WASHINGTON?Traffic outside the White House stopped on Tuesday during Manny Pacquiao?s whirlwind tour of the US capital that included meetings with President Barack Obama and Sen. Harry Reid.
The Filipino boxing sensation was crossing the street near the White House when several drivers, who were trying to snap photos of Pacquiao with cell phones, caused a multicar pileup, Pacquiao publicist Fred Sternburg said. Nobody was hurt in the accident.
Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee spent time talking boxing and basketball with President Obama, along with a bit of business.
Pacquiao was elected representative in the Philippine Congress from Sarangani province nine months ago and has taken the new job as seriously as he does boxing. He already has explored building Sarangani?s first provincial hospital.
?This is an unforgettable moment in my life,? Pacquiao said earlier in the day.
The eight-division world champion posed with Obama for several photos, including a boxing pose, in the Oval Office, Sternburg said.
Grocery bags
Obama gave Pacquiao three grocery bags full of light blue M&M?s with the presidential seal, along with a watch adorned with the seal, and said he was hoping to someday visit the Philippines.
Pacquiao invited President Obama to his fight against American Shane Mosley on May 7 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Sternburg said.
But Obama said he would be busy, although he promised to watch on television.
?Manny said it was very impressive being in the Oval Office, seeing it first hand. He said it was a great honor to meet the president of the United States,? Sternburg said, pausing to laugh. ?He also said the president is a very tall man.?
Aquino?s take
In Manila, President Benigno Aquino III said he was glad that Pacquiao and Obama met.
Asked what he thought of the meeting between Pacquiao and Obama, Mr. Aquino said: ?We have an outstanding athlete worthy of being talked to by one of the most powerful men of the world.
?So there is a recognition that here in the Philippines we also have talented and worthwhile individuals,? he told reporters. ?So I?d like to say thank you.?
Mr. Aquino met with Obama during his visit to the United States last year.
Reid?s reelection
Before he visited the White House, Pacquiao roamed the halls of the Capitol as the guest of Reid, a Democrat from Nevada and a former boxer whose recent reelection was no doubt helped by Pacquiao?s campaign appearances.
After Reid and Pacquiao exchanged national flags, Reid was asked how long he would last in his prime if the two exchanged punches. ?About five seconds,? Reid said.
Pacquiao arrived in Washington by train on Tuesday, wrapping up a press tour promoting his next fight that began in Los Angeles and included stops in Las Vegas and New York.
The fact that he has arrived on the scene has been good for boxing, making plenty of high-profile fans and bringing some mainstream attention to a sport that has been seemingly dying for decades.
Enthusiastic following
?You can become a great athlete and still be a great person,? Reid said.
Reid felt compelled to set up Pacquiao?s meeting with Obama because of the Filipino boxer?s enthusiastic following in the United States.
Hundreds of fans turned out for public appearances in Los Angeles, California, and New York City, waving flags and waiting hours to see him.
?I try not to bother the president,? Reid said. ?But I bothered him on this occasion.?
Pacquiao?s every move was shadowed as he walked onto the Capitol grounds with his wife. Promoter Bob Arum said it was reminiscent of the heyday of Muhammad Ali, whom he also promoted.
?He comes at a very fortuitous time,? Arum said. ?If anybody can bring boxing back to the mainstream ? it?s Manny Pacquiao.? Reports from Associated Press and Christine O. Avenda?o
