MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos are solidly behind Manny Pacquiao in every punch he throws and in every step he takes in his mega-bout with undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr. today, President Aquino said in his message yesterday to the Filipino boxing icon.
?I am very confident that Manny Pacquiao will do our countrymen proud as he has always done. In every punch and every step during his fight with Floyd Mayweather, all Filipinos will be cheering for Manny,? Aquino said.
The President also thanked Pacquiao for inspiring countless people, especially Filipinos. Pacquiao has come to represent the ordinary hardworking Filipino with humble beginnings whose determination and faith in God have brought him success.
?Let this fight be the crowning glory of his career, a source of pride for his family and country. Thank you, Manny, for being an inspiration for every Filipino,? the President said.
Pacquiao?s fight with the undefeated American boxer has been touted as the Fight of the Century.
Speaking to media in Langkawi, Malaysia where he attended meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders? summit on Tuesday, Aquino said he was aware of the hardships that Paqcuiao had to go through in preparing for the mega-fight based on news reports, photographs and video clips. Thus, he said he is repeating his message to Pacquiao: ?Continued fighting in the ring does not promote good health.? Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
?He has done so much already for our country and…maybe we should be concerned about him; that instead of continuously encouraging him (to fight)…it would be good if you (Pacquiao) would be the one to (decide to) quit,? the President said.
?You have saved, you have kept something already, may you be able to enjoy that (with) your family,? he said.
The President cited the case of boxing legend Muhammad Ali who is now burdened with health issues, including Parkinson?s.
?When you see his (Ali) condition now…you would hope that…someone had told him that what he had done was already okay,? Aquino said.
?I suppose he?s not asking for my advice, but for me, for a Filipino who is admiring him, you have done a lot. Maybe I should reiterate my reminder that he should no longer take unnecessary risks, if possible. Maybe this should be the crowning glory,? Aquino said.
The President said he hopes Pacquiao would have more time with his wife and children.
?His wife, those who love him, can say they will still get to be together for a long time. He is entitled…after all of his sacrifices and the example that he?s made, to be able to enjoy the fruits of all of his hard work and labor,? he added.
The President said he would likely watch the delayed telecast of the fight by himself ?after 10 people have texted me that Manny won.? In Pacquiao?s previous fights, Aquino said he would only gauge what was going on through the reaction of those watching the match on television.
Better than New Year
For Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, today?s Pacquiao-Mayweather fight ?is going to be better than New Year?s celebration.?
The city?s 33 barangays are offering free live telecast of the fight.
Pamintuan said he coordinated with Dennis Uy, chairman of the Angeles Cable and Television Network, for the provision of live streaming of the bout in venues designated by officials in the 33 barangays.
Giant television screens usually used for electronic advertisements, including one at the Sacred Heart Medical Center in Barangay Sto. Domingo and another at the Angeles University Foundation in Barangay Lourdes East, would also feature live streaming of the fight.
Two television monitors for the live telecast have been set up at the city jail for some 1,500 male and 150 female inmates.
?I have raised donations for 2,000 bottles of cold mineral water and enough fish crackers for them,? Pamintuan said.
The other venues for the free live telecast in Angeles City are the Pampanga City Market and two big resettlement areas for displaced families of the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption.
?This fight of Pacquio is for all Filipinos. I expect today even to be better than New Year?s Day in our city,? Pamintuan said.
Hotels and restaurants were also offering live telecast of the fight for P1,500 to P1,800 per guest.
Boxing fans in Bacolod City can watch the fight live for free at the Bacolod Arts, Youth and Sports Center and at the Bacolod People?s House.
Viewing areas are also set up at the gymnasiums of Barangays Granada, Banago, Sum-ag, Alijis, Barangay 16 and Bata.
Before he flew to Las Vegas to watch the fight, Mayor Monico Puentevella urged his constituents to show their support for the People?s Champ.
Bacolod Rep. Evelio Leonardia brought with him to Las Vegas the Philippine flag that he waved in previous Pacquiao fights.
Leonardia said over Bombo Radyo Bacolod that he is ready to serve again as the flag bearer of Team Pacquiao if allowed.
Pacquaio, a Sarangani province representative, is a seatmate of Leonardia at the House session hall.
Leonardia was a flag bearer and championship belt carrier for many years for Team Pacquiao. ? Ding Cervantes, Danny Dangcalan
