A NATION STOPS WHILE A FAVORITE SON WAGES WAR IN THE RING
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 17 Mar 2008
The nation stopped while a favorite son waged war in the ring ready to die for his country in an effort to bring honor and glory and to pursue his dream of national unity.
Hearts were beating fast in homes, hotels and theaters where tens of thousands gathered to watch boxing icon Manny Pacquiao battle the last Mexican standing, Juan Manuel Marquez, for his WBC super featherweight title and the coveted Ring Magazine championship belt that was also on the line.
Solar Sports telecast the fight card in cooperation with GMA 7 where the main event began long after fans who watched it "live" in theaters and on Dream TV in their homes.
At the end of what was at times a brutal encounter laced were national fervor and emotion millions of Filipinos as well as Mexicans held their breath waiting for the decision of the three judges.
The anguish of uncertainty among Filipinos ended in screams of joy as Michael Buffer announced the split decision that gave Pacquiao his third world title. Until Buffer confirmed the worst fears of the Mexicans that one more warrior had gone down at the hands of the Mexican assassin, there was concern in the Pacquiao corner and written on the face of Pacquiao. Nobody knew for sure what the result would be.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a staunch supporter of Pacquiao through the years called Pacquiao to congratulate him who responded by saying ?This fight was not just for me. This was for the Filipino people.? The president watched the fight with family and some friends and was reportedly very happy over Pacquiao's win.
Divisive political bickering was set aside and even the rebel groups waging a struggle with the military forces of the government called a halt to their operations to rally behind Pacquiao.
There was a giant screen at the Army headquarters which allowed soldiers to watch the action following a unilateral declaration of a special ceasefire by the armed forces. Even the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front observed a truce with spokesman Eid Kabalu quoted as saying ?There are no longer Muslims and Christians. Manny is a great Filipino and today there is no war. We are busy celebrating.?
Top photo: Filipino soldiers celebrate as they watch the fight between Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao and Mexican slugger Juan Manuel Marquez at a free public viewing area at an army camp in suburban Manila on Sunday March 16, 2008. Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led Filipinos in rejoicing over the latest victory of Pacquiao, who prompted the military to declare a seven-hour truce with insurgents so army troops could watch his bout. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
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