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Philippines, 24 Nov 2024 |
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Pacquiao's Other Fight By Hermie Rivera PhilBoxing.com Tue, 15 May 2007 Be that as it may, de la Heist's er Oscar's latest set-back still buzzes the rounds after establishing a new pay per view record where a total of 2.15 million households shelled $54.95 garnering a whopping 120 million U.S. dollars which topped the 1.99 million buys in the second Mike Tyson/Evander Holyfield 'bite fight.' The huge throng that saw it now awaits a sequel of the high-profile epic--this time--starring our mighty Manny the Pacman Pacquiao versus his first big time victim Marco Antonio Barrera. Manny's promoter Bob Arum is in town observing his ward's run for a congressional seat in the first district of South Cotabato. An announcement from Bob in Las Vegas on Manny's next fight after the elections is likely. This, after the kinks are ironed out in a settlement of his contract dispute with Oscar. Yes, an out of court settlement is in the offing owing to the huge cost of litigation pending in two separate courts. Still euphoric from his notable wins over Eric Morales (twice by KO) and ambitious Jorge Solis who fell in the 8th round, the GenSan Marvel is in a new role as challenger to the scion of a clan that has controlled the first district of South Cotabato for the past three decades. Manny is relaxed and easy going while making his daily rounds, pressing the flesh ika nga and making sure his votes will be counted to ensure his election as the first ever--bar none--boxing idol to win a seat in a house of representatives. From where we sit, Manny Pacquiao has acquired an edge in the run for the district's plum with strong backing from his masa followers, businessmen and even from the ubiquitous middle class and civic groups such as the Rotarians, Lions, Jaycees, Kiwanis and even (would you believe) the Knights of Columbus. Not to forget the masons and other aggregations. Still, this is a match-up between a revered sports icon and an undefeated traditional pol who are locked in a closely fought battle that's keenly eyed, not only in the province's capital of General Santos but in most if not all of the world's boxing capitals. Manny who is touted to deliver the goods in an area new to his calling is intent in winning this year's electoral exercise so as to pave the way for his exit from the ring after two more fight schedules. Out of town observers (they count a lot) are saying that Manny can beat his tenacious foe in a fair contest owing to the ever-growing support from voters who've come to accept the reality that he alone can help in his district regain its lost footing-- politically. But he has to beat first, her wisp of a rival, Darlene Antonino Custodio who is is hell-bent in keeping her post at all costs. This is one unique confrontation Pacman realized it was out of the ordinary, one he did'nt fully comprehend until he was deep into it-- one that's deadlier and dirtier tha his previous combats. He's looking forward though to a peaceful outcome of this electoral process, one he now covets since accepting the call for his entry into a remarkably befuddling game. And if his observations prove to be correct, why, we'll have the first ever boxing icon, bar none, elected to the hollowed halls of congress. It's been easy to lose track of Pacquiao's plans since he has acquired a new sense of belonging in an area alien to his usual haunts. But given his solid credentials as a boxer (43-3-2 35 ko's coupled with his compelling appeal as a fighter par excellence, it should'nt come as a surprise he'll emerge once again--victorious Will the Gentleman from the first district of South Cotabato yield to some clarificatory questions? Click here to view a list of other articles written by Hermie Rivera.  |
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