HE COUNTRY’S current political crisis is about to claim another sporting victim.
The recent state of emergency declared by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has forced organizers of the Manny Pacquiao-Oscar Larios bout, slated May 20, to consider transferring the fight from Manila to San Francisco, California.
HBO executive Larry Merchant said the recent developments in the Philippines might discourage HBO from sending its crew to cover the bout in the Philippines.
Interviewed over Ringtalk.com yesterday, Merchant was quoted as saying that, considering the current state of affairs in Manila, it wouldn’t be advisable to hold a “significant event,” such as the Pacquiao-Larios duel, in the country.
He cited San Francisco as a “strong contender” to take the hosting chores from Manila.
If the fight is transferred overseas, it will be the second big sporting event that the crisis will have removed from the country.
Earlier, the Philippine Open badminton tournament, which would have drawn top shuttlers from around the world, was postponed indefinitely, apparently due to the state of emergency.
