INSIDE SPORTS: PACQUIAO IS AT PEACE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 22 Aug 2007
Its the time of year when all our attention is focused on Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao who is training at his friend Rex “Wakee” Salud’s gym in Cebu City in preparation for his rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera on October 6 in Las Vegas.
Every little move of Pacquiao and every little incident – real or imagined – draw our attention whether it concerns his preparation for the big fights or the distractions and transgressions that seem to cloud his personal life.
In many respects this seems terribly unfair but then, very often, national society appears unconcerned about fairness or the need to judge an individual on his performance in his profession rather than indict him for his private indiscretions.
We are personally pleased that whatever problems Manny and his charming wife Jinkee have had in the recent past, have been solved. We applaud Jinkee’s decision to fly to Cebu with their little daughter Divine Grace to show the public that indeed they are one family and that she cares and wants to make sure that Pacquiao is focused for his rematch with Barrera.
You’ve got to give the lady credit. She has always understood her role when a big fight is coming up and that is to keep the household peace and to make sure that her husband isn’t mentally bothered by any little problem so he could stay sharply focused.
That Pacquiao flew back from Los Angeles to Manila to resolve his personal problems says a lot about how important he felt it was. And while we are certain both our World Cup boxers and fight fans were terribly disappointed at his non-appearance, they need to understand that it was done for a much more
important reason.
Jinkee Pacquiao with daughter Princess at this afternoon's training at the RWS Gym in Cebu.
A relaxed and comfortable Manny Pacquiao winds up his training today skipping the ropes under the watchful eyes of trainer Buboy Fernandez.
Pacquiao realizes what is at stake in the rematch with Barrera who has been training hard and is determined to avenge his November 2003 demolition at the hands of the Pacman. He should know himself better than anybody and with celebrated trainer Freddie Roach by his side, things should work out well.
Manny Pacquiao is a national treasure and we who have thrilled at his spectacular exploits in the ring and shared in the joy and pride he brings us all, have an obligation to protect that treasure. Let us give him some space, allow him to train undisturbed and sharply focused and then once again on October 6 join hands and say a little prayer for the kid from GenSan who somehow unites us all like nobody does, even for a couple of hours.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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