin ([email protected]): “Was Manny too quick, or was Erik a little bit slower?”
A litle bit of both. Manny, who was evidently the stronger puncher, was in such superb shape he could have gone 15 rounds swinging without relent. Erik, on the other hand, lost steam after the seventh round, when the body blows began to exact their toll.”
2) John Zantino-Soon ([email protected]): “I still consider El Terrible the better and more polished fighter. The only obstacle Eric faced was himself. It was clear that he had a hard time making the 130-pound limit.”
I’m sorry John, but the better fighter – PacMan – won fair and square two Saturdays ago. But I concur with you on the facts that Erik is the more polished pug and that part of his woes was the struggle to make weight.
3) Ronald Coloyan ([email protected]): “Who’s Manny’s next foe? Why wouldn’t he beat the WBA and WBO title-holders?”
Manny is the king among 126 and 130-pounders. He will maul any of the so-called title-holders in these weight classes. Unfortunately, there is little money involved in beating up virtual unknowns. That’s why PacMan’s camp is looking for a rematch with Barrera, a Mexican icon with strong pay-per-view appeal.
However, that redux in limbo, so I don’t know who Manny’s next victim is.
4) Lindo Cahutay ([email protected]): “Pac is the man! Even in a far away land here in Dublin, Ireland, we were as excited like every Filipino was…Indeed, the headband he’s wearing resembles the real Pacman – ‘No Fear.’”
Pacquiao is now clearly an international star. Not only was he able to unify a beleaguered nation, he also touched the lives of Pinoys working in various parts of the globe.
5) Michael Soledad ([email protected]): “Why is there a WBC champ and a WBC international featherweight champ? What’s the difference?”
I wish I knew. All I know is that when you’re an elite fighter like Manny and Erik, you don’t need a belt to earn a multi-million dollar payday and sell a pay-per-view fight.
RADIO FANS. My live coverage of the Pacquiao fight on dyAB drew some positive response from many of my readers, including the principal of Don Sergio Osme?a Sr. Memorial High School in Labangon, Cebu City.
“I always listen to you when I get the chance. I followed your prediction as to when the fight will start (around 12:30 p.m.) so I was able to go to church with my family and still listen to your coverage,” said Danilo Gudelosao ([email protected]).
“It was fun listening to your reaction when Morales finally went down. I myself had to spring from my seat and be near the speaker. I’m so proud of Pacquiao. Keep up the good work, bai!”
That’s from Kerrwin anchez ([email protected]), a high-school buddy of mine.
LAST WORDS. From Hendrell Saliz ([email protected]) of Equitable PCI Bank North Mandaue Branch: “From just a local anchor of the now defunct CAAA to multiple NBA Finals coverages and most recently, ringside at Pacquiao-Morales 2, this guy has achieved a milestone. He is no other than our very own Homer Sayson. You are also our People’s Champion. We are proud of you, Homsay!”
I just printed this for any of my critics. Thanks, Hendrell.
