Manny Pacquiao vs. Erik Morales

Saturday evening, March 19, 2005 (PST), I watched a blood sports we know as boxing on a Pay-per-View channel along with a clan of family and friends who convened for a niece's birthday party in Daly City.  "The Destroyer" vs. "El Terrible."  Philippines pride vs. Mexico pride.  Although I've heard of "Pacman," this was the first time I got to see this quite recognized Pilipino boxer in action.  There has been so much pre-fight hype for this bout. As a "kababayan,"  I figured I better check him out and cheer him on. Pre-fight bets for this Las Vegas bout were slightly in his favor.

With all the crap going on back home, the Philippines could use a hero to feel good for a change.  In fact, this event unified Pinoys even if only temporarily.  Military, insurgents, common street folks, crooks and solons were all eyes or ears (for those who did not have TV access, they tuned in on radio broadcast).  One media estimate was 30 million of 80 million were tuned into the fight.  If someone can unite the people for much longer than this night, he or she still has to be step into the plate.

Unfortunately, he lost a unanimous decision that night.  Erik was the better fighter that night.  But boy was it close!  In a way, Manny's loosing this fight could be a blessing.  He did come to be seen as too over confident and showy in pre-fight media blurbs.  This could be a humbling lesson learned for him -- and for all of us.

Despite his loss, I would say he won admiration of many for his tough stand fighting the bigger Morales for 12 rounds.  He sure earned my respect and I now will keep a closer watch on the Pacman.  I think many in the boxing world and others will too.

Looking at the financial point of view, I find this whole experience to be a great money maker opportunity. Despite losing the fight, his camp's purse was a guaranteed cool US$3,000,000 (and that may be one reason why his big cut does not hurt that much).  Saturday's fight was touted as the "Fight of the Year" in the boxing world.  These two guys are and will be a major boxing draw.  MGM, the promoters, cable and satellite PPV, bookies, the two camps, and many others should and will be making money.  There will be a grudge rematch, much likely with a bigger purse (~ US$5 mil easily). This rematch up will be a surefire money maker.  If Pacman wins the 2nd match (and likely he will) to get even, expect there will be a 3rd fight.

If this goes well, he could earn $10 million plus by the time he retires.  His character' addition EA's video game Prize Fight 2 is not even included in this figure.  Not too bad for a boy who used to sell cigarettes in the streets.  A rags to riches with a heroic action plot.  This should be an excellent script material for a movie that the Filipino masses will eat up.

Money aside, what is interesting was the transformation of my view of this man.  Despite his losing, I found myself rooting for him.  How could one not do so after seeing a fighter with height, reach disadvantage and a deep cut from a head butt, fighting one-eyed, with blood gushing down his body - not giving up and fighting back.  It reminds me of the "Rocky" movie fights.  This is heroic.  This is worth respect.  Also, this reminds all of us that we can't win all the time.  And in losing, you could become a better man.

It's fine you lost this one Manny.  Stand proud because you still made your countrymen proud.  You fought a valiant fight and showed what a world-class Pinoy boxer could be.  Now, just get serious and stay away from all the shenanigans and hypes and get back to your real business.  Which is to prepare for the rematch and win.  My goal would be to see if I can photograph your next fight with Morales.

For more on the man, check out:

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph