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Philippines, 25 Jun 2025 |
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REMEMBERING RICARDO JIMENEZ By Jun Aquino PhilBoxing.com Tue, 13 Oct 2020  Top Rank publicist and Mr. Nice Guy Ricardo Jimenez passed away over the weekend in the United States. This is my story on how I got to know him. I first met him in Manila in 2011 during the Pacquiao-Marquez III Press Tour. I have been invited to the event and took that opportunity to bring my 4' x 6' feet painting of Pacquiao vs Marquez III to have it signed by the two boxing greats. I had no plan to sell it but if there were offers and the price is right, why not? At that time I was unemployed. There were so many people in the presscon and later it was announce that Pacquiao and Marquez will transfer to the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park where thousands of fans are waiting. At the Park, even with a credential given to me, there was no easy way to go inside because only those with VIP pass were allowed. Then I saw this man wearing a Top Rank credential and politely I approached him. Later I knew he was Ricardo Jimenez, the Top Rank publicist. I asked if he can help me go thru the backdoor where Manuel Marquez will exit after the program. He just looked at me in the eye. He seems to be so strict. Then he looked at my art and asked me, "Are you selling your painting?" I said, "No, I'm just a huge fan of boxing. I just want a signature of Manuel Marquez." He said, "Just wave at me when you are at the backstage. Let's see." After two hours I brought this huge painting walking straight to the crowd heading to the backstage. Everybody was curious with the large canvas I was carrying. I shouted "Back off! Back off! Wet paint!" so I can get inside with my props. I looked like a man carrying a cross, parting the red see full of people standing and waiting for Pacquiao and Marquez for a face off at the Quirino Grandstand. 
Top Rank publicist Ricardo Jimenez (R) assists Juan Manuel Marquez (back at camera) in signing the Jun Aquino painting. 
Juan Manuel Marquez signs the Jun Aquino painting. As soon as I arrived at the VIP section, the guards won't let me in even I have a credential and told the guards this is for Top Rank event. "Sorry, you don't have a VIP pass, you can stay in that corner only," I was told. So I looked for Ricardo. As soon as I saw him with together with boxing promoter Bob Arum and Wackee Salud backstage, I waved at him like a kid, he he. When he saw me, he did not smile but he whispered something to the guards pointing at me. Two security men approached and asked me, "Are you Picasso?" I said, "No, my name is Jun Aquino." The man with a moustache told us to let Mr. Picasso in and his painting because Marquez will sign it. Then he makes a thumbs up and walks towards the stage. That was my first encounter with the Top Rank boxing crew, local and international TV networks and specially Team Pacquiao staff. After the event I saw Jimenez with Juan Manuel Marquez full of escorts heading towards the exit. I was hopeless at that time because I could sense that Marquez didn't have time to sign my art. But instead of going straight to the exit, Jimenez whispered something to Marquez pointing at my location. He then assisted Marquez towards me and quickly said, "Picasso, give me your sharpee." I quickly gave it to him and he touched the part where Marquez could sign. After that quick moment they where gone and I never had a chance to thanked him. 
Full view of the Pacquiao-Marquez III painting. Every time we met at boxing events in Las Vegas or elsewhere he always calls me Picasso not Jun. One day at the Mandalay Bay in Vegas, in 2018, I saw him taking a coffee break. I asked if I could join him. He looked at me and said, "Okay Picasso, let's take a break." I told him how thankful I was for his help back in 2011 in Manila. I also told him my name is Jun and not Picasso. First time I saw him smile because he always looks so serious. Before I left the coffee shop I told him that Picasso and I are both artists, that we both were born October 25... Condolences are pouring in from all over the boxing world for Ricardo, who was one of the nicest and most hard-working people in the boxing world. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Jun Aquino.  |
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