CEBU, Philippines – Cebu first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas extended his congratulations to boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao after the boxer beat Mexican Antonio Margarito to win his eighth world title in as many boxing divisions the other day at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
"Congressman Manny, Congratulations! In victory you are the greatest yet the humblest. Early in the 11th round you showed your nobility by constantly glancing at the referee to stop the fight and spare Margarito more harm. Your victory statement 'boxing is not for killing' shows your humanity," Gullas said.
Even before the fight Gullas already had a message for the Pacman.
"Congressman Manny, win it for Sr. Sto. Niño, for the Philippines and for you. All our prayers are for your victory!"
Among those who already congratulated Pacquiao were President Noynoy Aquino, Sen. Manny Villar Jr. and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.
Among the international celebrities, American Idol champion David Cook described Manny Pacquiao as "incredible".
Wil.I.am of The Black-Eyed Peas never doubted Pacquiao's powerful punches as he said, "I don't think any other fighter in history has fought in eight weight classes like Pacman. We just watched David vs. Goliath."
American socialite and hotel heiress Paris Hilton reportedly Tweeted about the fight.
"Retweet, If you love Pacquiao! Who watched the fight?" she said.
Pacman fan comatose
A diehard fan of Pacquiao is now in critical condition after suffering a heart attack while watching his hero fight in the ring.
Roberto Imbino, 52, a resident of Talisay City, suffered a heart attack while watching the fight with his friends in Talisay City last Sunday.
According to dyAB, the victim was reportedly cheerful and energetic from the start until the middle of the fight when he and his friends decided to transfer seats since it was getting hot.
After Pacquiao was proclaimed as the winner, they were all rejoicing. But his friends noticed that Imbino was not okay and his mouth appeared stuck in an awkward way. Imbino was rushed to the Talisay District Hospital.
One of his cousins said Imbino also suffered from a mild stroke last March during the fight of Pacquiao against Joshua Clottey.
Before the fight he even warned Imbino to be cautious but Imbino told him he had already taken his medicine.
Imbino had not yet recovered as of press time. He was supposed to win P50 as a result of the fight after he made a bet with a neighbor. - Joey Cindy M. Semblante and Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento, USJR Masscom interns/BRP (FREEMAN)