Pacman to Barriga: Don't lose hope

Manila, Philippines -  Boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao yesterday advised Filipino Olympic bet Mark Anthony Barriga not to lose hope and just learn lessons from experience.

Barriga lost to Kazakhstan’s Birzhan Zhakypov, 16-17, in the London Olympics round of 16, 49kg division.

Although expressing disappointment over Barriga’s loss in the Olympics, Pacquiao said it could be regarded as a lesson on the need to be a better boxer.

He said he himself lost a fight against American Timothy Bradley last June 9.

Barriga had a big chance to win, but “there will be a next time,” said Pacquiao, whose humble beginning served as his inspiration to achieve his international stature in the world of boxing.

“Don’t lose hope, there will be many chances, and whatever happens, charge it to experience. Your experience will increase and you will gain lessons that you can use next time,” Pacquiao said in Filipino.

He said he believes in the capability of Barriga as a boxer.

If he qualifies, Barriga will be 23 in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016.