Sometimes victories also disappoint! The tragedy happened with Manny Pacquiao, Filipino boxing sensation, who defeated Joshua Clottey of Ghana in a matchless bout, with the latter showing timid attitude, covering his face with his gloves facing his rival’s knockout punches.
Alas, the victorious Pacquiao’s fans had expected it to be a knock-out victory. But to their disappointment, the fight shown by Clottey was below class.
Many blamed Clottey of being timid and “unexciting.” Others like Osmeña opined, “The guy did not like to fight. He just keeps on running and running to stay alive. I find it not thrilling. He tried to stop the mobility of Pacquiao. He kept on stepping on his foot. He hoped that Pacquiao would get tired of punching and punching him and then maybe somewhere along the way he would be able to slow Pacquiao down.” While Vice Mayor Michael Rama believed that Clottey didn’t want to “square off with Pacquiao,” as he was eyeing the $1.25 million award money.
However, the hottest fighting sensation Manny Pacquiao is gearing up for a spectacular fight against the same rival in November at Cowboys Stadium. Referring to which, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach said, "We will crush him," adding, "I'm just happy to be a part of Manny Pacquiao's life."
Having looks of junior Mike Tyson, Pacquiao sturdy body creates fear among many boxing enthusiasts; however, his smiling face instead of a scowling one, alleviates the panic. Though he is famous for his boxing bouts, his good behavior is no less an adoring factor for his fans, who fear he would one day quit boxing and win a seat in the Congress.
While there a number of boxing enthusiasts who feel that the Pacquiao-Clottey bout lacked luster because the former is more talented than the latter; there were still others who see the bout otherwise. They believe Pacquiao is a factor that unites Filipinos, irrespective of political inkling. They hope Filipinos can show this unity in all fields during all times.
Talking about the boxing sensation, Mandaue City Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna said, “It means we can be united as a people. All we need is a leader who can be a hero to all of us.”
Others like Gastardo, who watched the fight on the Internet, said, “I suppose everyone was trying to find a way to watch the fight live. It really gives an opportunity for all Filipinos to sit down and enjoy life as it should be without the problems besetting us daily. Pacquiao fights are like unifying forces that drive Filipinos to sedation from the pressures of work.”
Sports are often considered a bond of unity among people of diverse classes, castes, and regions. The unity harnessed during a sporting event shows that even people of diverse tastes can unite. Isn’t it a food for thought for all the warring factions in the Philippines and the world?
