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Philippines, 20 May 2024 |
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SIGMA RHO EXEC APPEALS TO GAB: SUPPORT THE MANNY-OSCAR FIGHT By Danyeva Grace C. Donato PhilBoxing.com Fri, 26 Sep 2008 ILOILO CITY -- The vice chairman of the Sigma Rho Fraternity Alumni Association here has appealed to Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Eric R. Buhain "not to make any unnecessary move" that would disrupt the much-awaited duel between American superstar Oscar De La Hoya and Filipino phenom Manny Pacquiao dubbed "The Dream Match" on December 6 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jun I. Intrepido, who is also secretary general of the Iloilo Amateur Boxing Development Club, Inc. (IABDCI), said the move to call for cancellation of the megabuck fight at this moment "would be unpopular because everyone in the Philippines and the United States is already very much excited and the whole world has been anticipating the match." "Why only now when almost all boxing fans in the world are already excited about the fight?" asked Intrepido. "Some boxing fans are already emotional because of the popularity of both De La Hoya and Pacquiao. If the fight is cancelled, we can't imagine the furor that would ensue." Intrepido urged the GAB and other agencies interested in halting the card "to think and decide wisely" in evaluating whether the fight should proceed or not. He said Buhain should trust the promoters that helped put up the rich card saying "they would not assemble a gigantic promotion in Las Vegas, considered as the boxing mecca of the world, if they knew that it would endanger the lives of the protagonists." Intrepido said he fears that Buhain's agency will incur the ire of boxing fans if it will succeed in blocking the Pacquiao versus De La Hoya duel. The GAB, through Buhain, had earlier expressed concern that the fight might be disadvantageous to the Filipino champion because of the disparity in height, weight and size. Buhain's stand coincided with the call of Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez to hold the fight in abeyance, calling it a "mismatch." The World Boxing Council (WBC) is also reportedly not amenable to the fight. It was learned that no WBC belt would be at stake in the 12-round duel, promoted by the Golden Boy Promotion, to be held at the MGM Grand. Sigma Rho Fraternity celebrated its 40th anniversary last September 20 and it considers boxing as among its priority sports programs. Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao Team Iloilo founder Daniel P. Sumagaysay said they will oppose any move from Congress and other government agencies to stop the Pacquiao-De La Hoya showdown. "Manny Pacquiao is our national icon; therefore, we should trust him and rally behind him," said Sumagaysay, a sportsman and businessman."He has not failed us in the past and he will not fail us in the future." Based on his recent triumph where he impressively disposed of David Diaz in the WBC lightweight championship, Manny Pacquiao is ready to engage De La Hoya even in street brawl, observed the 52-year-old Sumagaysay. * * * PhilBoxing.com would like to give a warm welcome to Ms. Danyeva Grace C. Donato as one of its contributors. Ms. Donato is the sports editor of Iloilo Today and correspondent of Philippine News Service (PNS) based in Iloilo City. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Danyeva Grace C. Donato.  |
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