- NIDA A. BUENAFE
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday affirmed his belief in Manny Pacquiao, hours after the boxing icon and Philippine senator lost his fight against Yordenis Ugas for the WBA World Welterweight title in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Leonardia said Pacquiao, with his unequalled eight-division world titles, remains a legend in boxing.
“While we are stunned by the unexpected result of the fight of our Adopted Son, Senator Manny Pacquiao, we saw that he put up a gallant fight worthy of respect and admiration by boxing followers around the world,” Leonardia said in a statement.
He added that the senator is a living legend and what he has achieved in boxing is something no other has ever done.
“Come what may, he is already immortalized among the greatest boxers ever,” Leonardia added.
The Bacolod mayor, who used to carry the Philippine flag during Pacquiao’s fights in the US, said he would have wanted to watch yesterday’s match-up live but he has to stay in the city and remain focused on the fight against COVID-19.
“I have never left Bacolod since this pandemic started…I had relayed this sentiment to Sen. Manny and I’m sure he understands,” Leonardia said.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement that Pacquiao will always be the Filipino “People’s Champ”.
Roque acknowledged that public support to Pacquiao’s boxing career has always been “unwavering”, including his latest fight against Ugas.
“The boxing icon’s loss in Las Vegas would not diminish the honors he bestowed to our country and the joy he gave to our people,” Roque said.
He said the 42-year-old Filipino boxer will always hold a special place in the hearts of every Filipino.
In a separate statement, the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), also expressed pride in Pacquiao for putting up a “good fight” against the 35-year-old Cuban fighter.
“His loss may be unexpected to a nation still euphoric over a sterling Olympic performance of our athletes but the outcome did not diminish our respect to the man who brought so much honor to the country and put the Philippines in the sporting map around the globe,” the PDP-Laban said.
Pacquiao was PDP-Laban president until he was ousted in July and replaced by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. – NAB
