THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE

Michael Martinez Highlights Need for More Philippine Government Support in Sports

By Gel Santos Relos 

Op-Ed article on the Asian Journal

 

Michael Martinez: Proud to be Filipino in Sochi Winter Olympics

Seventeen-year-old Michael Christian Martinez has put the Philippines in the spotlight during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia — ranking 19th in the figure skating competition during his Olympic debut. Michael was also the only figure skater who made it to the Top 5 most talked about Olympic athletes on Facebook during the first week of Winter Olympics, and figure skating was the sport that attracted the most interest.

Before Sochi, Michael has won 19 medals in other international competitions. He made history,  being the first-ever figure skater from Southeast Asia to compete in the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics and in the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.

He may not have won a medal for the Philippines in Sochi, but Michael has already made his country and kababayans proud. He has defied the odds, given the very little support serious athletes get from the Philippine government — from early training to actual competition in the global arena.

 

Michael's Challenges On His Road to Sochi Winter Olympics

Photo Credit: PhilNews

Michael started skating in 2005 at the young age of 8, reportedly training in the ice skating rink of SM Megamall. Since he started competing internationally in 2009, his family has been covering the costs for his training and competitions.

Our homegrown star athlete wouldn’t have made it to Sochi without the help of people from the private sector, who believe in Michael. “We are truly thankful to Shoemart (SM), to the Philippine Skating Union, and to the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) for their help,” said his mom, Maria Teresa Martinez, in a report by ABS-CBN News.

I just found out myself that the POC is a private agency, and not a branch of government.  It was through the assistance of POC that Michael was able to obtain a scholarship from the International Olympic Committee’s Solidarity Scholarship Fund. This scholarship would award $1,500 a month for eight months, until February 2014 , and would include the $500 fee for the Michael’s coach.The POC has reportedly already delivered the stipend from July to October, while the balance has yet to be given.

Mrs. Martinez also expressed gratitude for the financial support extended by SM Investment Corp. Since May 2013, Michael received P150,000 from SM for 10 months. Michael’s mom said that while this might seem like a big amount, it is still not enough to cover all the expenses in the very expensive sport of figure skating.

“From SM we are getting about $111 a day. That is already a big help but it is still not enough since, when we train in the US, we spend at least $400 a day just to cover the coaches’ fees ($100-$150/hour) and $40 for ice rink time ($10-16/ hour). That amount is just not enough to prepare an athlete for the Olympics. And it takes many years of training to be in the Olympics, not just 10 months,” she clarified with ABS-CBN News.

Mrs. Martinez disclosed that there are also additional expenses for international competitions. In 2013 alone, Michael participated in nine competitions in Europe and the US. After Sochi, Michael will proceed to Moscow where he will be preparing for the 2014 ISU Junior World Championships. Mrs. Martinez said the expenses for his preparation period at the Novogorsk Training Center in Moscow exceed $420 a day just for coaching fees, excluding accommodation expenses.

Michael’s mother said that they had finally received the pledged $50 daily allowance or $1,200 for 24 days for Michael’s sojourn in Sochi from the Philippine Sports Commission, which was delivered by POC executive secretary Gina Calaguas on February 13.

As ABS-CBN News reported, Mrs. Martinez confirmed that Calaguas had also given $7,200, but this was directly to Michael’s Russian coach Viktor Kudryavtsev on that same date, as payment for his coaching duties while in Sochi (covering the period Jan. 30 to the end of February). Mrs. Martinez said Kudryavtsev has been training the Michael since the end of December,  and will continue to do so until the last days of March.

Imagine how much more our athletes could achieve internationally, if they get full support from the government, as in the case of richer countries like US, Canada, Japan, and even Russia. This is why news about government officials pocketing tax payers’ money infuriates many kababayans. These funds could have been put to better use, if they were instead appropriated to finance better sports programs in the Philippines.

Kababayans around the world have now been expressing all out support for Michael Martinez and other Pinoy athletes, shelling out their own hard earned money to help them become more competitive in international competitions.

Lawmakers like Tito Sotto and Manny Pacquiao have filed resolutions to honor Michael Martinez for the honor he has given the country in Sochi.  

While this is a good move from the government, what will be better is a clear government policy and program that supports sports for Filipinos from childhood, up until they compete in the global arena.

 

The Benefits and Importance of Sport in Society

The benefits and importance of sports in society go beyond fame and bragging rights.  As the United Nations states in its website: “Sport has a unique power to attract, mobilize and inspire. By its very nature, sport is about participation. It is about inclusion and citizenship. It stands for human values such as respect for the opponent, acceptance of binding rules, teamwork and fairness.”

Moreover, “Sport plays a significant role as a promoter of social integration and economic development in different geographical, cultural and political contexts. Sport is a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and networks, and to promote ideals of peace, fraternity, solidarity, non-violence, tolerance and justice.”

The UN website further states that according to the Sport for Development and Peace International Working Group, sport is seen to have the most benefits in: -Individual development -Health promotion and disease prevention -Promotion of gender equality -Social integration and the development of social capital -Peace building and conflict prevention/resolution -Post-disaster/trauma relief and normalization of life -Economic development -Communication and social mobilization.

But the UN warns that sport is not a cure-all for development problems. “As a cultural phenomenon, it is a mirror of society and is just as complex and contradictory. As such, sport can also have negative side effects such as violence, corruption, discrimination, hooliganism, nationalism [parochial], doping and fraud. To enable sport to unleash its full positive potential, emphasis must be placed on effective monitoring and guiding of sports activities.” 

Op-Ed article on the Asian Journal

Bakit Natalo si Pacquiao? : The intersection of religion, politics and metaphysics

By Gel Santos Relos

 

If there is anyone who still has doubts about the powerful influence of our Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao, particularly among Filipinos in every corner of the world, then the fourth bout between the Pacman and Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez must have already knocked that out for good.

 

After Pacquiao was knocked out by Marquez in the sixth round, we found our iconic boxing hero unconscious and motionless -- his face facing the floor. The Pacman lost, and so was the morale of many Filipinos. Trying to make sense of this painful defeat, kababayans from all over the world bantered endlessly for days, and there we find the testament to how Manny Pacquiao has that power to make religion, politics, and metaphysics collide!

 

Exhibit A: Metaphysics and the cosmic energy

 

Fil-Am Republicans find this absurd and crazy: some people blame the Pacman’s loss to Mitt Romney. And this theory has been talked about even in US mainstream media.

 

Mitt Romney was reported to have sat in the front row at the MGM Grand Garden to watch the bout along with his wife, Ann. Just two hours before Pacquiao walked to the ring to fight Marquez, Romney reportedly went to Pacquiao's dressing room, extended his hand to Pacquiao and said, "Hi Manny. I ran for president and lost."

 

Some Filipinos theorized that Romney must have rubbed off his bad karma to Pacquiao through that handshake. Moreover, the words Romney uttered to Pacquiao was said to have echoed vibrations of defeat, pulling down the Pacman’s winning energy.

 

As staunch Obama supporter and Fil-Am community leader Rodel Rodis wrote, “If Romney visits you before a fight and reminds you he lost the elections, is that pep talk from him going to inspire you to win?”

 

Exhibit B: Politics and sports? 'Tubig at langis'

 

Many kababayans (especially those who do not believe in Manny Pacquiao’s qualification and mettle to hold any position in government) present this recent loss, as evidence that boxing and politics do not mix.

 

They argue that Manny has become the greatest boxer of his time, because he was focused on his being a sportsman. He dedicated all his time and energy in training for his fight.

 

When he entered politics, many Filipinos said our Pambansang Kamao has lost his edge as a boxer. They also said he has also proven his detractors right- that he would be a mediocre, if not bad, elected Congressman of Sarangani. 

 

They contended that the Pacman has notoriously earned the dishonor of being one of the Members of the House of Representatives with the most number of absences. Moreover, he reportedly did not have any bills yet enacted into law that would help the people of Sarangani.

 

These Filipinos say Manny Pacquiao has to choose -- be a boxer or a politician. Even his own mother, Aling Dionisia, said after the fight: “Kung ako magdedesisyon, gusto ko magpahinga na si Manny, relax na lang siya. Politician ang anak ko, doon na lang siya magserbisyo.

 

Exhibit C : No separation between religion and sports

 

It is more fun in the Philippines, we all say. Everything is just interconnected. We cannot even separate religion from politics. What makes us think we can remove religion from sports? Not even Manny’s equally famous mother Nanay Dionisia thinks so.

 

Aling Dionisia (fondly called Mommy D) blames her son’s change of religion for his loss. Pacquiao is no longer a Catolico cerrado, and is now a Born-again Christian. 

 

After Manny’s two successive losses, feisty Mommy D passionately said in an interview with DZMM: “Gusto ko wag niyang iwanan ang sign of the cross kasi yan ang nakayaman sa kanya noon, ang dami ng panalo niya.” 

 

 
Manny used to wear his rosary when he enters the ring, makes the sign of the cross, kisses the crucific before taking it off just before Round 1 in every fight before he became a Born-again Christian. 

 

"Nalungkutan ko lang parang kulang ensayo ng anak ko, pirmi busy reading Bible sa bahay. Kulang ang ensayo niya, bising-busy talaga siya....Kailangan face-to-face ang ibigay sa Diyos na galing ng puso, na totoong-totoo na walang kapalit ang pagdasal natin," the mother lamented.

 

"Gusto kong ibalik niya ang dati niya. Tutal ang Catholic naman, wala naman naghihingi ng araw-araw magsimba, isang oras lang hiningi ng Diyos," added Mommy Dionisia. (Watch Mommy Dionisia unleash her sentiment about Manny's leaving the Catholic faith:)

 

AT ANO ANG SABI NI MANNY?

How Manny’s greatness as a sportsman shines even in his loss

 

After Marquez was declared the winner, Manny Pacquiao was reported to be the first Filipino in the MGM arena to smile. He reached out to Marquez and congratulated him. 

 

The Pacman also offered no excuses for his defeat, other than his self-deprecating statement that he must have been overconfident, that was why he lost.  

 

Indeed, our Pambansang Kamao, Manny Pacquiao, has once again showed us why he is the greatest boxer of his time. He has demonstrated how he can be gracious in defeat, as much as in victory. 

 

While the KO loss of Pacquiao to Marquez may have dampened the morale of many Filipinos, let us look at the big picture and remember all the honor he has earned and offered to the Philippines. As Wikipedia summarized: He is the first eight-division world champion in which he has won ten world titles, as well as the first to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes.

 

He has been named “Fighter of the Decade” for the 2000s (decade) by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO). 

 

Manny Pacquiao is also a three-time The Ring and BWAA “Fighter of the Year,” winning the award in 2006, 2008 and 2009, and the Best Fighter ESPY Award  in 2009 and 2011. He has also long been rated as the “best pound-for-pound boxer” in the world  by some sporting news and boxing websites.

 

Amid all speculations and disappointments, Pacquiao issued the following statement: “First and foremost I would like to thank God for keeping Juan Manuel Márquez and me safe during our fight on Saturday night. I want to congratulate Juan Manuel. I have no excuses. It was a good fight and he deserved the victory. I think boxing fans, who watched us, were winners too."

 

“To all my fans, I would like to thank you for your prayers and assure you that I am fine. I am looking forward to a nice rest and then I will be back to fight. On behalf of Jinkee and our family we would like to wish everyone a joyous Christmas and a happy and healthy new year,” Pacquiao further said.

 

 

 

 

 

Will the Judges' Decision on Pacquiao's Loss to Bradley Be Overturned?

By Gel Santos Relos

 

 

 

The controversial loss of our Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao to Timothy Bradley has ruffled the boxing world. Calls for independent investigation have been mounting since the Fil-Am organization Migrant Heritage Commission in Washington DC wrote an open letter to the Nevada State Athletic Commission requesting for a probe on the questionable results.

 

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum submitted a formal request to the office of Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto for a "full and complete inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the scoring" of Saturday's fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

 

Nevada Sen. Harry Reid  likewise called for Nevada investigation into Pacquiao's boxing title loss to quell the uproar following the fight.

 

“From all the reports that I’ve seen by people on the outside who saw the fight, who attempted to be fair and judge the fight, Pacquiao won the fight.” said Reid, a former member of the Nevada Athletic Commission who used to judge boxing matches.

 

Senator John McCain of Arizona tweeted, "I completely agree with Senator Reid-- the decision was a disgrace to boxing."

 

Because of this controversy, both Reid and McCain has urged Congress to take up a boxing regulatory bill they’ve been pushing for the past decade.

 

The bill aims to establish a National Boxing Commission that would regulate the sport, and set licensing standards for boxers, judges and referees and registration standards for promoters and trainers.

 

As we reported on Balitang America, however, the executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) Keith Kizer said the judges’ controversial decision in the match between boxer Timothy Bradley and former World Boxing Organization title holder Manny Pacquiao cannot be reversed.

 

“Even if the commission wanted to overturn the decision, they just don’t have the power to do so,” Kizer told Balitang America in a phone interview. “There’s just no basis for it in the law. There’s just no power to do so.”

 

Kizer, however admitted that after watching the fight, he personally thought the fight, he personally thought Pacquiao had the win. “It was a situation where Bradley was able to finish strong,” he said. “Was it enough to overcome Manny? I didn’t think so. But I could see someone thinking so.”

 

The Nevada State Athletic Commission’s  statements echoed the World Boxing Organization (WBO) president’s words earlier today. Boxingscene.com reported that WBO president Francisco Valcarcel said that their organization is also accepting the judges’ decision as final.

 

“We want to get the impression of five international judges but we cannot reverse the decision,” said Valcarcel. As a courtesy, the WBO will send their review to the NSAC, but Valcarel pointed out that the Commission has no power to change the judges’ call.

 

Fil-Am leader Atty. Arnedo Valera of the Migrant Heritage Commission said their organization sent a formal letter to Bradley, requesting him to give up the belt.

 

In that letter, the group told Bradley, “You are a great boxer but you lost to a boxing icon, fair and square.”

 

However, the statements of Bradley on twitter seem to say he is keeping the belt.

 

“I finally had a chance to watch the fight last night and after watching it I felt just like I did the night of the fight.. I won the fight!”, tweeted Bradley.

 

“Paquiao is a great man and great fighter he will have a chance to get his title back I will be able to get a more definitive win.” Bradley added.

 

All these statements seem to lead to the planned November 10 rematch, if there will indeed be one.

 

Here are some comments from our readers:

 

They say "don’t worry, there will be a rematch".. I won’t watch any rematch as they only want our money in their pockets. They just want another match so they will earn more.! We want truth and honesty, that's the point! This is not just for Pinoys’ interest, but for the interest of saving the dignity of the Sports. We encourage our kids to be involved in sports and learn the value of sportsmanship and fairness among many things.. then they will see this kind of "fixing"? -- Villamor Bon

 

Boxing nowadays isn’t about sports anymore,,,its all about gambling.. We won the fight, but they have the judges...-- Jehoshaphat Zadok Jumamoy

 

I doubt the decision will be overturned. Think of the casinos that will be swamped with demands for refunds.The decision stays. Just to find out if judges erred and if they shud be sanctioned. -- Cesar delos Reyes

 

Sana mag decide na si Manny at huwag nang sabayan pa ang kalokohan ng mga taong nasa likod ng dayaan sa boksing. Pacquiao, sa narating mo ngayon-- napatunyan mo na sa buong mundo ang galing ng kamao mo. Para sa amin ikaw ang kampeon, at proud kami sa respetong ipinakita mo. Mabigyan sana ng leksyon ang lahat ng may kinalaman sa nangyari at sana maging daan na ito ng pagbabago ng kalakaran at dayaan sa larangan ng boksing..-- Ricky Martinez

 

Kailan ba magigising ang mga masusugid na tagasubaybay sa larangan nag boxing? Para sa akin wala itong kinaibahan sa isang pelikula-- di lahat nang bida nabubuhay sa huli, gagamitin ang taong bayan para kumita at ang mga tao naman magbabayad o bibigyan nang oras para ma entertain tama po ba?  Kaya di na kailangan pa pag aksayahan nang panahon ang mga ganitong bagay. Ilaan nalang natin ang ating oras sa pag imbistiga sa makabuluhang bagay! -- Paulo de Leon

 

This is not about Politics and Filipino Pride, this is a business. Nothing will happen with the investigation, there will be a rematch and guess what, even though we say boycott, we will still watch it. This is what is was, a boxing train wreck, so lets just move on . Remember , what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. The only winner was Vegas , 4- 1 odds, I should have bet smart ! -- Bud Feria

 

Bakit hindi nyo nalang tanggapin na talo na si Pacquiao. Hindi ba siya pwede matalo? Kailangan bang lage nalang siyang panalo? Eh ayun yung desicion ng judges eh. Dapat kung gusto talaga manalo ni Pacquiao eh KO ang ginawa niya hindi yung pinaabot niya pa ng 12 round para sa desisyon. -- Rafael Marcelino

 

Get over it people. If they overturn Pacquiao-Bradley decision, they'll have to do the same for Pacquaio-Marquez fight. -- Jem DC

 

Jem DC, in Pac-Marquez, Pac at least outpunched Marquez. Bradley *clearly did not* outpunch Pac. -- Jego Ragragio

 

Di ito sour graping ng Pinoy. Kahit di si Pacquaio yung boxingero, at ganun yung naging laban at ganun yung desisyon, dapat pa ding ireklamo.-- Art Oca

 

This will be a good opportunity for Manny to retire...He's statement... that he lost his trust to "Nevada State Athletic Commission" Therefore he'll stop fighting and he's still the undefeated champion...This is so obvious the whole world knows Manny won the fight. -- Rogel Cayetano

 

Americans stole the belts but not the pride of the Pilipino people. -- Cesar Anyayahan Esteba

Senators Reid, McCain Join Fil-Am Community Leaders' and Arum's Call for Investigation of Pacquiao-Bradley Boxing Bout

By Gel Santos Relos

 

 

NEWSFLASH:

Nevada Sen. Harry Reid  calls for Nevada investigation into Pacquiao's boxing title loss to quell the uproar following the fight.“From all the reports that I’ve seen by people on the outside who saw the fight, who attempted to be fair and judge the fight, Pacquiao won the fight.”said Reid, a former member of the Nevada Athletic Commission who used to judge boxing matches.

Senator John McCain of Arizona says, "I completely agree with Senator Reid-- the decision was a disgrace to boxing."

Even before Top Rank promoter Bob Arum submitted a formal request to the office of Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto for a "full and complete inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the scoring" of Saturday's fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Fil-Am leaders have already written an open letter addressed to the Nevada State Athletic Commission to call for the same probe.

 

This was the sentiment of not only many kababayans who watched the fight in the arena and via pay-per-view,  but of many boxing experts and enthusiast all over the world who found the Bradley victory by a split decision questionable because most thought Pacquiao dominated the fight.

 

Even Pacquiao himself said while he did respect the judges’ decision, he thought and believed he has won the fight.

 

The boxing world was so shocked and outraged by the decision of Judges Duane Ford and C.J. Ross, both appointed by the Nevada State Athletic commission, each scored the fight 115-113 in favor of Bradley, a junior welterweight titleholder who had moved up in weight to challenge Pacquiao for his belt. It was just Judge Jerry Roth who scored in Pacquiao’s favor- 115-113.

 

As ESPN reports, “Nearly every media member at ringside, as well as HBO's broadcasters, had the fight as a wide victory for Pacquiao and the crowd of 14,206 rained boos down when the result was announced.”

 

CompuBox punch statistics also showed a pacman victory, according to ESPN.  Pacquiao landed 253 of 751 punches (34 percent) while Bradley landed 159 of 839 (19 percent). Pacquiao also landed 82 more power punches (190-108) and landed more overall punches in 10 of the 12 rounds.

 

“What the hell were these people watching? ... How can you watch a sport where you don't see any motive for any malfeasance and yet come up with a result like we came up with tonight. How do you explain it to anybody?” Arum said.

 

“Lutong Macao” conspiracy theories have dominated the global conversation, definitely going beyond and deeper than the usual “sour graping” or “sore losers” labels some Filipinos affix to kababayans who question the results.

 

"The only way to restore fans' confidence in boxing is by letting an independent body investigate every detail of the fight no matter how big or small. Sunshine never hurt anyone." Arum said.

 

This is also the rationale behind the letter of the Filipino-American community leaders to the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

 

 Here is the text of the letter written by the executive directors of the Migrant Heritage Commission, a Fil-Am community organization based in Washington DC area,  dated June 10, 2012.

 

 

 

OPEN LETTER TO THE NEVADA STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION

 

 

June 10, 2012

 

MR. RAYMOND AVANSINO

Chairperson

Nevada State Athletic Commission

 

Dear Mr. Avansino,

 

Greetings!

 

We write in great urgency to ask the Nevada State Athletic Commission to conduct an investigation into the recent boxing bout of Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley. In the spirit of public accountability and decency, and public trust, we view it is but fair and just to conduct an immediate probe as to why the scorecards of the judges Cynthia J. Ross and Duane Ford did not jive with the statistics of the computer-analyzed Compubox. 

 

The world thought there was something bizarre in the judging that night. All throughout the game, Pacquiao had been mostly in control. Ringside punching statistics showed Pacquiao landing 253 punches to 159 for Bradley. The Compubox statistics showed Pacquiao landing more punches in 10 of the 12 rounds. Major networks CNN, HBO, BBC, and USA Today had been analyzing the game with Pacquiao as the winner.

 

The Migrant Heritage Commission is a not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC and provides legal services and cultural development programs to immigrants all over the US.  MHC believes that the NSAC owes the public their right to transparency and accountability in this billion dollar worth of sports that they strongly and passionately support. 

 

Thank you and we appreciate your prompt action on this matter. 

 

Sincerely yours,

 

MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION

 

 

ARNEDO VALERA, ESQ.

 

GRACE JARAMILLO 

 

JESSE GATCHALIAN

 

Executive Directors

 (Asian Journal Column Article, June 13, 14, 15, 2012)

Pacquiao “Controversial” Victory Over Marquez: A Matter of Perspective

By Gel Santos Relos

 

 

It was unlike any other recent Manny Pacquiao fights. After it was announced that our Pambansang Kamao won by a majority decision over Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez after the  ferocious third of their trilogy in the ring last Saturday, the cheers for the Pacman that we used to hear in his past boxing matches turned into boos.

 

It had been a long painful brutal 12-round bout when bets were in favor of Pacquiao knocking down, if not knocking out his 38-year old opponent in the first six rounds of the fight. But the totally unexpected happened, quite the opposite of the previous recent boring fights when the Pacman gobbled up his opponents. 

 

From Round 1, it proved it had been very close, and in many times, Pacquiao had been in the receiving end of Marquez’ strong straight and uppercuts. As our Balitang America Correspondent Bev Llorente reported, “He had a deep cut above his eye because of a headbutt that needed 28 stitches which was sewn up by the doctor in the locker room”. He also felt cramps on his leg from the fourth round.

 

But the Pacquiao power picked up again in the last three rounds as Marquez apparently weakened, as analysts noted, showing signs and toll  of his age. But no one between the Pacman and the “El Dinamita” was knocked out nor knocked down.

 

When the bell rang after Round 12,  Juan Manuel Marquez raised his hand in anticipation of victory while Manny Pacquiao, with his head bowed down, went to his corner and prayed. Even Filipinos thought it was the end of the Pacman’s winning streak. 

 

Many were stunned in disbelief upon the announcement of Pacquiao’s victory. He retained his WBO Welterweight belt.

 

It had been a controversial majority decision, and the official score cards affirmed Manny won by a very slim margin. Judge  Robert Hoyle gave the scores of  (MP)114- (JMM)114; Judge Dave Moretti  (MP)115 - (JMM)113; and Judge Glen Trowbridge (MP)116- (JMM)112.

 

The Punch Statistics likewise favored a Pacquiao victory: 

(MP) 578 TOTAL PUNCHES 436 (JMM)
(MP) 176 TOTAL PUNCHES CONN 138 (JMM)
(MP) 304 JABS THROWN 182 (JMM)
(MP) 58 JABS CONN. 38 (JMM)
(MP) 274 POWER PUN THROWN 254 (JMM)
(MP) 117 POWER PUN CONN. 100 (JMM)

 

Juan Manuel Marquez felt he was robbed of his much deserved victory. “I drop him next time, the three judges would run out and pick him up. I don’t know how to change their (the judges) minds. Yes, I knew we had won. You knew it. Everyone in the arena knew it … everyone except for the three judges.”

 

Manny Pacquiao, cognizant of the people’s doubts and some of his own kababayans’ disappointment, was apologetic that his performance did not meet his fans’ expectations. He admitted Marquez was a very difficult opponent, but was thankful nevertheless for his victory.

 

Kababayans and friends from all over the world watched, gasped, and had fiery comments about last Saturday’s remarkable fight. Here are some of them:

 

I'm happy for Manny. For the Filipino people as well... But it's not a fulfilling victory. -- Gilbert Remulla

 

Marquez was really amazing. I’m sure a lot of people thought he won this fight. He gave Manny a very difficult battle. -- Julius Babao

 

Had Manny lost officially, I still would've been proud of him. He's a national hero ¬nothing can take that away from him - not even a loss. -- Michelle Ventura

 

So sorry, but national pride can't prod me to rejoice. Marquez won this, hands down. Not by a lot, but I really think he won. -- Inday Varona

 

Surprised and amazed that even Manny's fans think he should have lost the fight. Proof that the Pinoys’ sense of fairness trumps emotion. -- Darwin Mariano

 

Tough decision but congrats to Manny. Marquez fought hard smart fight. Come out from hiding Floyd, you're out of excuses! -- Sonny Angara

 

Crowd was booing doesn't mean result was wrong. Audience booed me every week on America's Got Talent, I was usually right.”  -- Pierce Morgan (CNN)

 

Manny's victory was at best pyrrhic... Malugkot na tagumpay. -- Jim Paredes

 

Just in case you have not seen it yet--Juan Manuel marquez dirty boxing tick exposed, stepping on Manny’s foot several times during the fight! Watch the video. -- Sonny Guillen Calasara

 

Sana Manny said, "Thank you for believing I won..but I believe Marquez fought well...he deserves another fight".  THIS IS A CONTROVERSIAL fight! It seems to me...Manny won for another fight in May! Don't you think?  -- Karen Davila

 

Bob Arum sees another money-making opportunity in calling for a possible Pacquiao-Marquez 4 in May 2012 -- Nato Reyes

 

Let's put it this way-- each of them should have knocked out the other for a convincing victory. Winning by points always controversial.” -- Rom

 

The fact Pacquiao did not dominate the fight just as he did in his previous fights does not mean he lost and JMM deserves the W. Feeling that Manny lost it is intuition-based. That is why there is a point-system to follow in boxing. -- Joseph Nico Cando

 

Too many issues for Manny this past months and for sure somehow those affected his performance...  -- Ice G

 

Too many distractions, infidelity issues or Manny is just off or overconfident Manny? -- Alvin Pillas

 

SUS!Suddenly everybody knows d rules of Boxing!That's why there are JUDGES! No Court of Appeals here! Behave na! -- Aileen Nyulaszi

 

Sana tabla na lang yung laban para hindi kahiya hiya tayong mga Pinoy. Parang issue na mandaraya tayo. Pero wala silang magagawa kasi judges ang nag desisyon. Kaya huwag nilang sisihin si Pacman. -- Reymond De Feo

 

Marquez could've won if he didn't "freeze the ball" in the 11/12 because of information  from his corner that he was winning. -- Tim Batang

 

Manny's winning was not his fault, it was the judges decisions so haters get over it " -- lovepinkgie

 

Loosen up people, bottom line is everybody was a winner. They all made the big bucks at your expense. -- Mike G.

 

Problem of PACMAN now--  expectations too high..anything less than a KO is a disappointment. -- Maverick

 

Move-on guys! You're not the ONE who counted the scores so don't assume that you know who really WON! Give PACQUIAO a break! -- Jonathan Magbitang

 

Once again boxing politics is under scrutiny & the national pride of 2 nations distracted. Lets abide by d decision & move on. -- Rizaldy Rumbaoa

 

Boxing is not all about sport, it is more in gambling. -- Adrian Josh Catedral

 

Tantanan na natin si Manny. Nanalo sya. Sorry na lang daw kung walang knockdown at KO/TKO. Mas maingay pa tayo kay Marquez.” -- Tonyo Cruz

 

Huhuhuhu.. Tenkyuberimats Lord..... ets ofacial.... PANALO SI MANNY!!! Sabi ko sa inyo.. Mirakol ang kailangan... Mirakol -- @OfacialDionisia

 

Pacquiao-Margarito Historic Fight: A Teaching Moment

By Gel Santos Relos

 

 

 

 

      "Manny Pacquiao makes us proud to be Filipinos because through his example he reminds us of the strength, values, and all the potentials we already have deep within us despite our limitations and circumstances — just waiting, yearning, craving to be nurtured to fruition."

 

Our Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao has once again made history after defeating Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito in the Cowboy Stadium in Dallas, Texas last November 13. He is the first boxer ever in the world to win ten world titles in eight different weight divisions. Manny Pacquiao is also the first boxer in history to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes—the “man who beat the man”, the boxer who defeated the reigning boxing champion in these four different weight divisions!

Pacquiao has been called the “David who defeated the Goliath”, as his Mexican opponent was 17 pounds heavier than him. But the speed, agility, and power punches of the Pacman proved far stronger than the height and weight advantage of Margarito. Many people all over the world, including sports analysts, boxing experts and commentators agree that Manny Pacquiao is indeed the greatest boxer in the world, even far greater than the Muhammad Ali if you ask boxing promoter Bob Arum.

 

But no people can be more proud than us, Filipinos. We watched the fight in our usual fiesta way. We prayed, laughed, shivered in fear and excitement, cheered and  became euphoric when Pacquiao won via unanimous decision on the 12^th round. Many kababayans used the magic of modern technology like twitter, facebook, phone calls, SKYPE to  be united in time and space wherever in the world we might be. We were ecstatic, euphoric, and brimming with Filipino pride.

 

This special moment was likewise seized by a segment of our kababayans who loathe “Filipino pride” and any joyful national celebration of victories of our kababayans. They immediately jumped in the global conversation to exclaim, “Those who keep saying “I am Proud to be a Filipino” when Manny Pacquiao wins are Morons!” arguing Pacquiao’s victory is only his and not the Philippines’.

 

There are also some kababayans who were not happy with the result despite Manny’s win because they were expecting a “knock out”! Some say they lost money because they made a bet the Pacman will win by a knock out, and were disappointed he did not make Margarito sleep!

 

The truth is,  Margarito was already wasted in the last two rounds and Pacquiao could have knocked him out but he didn’t. In fact, he even called the attention of the referee  that maybe it was time to stop the fight because he was worried about Margarito. But the fight continued and so Pacquiao held back his punches, and let the game end without inflicting anymore damaging pain on Margarito.

 

Through this compassionate act, Pacquiao reminded the world that boxing is not supposed to kill people, but a sport that is meant to entertain people.  Manny Pacquiao has exemplified true sportsmanship through his adherence to fairness, utmost respect for his opponent, and his graciousness and humility in his victory!

 

And Antonio Margarito taught us a lesson in perseverance, strong will and sacrifice. Despite the pain, the blood shed and the imminent defeat, Margarito did not quit and pushed himself to fight until the very end. These are the very virtues we admire in many of the Mexicans in America, notwithstanding issues about  immigration status.

 

Finally, I would like to share with you an excerpt of one of the best commentaries I have read on Pacquiao and the Filipino people, written by an American--Michael D. Sellers-- on his blogsite:

 

“Those of us who have connections to the Philippines have followed Manny Pacquiao for many years and we’ve heard him say things like this, and act in this humble, gentle manner, more than just last night — so this is not news for us. But as the rest of the world gradually wakes up and takes notice of Pacquaio as a sporstman who transcends national boundaries and the niche of boxing, it is also worth remembering that while on the one hand what we see in Manny is unique, in another way it is not, because what we see in him is an essential Philippine character that typifies the elusive best of a country whose people’s humble and gentle virtues are not particularly well understood abroad.

 

 This is, after all, a world where, for example, some countries have adopted the term “filipina” to be slang for “housekeeper”. It’s easy for ignorant westerners to underestimate and misinterpret the gentle, gracious nature of the Filipino character; Manny Pacquaio is single-handedly changing that, reminding both the world and the Philippine universe that humility, grace, compassion, and empathy can coexist with the heart of a warrior.

 

Yet even if Filipinos understand this better than we foreigners — we should also remember that Pacquaio’s popularity in the Philippines, great as it is, did not automatically win him a berth in Congress. He ran two years ago and lost badly. Some said it was a cynical “no” vote so he would keep fighting; for others, the “no” was a desire keep Pacquiao from becoming tarnished by the dirty nature of Philippine politics.

 

But he didn’t give up, he showed patience and perseverance and sincerity, and he continued to talk about his real reasons for doing it — and along the way many of the skeptics who saw in his first run for Congress an act of celebrity ego began to gradually come to understand that it was another impulse, the impulse toward genuine and sincere public service, that was driving Pacquiao.”  (MichaelDSellers.com)

 

Yes, Manny Pacquiao makes us proud to be Filipinos because through his example he reminds us of the strength, values, and all the potentials we already have deep within us despite our limitations and circumstances — just waiting, yearning, craving to be nurtured to fruition. Let us all awaken that Manny Pacquiao spirit within us, and together we will soar as one great people, one great nation!

 (To Be Published in Asian Journal, November 17, 18, 19 2010)