MANILA, Philippines ? Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will not be using a mouthguard with the logo of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) in his bout with American Timothy Bradley, his lawyer said yesterday.
?There is no truth to the report that (Sarangani) Representative Pacquiao will use a mouthguard which bears the logo of the United Nationalist Alliance when he fights Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas City on April 9,? Romulo Macalintal said in a statement.
Macalintal said he immediately texted Pacquiao to inquire upon hearing the report, but the boxer texted back and denied the issue.
?I am sure Manny knows that it would not be in good taste and he would be courting a political disaster if he would use such gadget during the fight or even during his practice sessions with media coverage,? Macalintal pointed out.
Macalintal said whoever made the mouthguard apparently did not consult Pacquiao.
?It could be assumed that it was just part of an artwork or creativity of its maker and was never intended to be a campaign propaganda material for Manny, who is a senatorial candidate of UNA in the May 9 elections,? Macalintal added. Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Macalintal said Pacquiao would rather focus on his training for the upcoming fight with Bradley than be distracted by such highly politicized matter like a mouthguard.
