Heart of a Fighter, Mind of a Trouper
The Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight
literally silenced the Philippines as patrons and followers of the dubbed
“Pambansang Kamao” devoted their attention to the telecast of the much-awaited
confrontation. After the spectacle which was aired from the MGM Grand Arena at
Las Vegas, Nevada; the Filipinos were silenced once more. The first time
around,; it was because of their apprehensive enthusiasm for a
Pacquiao-victory. The second time; it was because of a Mayweather-victory.
After a unanimous decision crowned Floyd
Mayweather the victor, most of Pacquiao’s countrymen, probably were criticizing
the outcome of the contest. The Filipino fighter had displayed a more
commendable and aggressive performance against his American counterpart; but
fell short of a win because none of the three judges present gave him their
favor. Unless members of Team Pacquiao question the result of the bout, and
demand an appeal for a reversal; there is nothing else the Filipinos can do but
hypothesize on why the acclaimed spectacle did not go as they expected.
Months before the said fight; I had noted
how Pacman’s latter engagements often ended by decisions which either went his
way; or his opponent’s. Obviously, after he was knocked unconscious by Mexican
rival, Juan Manuel Marquez, in their previous face-off; the Filipino athlete
began to tone down his belligerent manner of facing his opponents. After the
stunning loss to Marquez, consecutive opponents like Timothy Bradley and Chris
Algieri were overcome in a more ‘modest’ and “UN-PACMAN” fashion. Formerly, it
was characteristic of Manny Pacquiao to garner victories wherein referees stopped
the fight out of mercy for his opponents; or he stood above their prostrated
figures on the canvas. The sudden alteration of Pacquaio’s reputed image
inspired me to meditate over the topic his sincerity and determination
concerning the matter of glory; or wealth.
Did his coach, his mother, his wife and
many other related individuals admonish him for his recklessness after his
defeat to Marquez enough to scare and cause him to tone ‘temper’ his methods of
engaging his opponents? Could there have been more intricately underlying
issues only he and his faction understood? Is he getting old and rusty,
physically; but the decline does not coincide with his psychological opinion of
himself? Or is he just playing to the crowd; granting their desire to witness
him as a true-to-life version of Rocky Balboa; and benefiting from their enthusiasm?
Social mediae show moral support for Manny
Pacquiao even after his loss to Floyd Mayweather. There are raised disfavor
concerning the result of the fight; as well as assurances for a consistent love
and faith in the Filipino contender. But it is also fair to consider other
informal opinions on the matter.
A comment on a media network was raised
proclaiming such: “LUTO ANG LABAN” (the
fight was rigged). It was set in Las Vegas: hometown of Floyd Mayweather; TWO
judges were from that same city; and the suspicion that the said fighter was an
influential figure around the destined venue. Why, then, did the Filipino
contender not contest the subject?
·
He had established some sort of agreement with his
opponent concerning the issue of benefits. 40% of the generated income may have
been sufficient enough to convince Manny to just ‘play along’.
·
He would still be glorified and endeared by his
countrymen in spite of whatever outcome the fight presented. Nothing to lose;
nothing to be ashamed of, upon his return to his homeland.
·
Fame and fortune remains consistent. Let the world
scorn Floyd Mayweather, Jr and his father’s arrogance. Manny Pacuiao lives the
life of a king; and that is what matters.
As antipathetic as it may seem; there are
citizens in certain corners of the Philippines who air their dissatisfaction
for the performance of their own countryman. These are the people who do not
agree to being deceived by antics. In their hearts, they believe in Manny
Pacquiao and in the TRUE way by which he introduced himself to them; not the
individual who carries out dramatics for the enhancement of his career and
stature. They are of the opinion that he should have retired while he was
ahead; and stepped down from his pedestal, a winner.
Many Filipinos have posted comments on
social networks, the media, and such; to uphold the image of their beloved
athlete after he lost the fight. Did they ever wonder if he cares to read them
all?
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