BACOLOD CITY — The boxing event everybody is talking about almost everywhere–in the coffee shops, barbershops or even in elementary school pupils’ huddles, is approaching the moment of truth.
Make that a little over two weeks, or March 19, to be exact when Manny Pacquiao, now the country’s national sports treasure, steps into the ring to face Mexican Erik Morales at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
With all the hype and media frenzy over the super featherweight bout, one can already sense this is going to be an explosive fight from opening bell.
Pacquiao and Morales meeting in the center of the ring and trading a rapid-fire of blows; each fighter unloading fist-size explosives whose impact will be heard around the world. Naturally. It will rank among the most anticipated bouts in the history of professional boxing.
The battle has actually started with opening salvoes in media hype-the Pacquiao camp virtually claiming in advance a devastating win via the short route, and Morales’ handlers predicting a virtual shock-and-awe victory for their ward.
From the Wild Card Gym of trainer Freddie Roach in Los Angeles, the media have come close to saying this is going to be a mismatch. From the Otomi mountains where he is training for the fight, Morales is laughing off the media hype on his rival’s speed and power.
“I will match speed with speed,” Morales boldly said recently, probably with tongue in cheek (conveniently forgetting he lost to Marco Antonio Barrera last time out). Of course, the fight world knows what Pacquiao did to Barrera before that. The tough-talking Morales seems to be psyching himself up for the March 19 Day of reckoning.
The Filipino pug cannot afford to be complacent. In the ring anything can happen–and usually does. If he loses, the collective groan of 80 million of his countrymen would be heard around the world.
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TUESDAY night was a special one for the covering media in the Philippine Airlines Interclub golfest here. Jimmy Cantor, the sports editor of Malaya, and Boy Garcia, the veteran fotog of the Manila Bulletin, celebrated their birthdays over sumptuous food and limitless beer and wine as PAL management hosted dinner at the Casino Filipino Hotel, located just beside the Kundutel Hotel at the Goldenfields Commercial Complex where mediamen are billeted.
To spice up the evening, a lovely onstage performer belted classic–and even reggae music popularized by the late Bob Marley.
Not wanting to disappoint his colleagues, Cantor sang Barry Manilow’s famous “Even Now”, drawing thunderous cheers from the late evening crowd.
The PAL Interclub, whenever it comes along, always ensures happy moments for participants, kibitzers and sportswriters alike. This particular edition is turning out to be no exception.
