The real impetus behind Pacquiao-Vargas fight
By Aquiles Z. Zonio
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 14 Sep 2016
CRITICS of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao are claiming money is the main motivation behind the making of Pacquiao-Vargas fight.
There are some who are even saying Pacquiao is now financially broke.
This is unfair and baseless, to say the least.
To be harsh and judgmental without first getting the real facts is nothing short of being irresponsible.
Feeding the readers and the public with wrong information is tantamount to disservice. It is an insult to the people?s intelligence.
As journalists, we have the moral obligation to tell the truth or report accurate information. In so doing, we are helping people formulate an intelligent opinion on certain issues.
No one from among the Pacquiao critics has exerted extra efforts to dig deeper or validate reports that the Pinoy boxing icon is already financially bankrupt.
I?ve been covering Pacquiao for years and I have the first-hand knowledge as to his financial status.
His critics? assertion is totally false and misleading.
As far as I knew, the real impetus behind the staging of Pacquiao-Vargas fight is the pursuit for an abiding legacy, burning passion for the sport and undying love for country.
I have witnessed how the boxer-lawmaker missed boxing.
Many times, long before the fight negotiation took place, I heard him saying ?I miss training at the gym. I miss the road work, the sparring and everything.?
Then after winning in May senatorial election, he thought of fighting again atop the ring.
He realized that winning a world crown would again add a feather in his cap.
This fight is historic as Pacquiao, once he succeeds in dethroning World Boxing Organization Welterweight king Jessie Vargas, will be the first Senator-boxer to win a world title.
No other human being has ever achieved this kind of feat in the history of sports and politics.
Thus, I can easily understand why the fighting senator is as determined as before in preparing for this fight.
I could just imagine the hardship he?s going through and the sacrifices he?s doing just to accomplish his mission.
He has to rise up early in the morning to jog then attend in the scheduled Senate hearings around 9:00am or 10:00am. The Senate hearing usually lasts past 12:00 noon. Then at 3:00pm, he has to attend in the regular session.
Afterward, while others are already resting and enjoying the comforts of their home, Senator Pacquiao is still at the boxing gym, subjecting himself to a rigorous mental and physical training.
Since the start of the Senate session, the senator from Mindanao has never missed attending any session. He?s hardworking both as senator and ring gladiator.
This is something his critics have failed to witness and realize.
What is more amazing, he?s taking harsh criticisms in stride.
?I?ve learned to accept it. When I was a young boxer, many people hurled insults against me. They doubted my ability. Now, I?m no longer affected even by the harshest criticisms,? the senator said.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Aquiles Z. Zonio.
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