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Win-Win

The Philippines, not being a soccer-obsessed country, has been largely spared from the ongoing World Cup mania.  There are pockets of resistance though from sectors fortunate enough to be exposed (and cabled) to the most fabulous, heart-gripping sport ever, according to die-hard millions.  On the day England bowed to Portugal on penalty shoot-out and Brazil was eliminated by the French team thus sending German fans to pre-mature euphoria, another highlight was waiting to unfold before Filipino audience – the much-awaited Pacquiao – Larios fight. More photos>

 

Lo and behold, the roads of Manila were empty and quiet as most country-loving Filipinos were holed up in their homes, glued to their TV screens, cheering for their local hero.  The most successful and consistent they have; and no political color here which is a refreshing change.  We, of the usths80, are not exempt, and here is our tribute, dahil kami ay proudly Pinoy.

 

Tale of the tapes tell Pacquiao who at 5’6 is 2 inches shorter than Larios has same reach (67’) as his taller opponent.  We quipped, perhaps his finger have elongated from playing too much billiard.  Yes, our champ plays and wagers heavily on the table sport.  The Mexican foe and our hero both prepared hard for this fight, both sporting impressive ring cards and both did not disappoint.

 

Larios was the clear underdog but slugged it out quite honorably till the 12thThe 1st round was exploratory round for both pugilists; sizing up each other and checking how they will dish out their game plans.  There was a flurry of punches in the 2nd with our bet getting the better of Larios.  In the 3rd, Larios’s right connected and Manny reeled. On screen you see him dazed for few seconds; all he was willing to give Larios to floor him but the Mexican failed to capitalize on it and was not to have another chance like that.  Immediately Manny counterpunched aggressively, capturing all rounds except the third. 

 

Through all this fantastic display of pug action was the annoying and disappointing annotation of Sev Sarmenta.  The guy was babbling adjectives when he should be giving us blow-by-blow account.  And I was relying on him to supply me with what kind of punch Manny dished out in the 7th when he sent Larios to the canvass (my term would be a 1-2-3 or left-right-left combination, but what do I know about boxing?), or what do you call that amazing side step of Pacman, a lateral movement so effective in landing a punch and avoiding a counter.  Pacquiao has vastly improved as a fighter, from a deadly brawler, he has developed into a cunning boxer. 

 

In the 2nd round Manny gave Larios a left head cut, he opened a right one on the 6th, sent him to the canvass on the 7th and 12th, but his legs remained steady though his left arm was limply hanging by his side as early as the 7th.  He could even rope-a-dope up until he was knocked down the second time in the last round.  Bottom line, the fight was a win-win for everyone.  Larios was rescued from near mediocrity, thrust back to the limelight, and earned $450,000 for his effort.  To top it, was warmly applauded by the fun-loving Filipinos.  Manny earned a cool million in dollars, burnished his ring image, cemented his hold for the love and adoration of his fellow Filipinos, and undoubtedly be ensconced as the favorite commercial endorser of suka, sari-saring gamot, medyas, magic sing, etc, for the masa in the months to come.  The venue, the newly spruced up Araneta Coliseum, was packed to the rafter (ringside tickets sold for P35,000 per head from scalpers) and was looking so spiffy for the world to see.  The Filipino audience had been regaled once more with a world-class boxing match featuring their very own hero and was able to collectively feel again how it is to be a winner.  That, is more than enough…for now.

 


 

 

 

 

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