Before the night of November 15th, 2003, the marquee at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX, had an unknown Manny Pacquiao beneath the name of Marco Antonio Barrera when the two faced each other in the cavernous dome. After that date, in which Paquiao stopped Barrera in the 11th round, the entire boxing world, including casual sports fans, now knows of the “Pacman” who is considered one of the best fighters pound for pound in the world today.
With all that Pacquiao has been through in his life, both inside and outside of the ring, he now counts on the support of his fans.
However, in the same venue, an unbeaten and unknown fighter will hope to do what to Pacquiao what Pacquiao did to the “Baby-faced assassin” three and a half years ago.
Pacquiao will face unbeaten, yet untested Jorge Solis on Saturday, April 14th in a 12 round Super Featherweight bout, for the WBC International Super Featherweight title.
The bout will headline a 10 bout “Blaze of Glory” card, presented by Top Rank. The bout, including the Cristian Mijares-Jorge Arce championship bout, will televised by Top Rank Pay-Per-View.
When Pacquiao will arrive to San Antonio this week, his name will be on top of that of Solis’ on most billboards and announcements around the city.
To prepare for the taller Solis, Pacquiao spent a recent day at the Wild Card Gym training for almost three hours. From the heavy bag to the speed bag to the shadow boxing inside the ring, a focused Pacquiao is training hard against Solis, despite being a heavy favorite.
Pacquiao, (43-3-2, 33 KO’s) from General Santos City, Philippines, knows he cannot overlook Solis in his quest for big money fights down the road.
“He is a good fighter,” said Pacquiao, after the session at Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. “He is strong, unbeaten, taller then me. It will be a good fight.”
Promoter Bob Arum even put down the critics for choosing an overmatched opponent in Solis.
“Solis is a very good fighter. We saw him and wanted to promote him. We did not sign him just to be an opponent for Pacquiao. He is a stronger, fresher, younger fighter than Morales, Barrera, or Marquez.”
Pacquiao agreed.
“I’ve watched his last fight. I’m studying his technique and what he does in the ring. I feel very excited about fighting an undefeated fighter. I’m 100% conditioned for this fight. I’m sure it will be a very good fight.”
Pacquiao, whose English has improved immensely, put down a recent quote by Solis (32-0-2, 23 KO’s) of being ready and not to offer excuses.
“I have no comment for that,” said a humbled Pacquiao of the quotes that appeared recently on Fightnews. “Good luck to him and good luck to me. May the best man win.”
Pacquiao has been caught in the middle of litigation between Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions. Recently, a federal court allowed for the Pacquiao-Solis fight to move forward, striking down an attempt by Golden Boy Promotions for the card not to take place.
Golden Boy Promotions has argued that Pacquiao had a contract with the promotional company before Top Rank signed him.
For most fighters, personal issues could affect a fighter’s performance in the ring. However, Pacquiao has made an effort to not allow that or other things to come between him and a major fight only days away.
“I make sure that everything is under control,” said Pacquiao, who stopped former three-time world champion Erik Morales in the third round in his last fight. “I am very focused for this fight. I make sure that I keep politics out of my life.”
Speaking of politics, Pacquiao has stated publicly that he wants to run for public office in his native homeland. A run for a congressional seat is what Pacquiao has been eyeing for the last year or so.
What brings Pacquiao joy has been the support of an entire country. With a large Filipino contingent in Southern California, Pacquiao draws huge crowds at public engagements in the past.
On this day, dozens of Filipino fight fans crowded inside the steamy gym, snapping pictures or shouting words of encouragement in English and Tagalog. For Pacquiao, this gives him more motivation for this fight and beyond.
“When I see my fans, it gives me more motivation for every fight,” said Pacquiao, who stated for over half an hour to sign autographs and take pictures. “This fight is not only for me, but it is for all Filipinos. I look forward to fighting in front of them and for the people in San Antonio.”
It may not be all about money and fame, as Pacquiao has demonstrated. Back in the Philippines, despite many people who live in impoverished settings, Pacquiao gives people hope. He has demonstrated that even with the wealth he has earned, it has not changed him away from the soft-spoken, humble person that he is.
Champion. Hero. Congressman. All three describe Pacquiao and his future. With his popularity, one does even need a marquee to describe who he is. It has already been proven.
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The Pacquiao-Solis bout will take place Saturday, April 14th at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. Three other bouts will be televised on Top Rank Pay-Per-View, including Brian Viloria facing Edgar Sosa for the vacant WBC Junior Flyweight championship. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will face Anthony Shuler in a 10 round Welterweight bout.
Top Rank chief Bob Arum estimates a crowd between 18,000-21,000 to be in attendance for the card.
