HOME IS THE HERO
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 05 Jul 2008
Filipino ring idol and national treasure Manny Pacquiao is home, embraced by millions of his countrymen for the joy he has given them and the honor and glory he has brought the nation through his incredible exploits in the ring.
Pacquiao won his fourth recognized world title with a smashing ninth round stoppage of a game but badly battered David Diaz to win the WBC lightweight title and achieved what even the late great Gabriel "Flash" Elorde failed to do in two fights against lightweight champion Carlos Ortiz.
Pacquiao, with a new-found religiosity and a welcome change in his lifestyle heard Mass at the Quiapo Church along with his charming wife Jinkee and members of his entourage.
Pacquiao told TJ Manotoc of ABS-CBN in an interview on arrival from Los Angeles that he reads the Bible daily and that he has drawn inspiration from this. He has been heard ending his remarks in prefight promotional tours with the phrase "in the name of Jesus."
Pacquiao also said that his right hand was still slightly swollen because he used it extensively in his battle with David Diaz unlike in past fights when it was his left that swelled because that was the hand he used almost exclusively with his power punches.
Pacquiao indicated he was ready to fight anybody, WBA super featherweight champion Edwin Valero who is moving up to lightweight to fight Pacquiao in November according to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum or light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton whose father/manager Rey Hatton told Viva Sports in an exclusive interview that "The Hitman" wanted the fight but only next May or June.
Hundreds crammed inside the church while thousands had gathered outside since the break of dawn to get a glimpse of their hero who has single-handedly lifted their spirits from the depths of national tragedy caused by the sinking of a Sulpicio Lines vessel, Princess of the Stars, and the death and destruction wrought by typhoon Frank.
Pacquiao after consulting with his wife Jinkee, announced he would donate P3 million ($66,700) towards helping the on-going relief work for the typhoon victims. Pacquiao also said that he and some of his friends would put up a fund-faising concert and telethon to generate more support for the typhoon victims.
At the same time Pacquiao said he was finalizing his schedule after which he would go and visit the typhoon-ravaged areas.
During his customary courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, one of his staunchest and longtime supporters, Pacquiao was designated as flag-bearer of the Philippine delegation to the Beijing Olympic Games which open on August 8.
Pacquiao readily accepted the honor of being the flag-bearer at the Olympic Games and said that "by carrying the Philippine flag I hope to inspire Filipino athletes participating in the Games." A total of 15 Filipino athletes will compete in Beijing with the lone boxer being flyweight Harry Tanamor.
When told about the rousing welcome for Pacquiao and his hearing Mass and donating money to the relief effort for the typhoon victims Arum said "that?s wonderful. That?s good. I am very, very delighted."
Arum said Pacquiao is "now being recognized all over as the premier fighter in the world." Earlier, WBC president Don Jose Sulaiman hailed Pacquiao as the best fighter in the world today drawing a response from Arum who said "the nice thing about Jose is every once in a while we disagree with him on certain things but he knows boxing, that?s for sure."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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