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by PAM
I know, I know, I've always considered boxing as an "ugly sport" being a big fan of the "beautiful game", football (soccer). But when Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao is concerned, I swallow my pride and join my family in a pay-per-view 'tradition' to support the valiant Filipino fighter.
Today, Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico settled the dispute as to who is the better fighter between him and Pacman. He knocked out Pacman in the 6th round of their match in Las Vegas, NV - SHOCKING, I know!
Pacman went down in the 3rd round from a surprised big punch by Marquez. But the Pinoy Pride just raised an eyebrow, smiled, got up quickly, and went back punching. He came back strong, and knocked Marquez in the 5th. For a while, it looked like Pacman had
Unforgiving ugliness... Pacman went down.
(Photo by Julie Jacobson/AP via LA Times)everything under control. With Marquez's face bleeding badly, Pacman was winning the 6th round... he was surging forward, putting Marquez on the defensive with the Mexican's back against the rope, looking like he was about to put the match to a close with a big punch in the last 10 seconds of the round... when, all of a sudden, Marquez found an opening and quickly unleashed an unforgiving big one! The surprised Pacman took the blow real hard and went down on the floor - face down - and stayed there for a few seconds, looking horrifically lifeless! My whole family stared in disbelief, not caring that Pacman most definitely lost the fight, we were more concerned about his condition! "Is he alive???" was all we can utter after a few seconds of silence amidst the frenzied noise from the TV. In a flash, we were all praying very hard for Pacman's safety. Boy, that was hard to take! Whew, incredible! Ugly, ugly... boy, how ugly! And it happened to Pacman... of all boxers, and against Marquez, too! Dang!
In the interview later, Marquez was very gracious, admitting that Pacquiao could've finished him with his signature 1-2 punch, too, if not for that lucky opening. Pacman, as always, was gracious, too... until he was asked whether he'd entertain another chance to fight JMM. He was saying something about resting... when the indomitable Bob Arum butted in to say, "why not?" And then Pacman changed his tune to sing along with Arum. *sigh* There, there, Pacman, greed can kill, ya know!
Pacman, we're proud of you no matter what... but, please don't let Bob Arum and his greed for money take away that pride! Time to think things over... if you fight again, prepare for it - HARD, with WINNING in mind - and don't just think of the money! Don't let Bob Arum pimp our country's pride and yours to greed for money! He has no right to do that, so please don't let him!
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