“It would be victory for Manny Pacquiao, and the Filipino people this time!.’’
This was the prediction of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza on the eve of Manny Pacquiao’s fight against Erik Morales of Mexico at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Atienza said that Pacquiao called him up last Friday and requested that he fly to the US as he is an accredited member of the boxer’s official entourage and corner.
However, the Mayor, though much honored and willing to heed Pacquiao’s request, asked that he be excused for the time being, as commitments, schedules, and other time constraints prevent his going to Las Vegas.
One of these is the 60th founding anniversary of Liberal Party (LP), the second oldest political party in the Philippines. The other one is the annual preparation and devotion for the Feast of Sto. Ni?o (Child Jesus).
“Manny told me, he was very much in fine shape, and well prepared, and sounding in jest and in jolly mood,’’ Atienza declared.
Pacquiao vowed to do his best to beat Morales, as “this fight is for my country, countrymen with the guide of the good Lord,’’ Atienza quoted Pacquiao in Filipino dialect.
“Para sa ating bayan, at mga kababayan ang laban kong ito, mayor, at alam kong ginagabayan tayong lahat ng Panginoong Diyos,’’ Pacquiao said, according to the mayor.
After their phone conversation, Atienza asked the entire nation to pray for “Pacquiao’s victory,’’ for this, with the help of the Lord, will also be a “victory for whole Filipino nation.’’
Atienza and Pacquiao are closest of friends. Atienza was a “big brother’’ to Pacquiao when the latter was yet starting his boxing career in Manila. Pacquiao started to show off his boxing potentials first in his native General Santos city, where his family stays. His younger brother, Bobby, has also started to bring honors to the country in the field of boxing. (YM)
