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Philippines, 23 Nov 2024 |
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U.S. Economic Woes Hit Las Vegas Hard By Greg R. Penilla, M.D. PhilBoxing.com Sat, 06 Dec 2008 In just mere hours, we will know the winner of the Dream Match between Oscar DeLa Hoya and Manny Pacquiao. If facial expressions during the weigh-in would be our basis of who the winner is, hands down, it would be Manny Pacquiao. I wrote in my previous article about the nervousness in Oscar De La Hoya?s eyes. I would like to digress and discuss non-boxing issue that may affect, or should I say, already affecting, this much-awaited fight. The boisterous partisan crowd of around three to four thousands came out in full force during yesterday?s weigh-in. But when funnyman George Lopez asked the animated audience who would be watching live at the arena and in PPV, I found it very interesting that there was just a meager smattering of half-hearted response from an otherwise energized fans. Sensing the tepid reaction, he jokingly pleaded the crowd to forego food and necessities and instead buy tickets. Was the free to the public affair, the best chance for Manny and Oscar?s fans to see their idol in the flesh? It would be ironic that those who can most afford the tickets; the celebrities, actors, politicians, wealthy friends and millionaire athletes will be in the choice seats for free. The Labor Department announced on=2 0Friday that employers cut 533,000 jobs in November, the most loss in 34 years. The most ardent fans are feeling the vicious body blows on the economy. Disposable income is at its lowest in memory. There is simply not enough money to go around. The ticket brokers and speculators are reeling from lack of ticket demand. As we were finding our way out of the arena, you can hear, ?tickets?tickets?tickets, good seats, tickets?, tickets?. They are trying very hard to unload their hoarded tickets. I was offered two premium ring-side tickets for just over 60% of its face value. Unfortunately for me, I already bought my tickets, albeit, also below face value. As my wife and I drove up and down Las Vegas Boulevard last night, going from MGM to Paris, to Bellagio, to Wynn, and back to Caesar?s Palace where we are staying, I simply cannot recall any Friday night in Las Vegas with such a free flowing traffic. I did not even have to worry about using the ever reliable back streets. In spite of the economic hard times, I hope the Dream Match would be a success, culminated by a Manny Pacquiao victory. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Greg R. Penilla, M.D..  |
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