Manny Pacquiao versus Marco Antonio Barrera Part 2

For those who would like to re-kindle the last fight between the two great boxers.

Intro to Round 1

Round 1 continuation

Round 2 to 3

Round 4 to 5

Round 6 to 7

Round 8 to 9

Round 10 to 11

Round 12

Lighter side: Manny Pacquiao impersonator

A good friend way back in the early 90s is now known for being an impersonator of Manny Pacquiao. Here's a snippet of his latest spoof.

Extreme Magic Sing


Para sa yo ang laban na ito

Pacquiao defeats Barrera

Congratulations to Manny Pacquiao for defeating Marco Antonio Barrera!

Barrera is reported to be set for retirement as this game was his last fight. He is happy for proving that Pacquiao won't be able to knock him out.

In the Philippines, time stopped during the match with zero-crime happening during the early hours up to the end of the fight. Filipinos from all walks of life monitored the fight and cheered on. Legislators sees the fight and the victory as a timely respect from all the political bickerings happening in the country.

This is also a great victory for Pacquiao where his countrymen shall eagerly await for his return.
Once again, Pacquiao made us all Filipinos proud. Cheers Manny!

Pacquiao prepares for Barrera match

Sorry folks for not being able to update this blog lately. Got too busy. =(

The Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Barrera match is slated this October 6 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. Majority of fans are excited as Pacquiao promises a great fight and taking the effort in sharpening his punches. He also sealed the deal with GMA 7 for the TV airing rights.

Unfortunately, as in the past fights, Pacquiao always get distracted and this puts a lot of pressure to his trainer, Freddie Roach. Doing the training in unsecured facilities in the Philippines attracts attention from uninvited fans during practice sessions.

Despite Pacquiao's fighting form, Barrera can't be underestimated. Whether this will be a revenge for Barrera or a repeat victory for Pacquiao remains to be seen.

With blessings coming to Pacquiao left and right, he doesn't hesitate to share this whenever he can. However, it is sad when you hear of people conning their fellowmen whom they promised to help in the first place. Perhaps it is time for Pacquiao to have another person handle these type of concerns as he is getting abused already.

Pacquiao and Barrera fight bout is on!

Being a celebrity can really draw a lot of attention to you from all fronts. For Manny Pacquiao, this comes in good and bad light.

Great to hear that Bob Arum and Oscar De La Hoya came out settling their differences over Manny Pacquiao's contract. I guess prolonging the controversy makes a great number of parties in a disadvantage and have to start seeing things from a very practical and profitable point of view. This includes boxers in De La Hoya's camp who are more than anxious to get a crack at fighting Manny Pacquiao and earn big bucks like in the case of Marco Antonio Barrera who is contemplating of retirement if he won't be able to fight Pacquiao soon. As a result, the fight between Barrera and Pacquiao is finally on! If Pacquiao performs well in his next fight, he might become Ring Magazine's number 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

Pacquiao was nominated by ESPN for Best Fighter in its annual ESPY awards along with Miguel Cotto, Floyd Mayweather, Randy Couture and Quinton Jackson.

In his column Ronnie Nathanielsz shared his observation as to how Filipinos evaluate a fighter's worthiness in terms of being the country's top sportsman. He mentioned that the human dimension comes in as a great factor. How they handled themselves and use their glory for better good of themselves and the people around them. I wonder if the same can be told with the way we select our future leaders. Perhaps that is why some of those in power, who by qualifications are unfit but by human dimension are worthy eventually wins.

Philippine boxing is indeed more exciting than ever because of Manny Pacquiao. It will be for many years to come as the boxer does not hesitate in providing cash incentives to boxing players eager to start a career in this field.

Can Pacquiao move on?

The People's Champ Manny Pacquiao has graciously accepted defeat against Darlene Antonino-Custodio in the last elections. Some say he was too confident as the people around him kept saying that there's no way he can lose. If there's anything valuable in this experience, it was for Pacquiao to ultimately realize who his friends are and who are there to merely take advantage of his resources. It is still uncertain whether he will pursue legal action against those who abused his resources then. Efforts are also being pursued to patch up the relationship turned sour between Pacquiao and ABS-CBN.

Concerned friends are encouraging Pacquiao to get out of the country for now, stay away from discussing his political defeat, and re-focus himself to boxing and prepare for his October fight. On June 8, Manny Pacquiao is also about to receive his fighter of the year award.

Pacquiao's next foe, who will it be?

Now that the political elections game is almost over, it will be interesting to know who will Pacquiao's next ring opponent be. Is it Joan Guzman, Edwin Valero, Marco Antonio Barrera, Humberto Soto, or Juan Manuel Marquez? Of course, not to forget Joel Casamayor. All of these possible contenders have impressive profile.

As Pacquiao captured the hearts of boxing enthusiasts around the world, his next fight is already a guaranteed bestseller as he is now being regarded as the best pound for pound best boxer in the world.

News is out that Manny Pacquiao lost to Darlene Custodio for the Congressional Seat of General Santos City, Philippines. However, all is not lost. Strategically, Pacquiao was able to grant everyone their request and let the public decided on this fate.

For the politicians who kept pressuring Pacquiao to fight, he allowed himself to be used seeing that he may indeed help his fellowmen.

For the people who wanted him to be their representative, he gave them to chance to vote for him.

For the people who believe that he should just focus on boxing and continue his charity pursuits without any political technicalities or intrigues surrounding it, the people were able to send the message clear that they don't want him to be used for politics, at least for now.

From a lessons learned aspect, this experience have given the PacMan a glimpse on how dirty politics is and the people you supposedly trust will be the ones to betray you. May this make the Pacquiao wiser in the years to come.

Perhaps when the PacMan retires, then by all means, pursue politics as it is every right (and even obligation if they are able?) of a Filipino to serve his countrymen.

Dirty and light side of Pacquiao as politician

AS the political campaign season has begun, critics are now questioning Manny Pacquiao's capability, intellectually, to rightly so serve Filipinos in Congress. His opponent, Darlene Antonino Custodio, believes that the present administration camp pressured Pacquaio to run for Congress.

On the lighter side, it is a great to see an old friend, Reynold Lagrimas Garcia or more known as Pooh on stage, hugging the limelight as "Manny Poohcquiao". His impersonation of Manny Pacquiao can be watched on YouTube.

Pacquiao gets ready for political campaign

Pacquiao just returned to the Philippines after prevailing on his US$4 million dollar match against Jorge Solis. As all of his victories are celebrated through a parade and hero-like welcome, the COMELEC already ruled out accusation that such is for poll exposure. Only when he solicits for votes can it treated as one.

A similar parade was also organized by General Santos Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr. who has always been supportive of Pacquiao.

Being a champion sets a lot of expectations from people. For instance, this columnist is hitting on Pacquiao for not being able to say anything on the death of another Filipino boxer - Lito Sisnorios. I find this to be pathetic especially when get to see old time boxers lining up to visit Pacquiao asking for money so they can start a business or build houses. Is that his obligation or that of the government (particularly the sports authority)? I think it is ok to ask for his support or be vocal about it but definitely not to blame him if he didn't say anything or sent a person to that effect. It sounds like that boxer's death is Pacquiao's accountability.

Although Pacquiao won the fight, there's much criticism as to his lack of game plan on the earlier rounds. It is also funny how defeated Jorge Solis claimed that Pacquiao's punch is no stronger than of his wife. (unless of course he is implying to be a battered husband) As in the past, Pacquiao remained humble and graceful in accepting victory for thanking the people in supporting their fight without saying anything further about his defeated opponent.

After the elections, it remains to be seen whether he will still have time for boxing. As early as now, there are boxers wanting to be picked for his next match for both money and glory.

Manny Pacquiao Defeats Solis

If there's a certain lackluster from the local blogosphere in recognizing Manny Pacquiao immediately after he defeated Jorge Solis, that is because of the recently concluded iBlog3: the 3rd Philippine Blogging Summit that got most bloggers busy documenting their learning experience and networking online.

Back to the fight, congratulations is in order for the People's Champ Manny Pacquiao for defeating Jorge Solis in their title fight yesterday. The fight stats were very impressive showing Pacquiao worked hard to win this fight. This is Solis' first lost and it was indeed a learning experience for him.

Pacquiao, being distracted with politics and all, created doubts on his capability to win this fight. Some were not happy by his decision to join politics as his good deeds now to countrymen may get tainted and be used by selfish politicians. Despite these out-of-the-ring issues, Pacquiao prevailed.

With his case with the Golden Boy not over, arranging Pacquiao's next fight will not be easy.

On another note, it is common knowledge that a lot of local politicians place bets during Pacquiao's matches. Some of them now are even running for various government position. I wonder how much they have won.

I also got asked why I did not watched or monitored the fight anxiously yesterday. There are several reasons behind it but I guess I could summarize it to:

• My faith in him winning the match is not as high as before. I find him too distracted with local politics.
• Running for public office, despite the fact that he had a lot of wealth and still helping his fellow citizens, requires full time work and he should only undertake that after retiring from boxing. What he should realize is that his current gifts to "kababayan" in his town may already be qualified or considered as bribery as he is running for public office.

Will the Pacquiao-Solis fight push through?

Golden Boy Promotions is seeking a court injunction to stop the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Mexican Jorge Solis in San Antonio, Texas on April 14. The irony of it is that GMA TV and Solar Sports were also announcing a deal of their partnership in broadcasting the fight in the Philippines. As with past fight, this one comes with agony over his preparations cramming and being not fully committed. Although that can also be seen as a publicity stint.

Back in General Santos politics, Pacquiao gave away free health cards to fellow town citizens. His opponents were complaining but he can't be made liable by Comelec as he is not officially a candidate yet. Despite his glamorous beginnings, Pacquiao is know for getting into trouble with his career management. Observers now asked, "will Pacquiao do any better in politics?" This is a growing sentiment as Pacquiao finally decided to run for Congress.

Pacquiao backs out from candidacy

Manny Pacquiao just decided to heed the call of concerned friends to not run in the coming May elections. This decision also came after being booed by boxing fans in Cebu and efforts by opposing groups to block the support of people in voting people like Pacquiao in the coming elections. Before making this post, I was able to watch on TV about his disgruntled lover planning to approach his opponents and support them. He also began endorsing politicians like Lito Lapid. If Pacquiao still pursues, Comelec will be in a dilemma and currently studying on how to deal with it. Whether he proceeds or not remains to be seen.

It is great to see that Pacquiao is preparing already for his coming April 14 fight. A few are worried that he may not be in top shape due to the numerous distractions he's been getting lately. Although Pacquiao is highly celebrated for his victories, boxing great Mayweather believes he is overhyped.

Pacquiao initially made plans to pursue college education after passing DepEd's Alternative Learning System. I hope he still continues with that and his success can increase support for the said program.

Manny Pacquiao: Boxing or Politics or Both?

Manny Pacquiao eventually decided to run for public office seeking the South Cotabato congressional seat with his mother's blessing. He was with Ilocus Sur Gov. Chavit Singson when he filed his candidacy. Should he win, Pacquiao confirmed that he will retire from boxing. If he does good as a public servant, a higher position in government may not be denied.

Comelec Chairman Abalos warned Pacquiao though that he may have a problem as he has three residential locations that he admitted under oath. The Palace is certainly supportive of it and Pacquiao believes that he may be able to bring his district closer to the government. To avoid speculation that President Arroyo made him run, he joined the Liberal Party-Atienza Wing instead of the President's political party.

His political moves affected his supposedly fight schedule with Jorge Solis. Although his political opponents are already crying foul should the fight continue as this would him unfair publicity mileage. An analyst keeps the boxing fire alive by suggesting potential fight match-ups. Win or lose, he is scheduled to fly to New York this June to claim the BWAA fighter of the year.

To our readers, what do you think? Should Pacquiao pursue this political path (he can still back out you know) or just focus in boxing?

Dela Hoya, Arum, Elections Hounds Manny Pacquiao

The Manny Pacquiao vs. World Boxing Council featherweight champion In Jin Chi of Korea fight won't be televised through HBO as Golden Boy Promotions Oscar Dela Hoya sent the network a legal letter threatening them for possible inclusion in a lawsuit should the pursue any partnership.

It seems that the boxing fight will be staged in the US rather than Macau as there is no suitable venue where the fight can be done. In addition, both boxers popularity in China is uncertain that it won't be commercially feasible to set the fight there. These concerns made Pacquiao uneasy in deciding whether to pursue the fight or not.

Should it proceed, Rod Nazario is confident that the fight won't go beyond the 7th round favoring the Philippines boxing champion. Nazario is the former business manager of Manny Pacquiao.

With the election fever setting in the Philippines today, Pacquiao recently applied for the gun ban exemption claiming that his family is in danger amidst kidnapping threats. Popularity and wealth really has its price as the boxing champ gets a Z status.

Manny Pacquiao's dilemma almost over?

Manny Pacquiao's year-ender and new year starter shows how the pressure, overwhelming attention, and confusion catched up with him. He was recently confined for stomach problems and it's good that doctors gave him a thumbs up signal for his overall health.

Talks about his next fight with WBC featherweight champ In Jin Chi in Macau, scheduled for April 28, is almost final according to Bob Arum. That is assuming they'll be able to talk soon. It is great to see Manny once again fight an Asian fighter. It tends to get tiring seeing the Mexican fighters too much, as if they are all ganging up on him. (or the other way around?)

Manny Pacquiao's recent fight exposure and pressures is taking a lot on him to the point that some boxing trainer is predicting that his skill and stamina will wind down in 2 years. For now, he is seen as boxing's savior.