The “Fight of the Century” turned out to be “The Hype of the Century.”
After watching the boxing match of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., I could not help wondering what the fuss was all about.
Pacman was ready, willing and able. But Mayweather just went through the motions. The recent PBA championship match of Rain or Shine versus Talk & Text, which went into double overtime, was a lot more exciting.
ROCCO Nacino wants a rematch where the fighters are in tip-top shape.
The much-ballyhooed bout was all fluff and had no huff-and-puff! PacMay lacked impact.
Be that as it may, the nonduel didn’t diminish Pinoys’ love for Pacquiao. Manny earned the respect of the majority.
I cornered some show biz heavyweights for their post-match sentiments. Get ready to ramble (on and on)!
John Estrada: To say that I’m disappointed is an understatement. Pacman kept engaging his opponent, but Mayweather just trotted around the ring. I know it was his strategy, but it was supposed to be a boxing match. I would only go for a rematch if Mayweather would get penalized whenever he runs.
Gabby Concepcion: Give us another fight with Pacquiao’s healed shoulder and let’s see what happens.
Rocco Nacino: Both camps have a lot to say about the fight. I want a rematch soon, with both fighters in tip-top shape.
Jose Mari Chan: Manny should retire and not go for a rematch. He is at the top of his game and doesn’t need to prove anything. He should focus on being a lawmaker instead. He owes it to his countrymen. He should maintain his dignity. He should donate the money he made from this fight to orphanages, the Church and the poor.
John Arcilla: I’m wondering why we keep supporting the boxing mafia. They play with our need to express our frustrations through sports like boxing. Our “heroes” are treated like commercial commodities. If boxing is a scam, why do we patronize it? I think we would evolve as better human beings if we don’t go for this kind of entertainment.
Jose Javier Reyes: It was the biggest letdown ever. It proved that professional boxing has been reduced to a multibillion business. The sport has ceased to be an ennobling display of strength and skill. I may not be qualified to pass judgment on the sport’s technical aspects, but I know when I am being shortchanged and manipulated by big business, when I am taken for a pay-per-view ride. A rematch? At this point, who cares? Pacquiao need not prove anything to anyone anymore.
Erik Santos: A lot has been said about the PacMay fight, but I still believe Pacquiao won since he showed real courage in the ring. Because of his bravery, he earned the adulation and respect of millions. For me, that is more lasting. I am only in favor of a rematch if the terms are fair for both camps.
Kim Atienza: It was very clear that Mayweather is a perfect match for Manny. A rematch is in order. It will definitely be more exciting than the last fight.
Richard Poon: Mayweather won by being on the defensive, by accurately counterpunching a gung-ho Pacquiao. I am torn about a rematch, though. I am not in favor because the same thing might happen. But I am also looking forward to it because Mayweather might decide to be more aggressive after being bombarded with criticisms.
Bankable champ
GABBY Concepcion: “Give us another fight with Pacquiao’s healed shoulder.”
Throughout his career, Pacquiao has exhibited the best traits of the Filipino people—namely, our intense focus and relentless courage to fight for our dreams.
Since he embodies the Pinoy spirit, Manny is the perfect brand spokesperson for EastWest Bank, a financial institution that adheres to the same passion in pursuing excellence, according to the boxing champ.
Despite his loss to Mayweather, Pacman remains bankable!
Summer rewind
Relish the ultimate summer throwback as Jeepney TV revives the popular US series, “Baywatch.” It airs weekdays at 7 p.m., with day-after replays at noon.
The iconic show follows the lives and loves of California lifeguards, led by Mitch Buchannon, portrayed by David Hasselhoff.
The series ran for 11 seasons, from 1989 to 2001. At its peak, it was seen in 148 countries, with an estimated 1.1 billion viewers per week.
Baywatch-a-by-golly-wow!