BOXING FLU
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 03 May 2009
While the rest of the world was dealing with the dreaded swine flu, sports fans from Britain and the Philippines caught boxing fever and witnessed Manny Pacquiao beat Ricky Hatton in two short rounds for the IBO and Ring magazine junior welterweight titles.
There were a lot of wild and silly rumors a few days before the event. One was that one or both of the protagonists caught the dreaded H1NI virus. Another rumor was that the virus was spreading in Nevada thus would lead to the cancellation of the event. But the bout pushed through and Pacquiao's punches were more lethal than any microorganism nature would create.
The swine flu virus originated in Mexico. The number of cases is nearing 800 and growing ? the vast majority are in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. In Asia, there are now reported cases in Hong Kong and South Korea. Filipino fans who went to to Las Vegas, including Pacquiao himself, will be routinely screened at the Manila International Airport when they arrive home.
The spread of swine flu will also affect the plan staging of Donnie Nietes' third title defense of his WBO minimumweight world title in Mexico. In response to my e-mail inquiry, ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer stated that they have received an email from International Matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz that everything is on hold with regards to Nietes' title defense. In other words, we will just have to wait on the eventual outcome of the Swine Flu.
Now that the Pinoy boxing nation will celebrate Pacquiao's triumph, here are a few friendly tips to stay healthy:
1. Stay informed with regards to swine flu.
2. Stay calm
3. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. So please, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw tissues in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners also work. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because you can get germs that way.
4. If you are sick then limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Be careful and stay safe.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
ABAP feels WB’s growing pains
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Laurente is new Philippine super featherweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 SEPTEMBER 2025: Nunez Outpoints Diaz; Iglesias Stops Shishkin; Valdez, Conlan Register Wins in Return
By Eric Armit, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dante Kirkman Stays Undefeated Triumphing with Dominant Unanimous Decision Win
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dream fight for Steven Sumpter vs. Undefeated Bek Nurmaganbet This Wednesday at Fontainebleau Las Vegas during ‘Canelo vs. Crawford’ Week
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Yoseline Perez and Malachi Georges Advance to Quarterfinals with Wins on Day Five of World Boxing Championships
Tue, 09 Sep 2025GM candidate Ronald Dableo's squad rules Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso Inter-Barangay Chess Team Tournament, pockets P150,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Saggap, Manayon top Heritage Aquathlon
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Rizal Memorial Coliseum: The Arena That Endured War and Forged Generations of Filipino Greats
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 09 Sep 2025“The Homecoming” turned into Coronation for Marco Romero
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz Speaks After Pushing Eduardo Nunez to the Limit in Thrilling War – A Potential Fight of the Year
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Santisima Wins But Vicelles Loses; Suarez-Navarrete Rematch Hangs in the Balance?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 08 Sep 2025Locked & loaded for Lewis Crocker rematch, Paddy Donovan has prepared to be crowned the new IBF Welterweight World Champion
Mon, 08 Sep 2025Robby Gonzales Advances to Round of 16 with Win Over Cuba
Mon, 08 Sep 2025James Padua rules Marikina rapid chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 08 Sep 2025