GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — She predicted a defeat for Manny Pacquiao when they faced off during the 2007 congressional elections in South Cotabato and indeed, the boxer despite being popular, lost.
But Representative Darlene Custodio, who remains a Pacquiao fan, said the Pinoy boxing idol would easily defeat Mexican boxer David Diaz when they slug it out Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas.
“I think this will be an easy fight for Manny. I hope, he knocks out Diaz,” Custodio said in a text message sent to the Inquirer.
Dionisia Pacquiao, the pugilist’s mother, said she has been praying for her son’s victory.
She said she is confident that her son would defeat Diaz.
Custodio said she will miss the live broadcast of the bout because of important commitments.
“I won’t be able to be there to watch the fight,” she said.
As for Pacquiao’s fans, who cannot afford the entrance fees in restaurants and movie houses, Custodio said they can go to the Lagao gym here, where the city government mounted a giant screen.
The INQUIRER learned that the city government will regulate entrance to the 8,000-seater Lagao gym by distributing tickets to the barangays (villages).
