NOW THAT Manny Pacquiao has finally cast his lot with Bob Arum and his Top Rank Promotions, you would think that the hot debate would have also come to a close. Fat chance.
If any, the discussions have become more animated as everyone seems to have an opinion as to how the celebrated Filipino boxer should conduct his affairs. This is natural of course, since Manny has oftentimes managed to find himself in situations tighter than a fully-wound vise. Again, this is expected as Manny’s forte is in the ring and he acts like a babe in the woods out of it.
A cursory visit to the website mannypacquiao.ph will reveal the plethora of opinions, advice, suggestions and recriminations as an offshoot of the Pacman’s decision. In an informal survey taken in the site, which boasts of a membership of over twenty thousand all over the world (plus countless “lurkers”), the overwhelming choice as promoter for Pacquiao was Oscar de la Hoya. Somehow, the wily 76-year old Arum was widely perceived to be too slick to be trusted, whereas ODLH gave the impression of a good guy.
While most Paclanders (a term used to identify members of the Pacquiao fan site) expressed disappointment, some were resigned to the fact that their idol had made up his mind and they will just have to respect the decision. Others however, did not mince words in trashing people around Pacquiao whom they perceive to have taken advantage of the boxer’s naivet? to get him to sign up with Arum.
There were also those who felt that Manny, despite all his fame, fortune and connections in the corridors of power, has again displayed subservience to whomever currently has his ear. The ubiquitous Canadian Michael Koncz who is reportedly Arum’s agent in the Pacquiao camp has been hovering over the Gensan sensation, serving as waiter, valet, bodyguard/”hawi” boy and all-around factotum since the last Morales fight. He has no qualms about his staying by Manny’s side, reportedly even taking to sleeping on the floor in the sprawling GenSan mansion, saying “I have a job to do here. I’ll stay for as long as Manny wants and needs me.” I wonder if he’s aware of the typical Filipino aversion to telling off unwanted and persistent guests. But that’s water under the bridge now, as Koncz’s mission is apparently a fait accompli.
I wonder how Gov. Manny Pinol, Tony Aldeguer, Diosdado Gabi, Wakee Salud, Filipinos all, who run-ins with the indomitable Canuck, have to say about his Boxing Day caper (Boxing Day is a big post-Christmas holiday in Canada celebrated on Dec. 26, which was when Bob Arum arrived in General Santos City).
The question on everyone’s mind however is: what will this mean in terms of Pacquiao’s future fights? Most fans have been rooting for a Pacquiao-Barrera rematch. Barrera fights under the Golden Boy Promotions of de la Hoya. Arum says he’s wiling to match the two up, offering Barrera a .5M purse for it.
Richard Schaeffer, CEO of GBP, says no way. Barrera is the WBC champion and he should get at least 50 percent, if the fight materializes at all. And if it should go to purse bidding, then all the more that Pacquiao will be short-changed since the traditional split is 7525 in favor of the champion (Barrera). Most experts however, agree that this is not etched in stone especially in cases where the challenger has more drawing power.
Another question is raised: what if Oscar de la Hoya decides to personally fly over and talk to Manny; will the Pacman have another change of heart? This would of course make the situation even more ludicrous. I have a feeling Manny would then be constrained to learn to say “no.”
As we mentioned in this column a few weeks back, fame and fortune is no guarantee for happiness. It can get really lonely at the top. Although Manny seemed relaxed at the press conference, one can’t help thinking the developments might still be swirling in his mind. Then again, he might also be shrugging it all off, carefree spirit that he is.
To date, Manny still looks unscathed by all the brouhaha and indeed looks bathed in stardust. But he cannot push his luck too far. He will have to be more circumspect in his dealings outside of the ring. The list of victims of his carefreeness is starting to grow long: Polding Correa, Rod Nazario, Marty Elorde, Sidney Hall and now Oscar de la Hoya, not to mention some other members of his party who were shunted aside on the way to the top.
Not everyday is Boxing Day.
