Manny Pacquiao comes in as the favorite having defeated other notable Mexican boxers including two wins over Erik "Wala kang katulad Manny" Morales (who appeared in a San Miguel Beer commercial with Manny). The promoters made sure that people won't treat Jorge Solis as a pushover by building up on his undefeated 32 wins - 0 losses - 2 draws on 23 knockouts standing, his height advantage and his aggressive. The fight was last Sunday and that morning I was really really really really wishing for a result some Filipinos wanted.
A Pacman loss.
To those who didn't see that fight, Manny won by knocking Solis out in the 8th round. Ok ok ok Manny fans I get it. Before you throw at me your Surf detergent boxes, Chicken McDos, Alaxan and Circulan capsules, Datu Puti, Thunder energy drink, SMB and GSM bottles, Magnolia ice creams, Smart sim cards (ouch), Magic sings, Nike shirts and Darlington socks (yup, those are all his endorsement deals) hear me out first.
I'm a sports lover and I know what a Pacquiao win means to the country and I would have wanted Manny to win this fight...
but he chose to run for congress.
Despite strong advice from influential people he still went ahead and will probably continue to file as a candidate. He's exploiting a hole in our democracy about the influence of celebrities in politics. Manny Pacquiao, the greatest Filipino boxer. He already has that title. In his next match, if Juan Manuel Marquez beats the crap out of him he still holds that title. Don't taint it by going into politics, well at least not now. Wait until you've accomplished everything first but it's not a good idea to mix in politics while you're in your prime. Wait until Mexico declares you public enemy number 1.
In this match, we saw a careless Pacquiao play around in the first few rounds. If you have the "hopes of the nation" on your shoulder, focus on the fight! Was he stalling? More rounds mean more ads? Making the fight close to make it more entertaining? Was he acting as if he was giving his best, then get beat just a little then make a dramatic finish? Nah, I've seen clips of his movie with Mikey Arroyo and Manny can't act wet in the rain.
True enough Manny fought like a congressman in the first 5 rounds not even showing shades of the vicious Pacman who floored Morales and would've beaten his entire corner if he wanted to. Manny was head butted opening a bloody cut on his left eye. From then on he turned it up a notch, going berserk and finally knocking Solis out. Manny wins. Solis humbled. Crowd cheers. Filipinos give the people's champion a pat on the back then immediately comment "What the heck was that?!?". Despite Manny winning the match, it was a big disappointment. They didn't like the way Manny handled this fight. It seems that not all Filipinos now are automatic Pacman fans. Remember during the Morales fight when people would chant "Mejico" then it would be drowned out by stronger chants of "MANNY! MANNY!"? This time there was something off as not all Filipinos are on his side. Did you see the battle of Cebu event last February? He was booed as if he was a Yankees fan at Fenway Park.
How about the prefight press conference of "Blaze of Glory"?
Fernando Beltran, Solis' promoter said "Solis is undefeated and he doesn't know how to lose. He is a two-time national champion in a great, great weight class. I really believe Solis will shock The Philippines and the world. Mexico will be very proud of its champion on Saturday night."
Jorge Solis said "When I heard that I was fighting Manny Pacquiao in the main event on pay-per-view I got so excited I started jumping up and down. I couldn't sleep - not scared - but because of the excitement of it all. I came to San Antonio to win. As the saying goes in my hometown, I am taking home all of the marbles. I hold the pride of Mexico in my two fists. Manny's winning streak over my countrymen will end Saturday night. Be ready Manny, no excuses!"
Both statements were cocky but these are what you expect from a pre fight interview. Both predict a Solis victory and they say Filipinos should be prepared for a shocker.
Justin Fortune, Manny's conditioning trainer said "We never underestimate an opponent. But a physically fit and strong Manny Pacquiao is impossible to beat, and Jorge Solis, you can call this fight Mission Impossible."
There you go! They say Mexico will win, tell them to dream on. Now what did Manny say?
Manny said "I know my opponent Jorge Solis has worked hard and is determined to win. This will be a great fight for both of us, both of our countries and all of our fans. But there can only be one winner and I have every intention of leaving the ring the way I came in -- as champion."
Ok... he says Jorge is good, everyone will have a good time but he intends on leaving as the winner.
Eh?
This is a pre fight interview! There's no need to use safe words! Tell him you'll punch his face so hard such that it will bend all around over to his ass where he'll drive a burrito and a San Miguel beer bottle all the way up!
Pacquiao vs Morales. Now THAT's an intimidating pose. Frown and flex!
Pacquiao vs Solis. Ugh. I could've sworn they were dating.
My point is it's obvious that Filipinos hate politicians A LOT. Manny turning congressman is a bad move as they hate Congressman Manny more than Boxing Hero Manny. Come on, we're not dumb. Are we telling the world that a boxer, who is known to be fond of parties, bars, billiard playing and women has enough political knowledge and experience to be congressman in the Philippines?
I wished Manny would have a controversial loss - illegal gloves, Solis is really Evander Holyfield and the judges are really Barrera, Marquez and Morales in costume (ala Scooby doo) or probably something like WWE where Pacquiao is already winning but Stone cold comes in and gives him a Stone Cold Stunner.
I was rooting a Pacman loss hoping that this will finally put an end on his current congressional plans. A Manny win will somewhat seal his victory in the upcoming elections. Manny's corner predicted a Pacman victory. Solis' corder predicted disappointment for Filipinos.
Both sides were right.
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