GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The last time Manny Pacquiao fought in the ring, the people here were devastated by his defeat to Erik Morales.
The pain of seeing on television their favorite son taking a severe beating atop the ring with blood running down his cheeks from a nasty cut above his eye was almost unbearable.
And who could forget how Dionisia, Manny’s mom, wept openly after knowing her dear son bloodied and beaten by the crafty Mexican.
What she was feeling was just too much for Dionisia, who collapsed and had to be rushed to a hospital.
Enough is enough.
The people of General Santos City want nothing but a victory for Pacquiao when he fights Hector Velazquez on Sept. 10 in Los Angeles to partially bury that painful memory.
Full retribution would only come in Pacquiao-Morales Part II next year.
GenSan Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr. said that just like in previous Pacquiao fights, the people would be cheering for the Filipino boxer from their respective homes come September 10.
Acharon said the people of GenSan regard Pacquiao as a favorite son that they can’t bear to see him getting hurt inside or outside the ring.
The Chief Executive said Pacquiao’s character makes the man so well loved.
“He smiles a lot. He gives things to people and is always there to support them,” Acharon said, referring to the many graces that Pacquiao had given to his town folks like financial assistance to the needy ones.
When the city was rocked by a bomb blast on Valentine’s Day that killed a number of people, Pacquiao gave assistance to the victims.
During his birthdays, Pacquiao always sees to it that he offers something to the poor, giving out rice, foodstuffs and cash.
“People here always look forward to a Pacquiao win. We watch his fights on TV. We don’t want him to lose,” said taxi driver Alan Birondo in vernacular.
“The last time he fought, it was like the end of the world. He is our idol,” Birondo added.
Acharon was part of the boxer’s entourage when Pacquiao fought and lost to Morales in Las Vegas last March.
Acharon said had it not been for the nasty cut, which was inflicted in the fifth round, Pacquiao would have beaten Morales.
Against Velazquez, Acharon said Pacquiao couldn’t afford to lose.
The mayor and the people know that a Pacquiao defeat to Velazquez will be more painful than the Morales debacle.
