Survives third-round scary moment
What had been initially perceived as a tuneup fight ? a showcase of Manny Pacquiao?s supreme punching power ? produced one of the scariest moments in the Filipino boxing star?s stellar career.
Pacquiao, fighting before his countrymen at the historic Araneta Coliseum yesterday, survived a horrifying moment in the third round and banked on two knockdowns en route to a clearcut 12-round unanimous decision victory over Oscar Larios of Mexico to retain his World Boxing Council (WBC) international super-featherweight title.
Pacquiao floored Larios in the seventh round with a vicious right-left combo, then sent the 29-year-old Guadalajara native to the canvas in the 12th stanza with a left-right to the head.
But Pacquiao could not put away the game visitor as the crowd, most of whom were aching to see a knockout win, went wild.
At the sound of the bell to mark the end of the 12th and last round, Larios and Pacquiao hugged each other to show their respect for each other as supporters of the two boxers went up the ring.
Pacquiao has been staying at the historical landmark Manila Hotel since June 20, 2006, as arranged by Manila Mayor Lito L. Atienza Jr. He is due to check out today.
It was only the third time in Pacquiao?s 11-year career that he had gone 12 rounds. Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez took him to the full route in 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Noparat Sricharoen of Thailand scored it 120-106. Humbert Fulgomi of France saw it 117-110 and Daniel van de Wiele of Belgium had it 118-108. New Zealand referee Bruce McTavish was sweating all over when the final bell sounded.
Larios was not expected by ringsiders to go past six rounds, and this was the assessment made even by Pacquiao?s chief trainer Freddie Roach, who told mediamen several days ago that should the Mexican decide to slug it out at close range, he would pay the ultimate price of absorbing punches from one of boxing?s most devastating punchers.
But it was Larios who first landed with telling blows when he struck Pacquiao with a right hand that sent the Filipino to the ropes. Larios followed it up with a barrage. A Larios left hook landed on the tip of Pacquiao?s chin, rocking the head of the heavily-favored GenSan hitter.
Pacquiao momentarily froze after getting hit. But he fought back and later told mediamen that, while he took a great shot from his courrageous rival, he was not really hurt.
“Binalikan ko pa nga siya after that,” said Pacquiao, his face showing just a nick underneath his left eye.
Larios? face was badly bruised, and a cut near his left eyebrow had plasters when he appeared during the press conference afterwards.
Larios claimed he was not hurt by Pacquiao and that he was just off-balance when he went down twice.
“I was not dazed and groggy, and I thought I had him in the third round,” said Larios, the two-time World Boxing Council super-bantamweight king who was making his debut at 130 lbs.
“Larios came to fight and he surprised me. I thought Manny would stop this guy,” said Roach.
Pacquiao could not believe Larios did not feel any pain despite the two knockdowns. He brushed off the possibility of engaging Larios in a rematch since he is next in line to square off with Erik “El Terrible” Morales late this year in Las Vegas.
The victory boosted Pacquiao?s winloss-draw card to 42-3-2 with 33 knockouts, while the loss dropped Larios? slate to 56-5-1 with 36 wins inside the distance.
Arroyo commends Pacquiao, says nation celebrates victory
By DAVID CAGAHASTIAN
President Arroyo yesterday commended Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao for successfully defending his World Boxing Council international super featherweight title against Mexican Oscar Larios, as she announced a forthcoming executive order that will honor Filipino athletes who make the country proud through their accomplishments.
“The entire nation celebrates the feat of our boxing hero. Once more, Manny epitomized the fighting spirit of the Filipino?the discipline, hard work and determination that we all need to fulfill our dreams for our country,” Mrs. Arroyo said.
“We need to be focused as Manny in preparing and persevering towards our goal?a strong economy, a stable political system and a prosperous society. We have emerged triumphant over the adversities and challenges that we are facing as a people an let us continue to be inspired by Manny?s toughness against all odds,” she said.
Mrs. Arroyo said her forthcoming executive order would allow the country to confer distinguished Filipino athletes with awards similar to those given to national artists and scientists.
“We give special honor to our national artists, our national scientists, but we have no national sports hero award category for those who excel in physical accomplishments,” Mrs. Arroyo noted.
The award to be created by Mrs. Arroyo?s executive order will be part of the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Champion for Life, Malaca?ang said.
Mrs. Arroyo said that aside from Pacquiao, who is already “assured of a niche in the government?s hall of sports heroes,” other possible nominees for the award include medalists in international competitions like the Asiad, and the Filipinos who recently conquered Mt. Everest.
Mrs. Arroyo cited the unity among Filipinos in cheering and praying for Pacquaio?s successful title defense against Larios.
Pacquiao won by unanimous decision in his title defense against Larios at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, but not without much trouble as the Mexican boxer rocked him in the third round.
Pacquiao is one of world?s greatest fighters, De Venecia says
Speaker Jose de Venecia yesterday hailed Manny Pacquiao as one of the greatest fighters of Asia and the world in his weight category following the Filipino champion?s 12-round unanimous victory over Mexican fighter Oscar Larios.
“This is a magnificent victory for Pacquiao and for the Filipino people. It proves that he is one of the best fighters in the world pound-for-pound. He has made this nation and our people proud,” said De Venecia, who was in China when news of Pacquiao?s victory reached him and his delegation.
De Venecia said Pacquiao “showed why he is the dominant boxer in his division with a superb fighting style and the heart of a true champion.”
“At the level he is fighting he will remain a strong champion in search of a worthy opponent,” De Venecia said.
Pacquiao is the only Filipino athlete to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Achievement, the highest decoration given by the House of Representatives to outstanding men and women who have made significant contributions in the arts, politics, leadership, social justice and sports.
He was presented with the decoration last year by De Venecia, and he ascended the podium to the applause from members of the House and cheers from a packed gallery for the man admiringly called the people?s champion.
Pacquiao?s win was expected, Mayor Atienza says
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza hailed what he called an expected victory of local boxing hero and adopted son of Manila Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao for whom the city plans to hold another victory celebration in his honor.
“Once again, Manny gave not only his fellow Manile?os but all Filipinos something to cheer about and be proud of,” said Atienza, who is a long-time friend and supporter of Pacquiao dating back to his amateur days in Sampaloc.
Atienza headed the list of supporters who fetched Pacquiao from his room at the historical landmark Manila Hotel to the Araneta Coliseum. Pacquiao has been staying at the hotel since June 20 as arranged by Atienza. He is due to check out today.
By E. T. SUAREZ
Leaders say victory should be translated into rallying point
The resounding victory of Manny Pacquiao over his Mexican opponent Oscar Larios should be translated from a symbol of national pride into a rallying point for the country?s unity, an end to political bickerings, and a meaningful reconciliation for all sectors of society.
National and local leaders emphasized this point as they noted the euphoria that virtually engulfed the nation when Pacquiao scored a decisive win over Larios in a boxing match watched live by thousands at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and by millions of TV viewers across the nation.
The leaders — led by Rep. Annie Rosa L. Susano of the second district of Quezon City, Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Mangudadatu and Rep. Suharto Teng Mangudadatu, party-list Rep. Acmad M. Tomawis of Ang Laban ng Indiginong Filipino (ALIF), Mayor Rosendo T. Capco of Pateros, Metro Manila, Quezon City Council Majority Floor Leader Ariel Enrile Inton and First Assistant Majority Floor Leader Dante M. De Guzman, and banker and Deputy Executive Director Ali B. Sangki of the Office on Muslim Affairs — said it was heartening to note that virtually all Filipinos cheered for Pacquiao throughout the bruising match.
They said translating the euphoria over Pacquiao?s victory into a rallying point for national unity may not be difficult as Pacquiao, a ring wonder from General Santos City, is now one of the most visible figures among Filipinos and is considered a household name all over the nation.
“In addition to his boxing savvy which has become legendary, Paquiao is looked up to with awe and inspiration by many Filipinos for his humanitarian and philanthropic deeds to those who have less in life,” Inton and De Guzman said.
Sangki recalled that when Pacquaio used to travel by foot in Maguindanao as a small town boy, he was already known for his humility and intensity to achieve the goals he had set for himself.
“Pacquiao has indeed become a symbol of national unity and placed the Philippines in the world map in every victory he made,” said Susano, vice chairman of the Committee on Appropriations and of Technical and Higher Education of the House of Representatives who just returned from Bulgaria, Spain and Italy as part of President Arroyo?s official delegation.
