I recently watched on TV with special interest Bronco McKart’s fight with defending WBA super welterweight champion Travis Simms. Special interest because, as he was warming up in his corner shortly before the introduction, McKart was seen wearing a T-shirt with the words “Jesus lives!” prominently printed in the shirt’s chest area. When this shirt was removed, a Bible reference, a Psalm verse I couldn’t read well, written in the back waistline area was likewise shown on his trunks.
The mention of God in boxing discussion might turn off a number of fans. Some may not mind it at all, but not a few appreciate the association. Promoter Murad Muhammad never fails to mention or give credit to God in his press conferences promoting Manny Pacquiao’s fights.
Talking about the Pac-Man, last Saturday’s press conference at Pier 1 in Manila, Philippines to promote Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming tune-up fight against Fashan 3K Battery was a hot topic of discussion for Filipinos, even in the tennis club court where I regularly work out.
While it has always been all praises for Manny in the past, yesterday’s talk was centered on a particular comment Manny aimed at his opponent. The comment, “Kung hindi lang ho ako pinipigilan ni Mayor Tinga, dito, uupakan ko na ‘yang kalaban na ‘yan eh” (translated “Were it not for Mayor Tinga’s restraining me, I would beat that opponent right here and now”) was not taken with amusement by Manny’s conservative countrymen followers in this tennis club court.
They expressed concern that the wrong kind of pride, if Manny has it now, might lead to their hero’s downfall. This concerned sector wants to tell Manny that they want him to continue winning as he is giving them and their country honor. Manny may just have made the comment to add spice to the promotion. If not, they would want Manny to heed the Biblical warning, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
This writer was relieved to hear Manny’s humble acknowledgement as to the source of his hitting power. When asked by a news reporter if he still has the power to overcome his opponent’s power, Manny replied to the effect that he is always praying that God continues to give him the now dreaded power in his fists to overcome an opponent who never lost to a Filipino in his 20 or so encounters with them.
After 12 rounds, many in the crowd believed Simms had retained his title. Before the official announcement, McKart approached and placed his right arm over Simms’ shoulders while talking to him. Then the two fighters knelt down together in a corner and they prayed!
I don’t think I’m the only one who appreciates McKart’s gesture. He was seen applauding as the unanimous decision win for Simms as it was announced.
Most of the fans, if not all, appreciate the humble. More so, God.
Out of concern for Manny and country, his Imus, Cavite tennis club fans want to tell the Pac-Man, “Take heed.”
