Manny makes the world go round

MANILA, Philippines - When you’re the boxing world’s pound-for-pound king, people come to see you play. And, yes, they did come in full force in Las Vegas last weekend to watch Manny Pacquiao become the first and only professional boxer in history to win world titles in seven different weight divisions. 

The fight was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and was completely sold out months in advance due to the immense popularity of Pacquiao. Even hotel rates zoomed up due to the big fight weekend. That goes to show that our boxer is now really boxing royalty! Even at the flagship Nike Town store at Caesar’s Palace, Manny Pacquiao’s huge billboard for his new ad campaign is at the display window. And upon entering, practically the entire ground floor sells a variety of Nike Pacquiao merchandise. 

Seen in attendance at the arena were former NBA player Magic Johnson, New York Yankee Derek Jeter, singer P. Diddy, Hollywood actors Mickey Rourke, Will Ferrell, and Mark Wahlberg, Entourage star Jeremy Piven, and Prison Break’s Amaury Nolasco. Top hotelier Steve Wynn, boxer Sugar Shane Mosley, and boxing champs Roberto Duran and Tommy Hearns were also seen at the ringside. 

Vice President Noli de Castro, Gov. Chavit Singson, Speaker of the House Prospero Nograles flew in from Manila as usual to support the boxing king. Also there were actor Marvin Agustin, Benjie Paras, Joko Diaz, KC Montero, ABS-CBN’s Alex Lopez and Vic De Leon-Lima, Atty. Michael Garfinkel, and hit composer Lito Camo.  

For the pre-fight Mass held at the function hall of the Mandalay Bay Events Center, healing priest Joey Faller concelebrated the the rites with Fr. Marlon, a Filipino priest based in New York and Manny’s long-time friend. In attendance were wife Jinkee, Mommy Dionesia, the whole Team Pacquiao, Vice President De Castro, and former Rizal Gov. Yto Ynares. After the Mass, Fr. Faller and Fr. Marlon blessed and prayed over Manny and his whole team for a safe and victorious fight. 

After finishing Miguel Cotto via a TKO on the 12th round, Pacquiao did the usual post-fight press con with the local and foreign journalists. Cotto could not attend as he had to be brought to the hospital for a complete medical checkup after that intense beating from Pacman. 

And Pacquiao remained true to his promise for a great fight night! After resting for a bit in his posh hotel suite at The Hotel, just past midnight, he proceeded to the Mandalay Bay Events Center for his after-party concert! He belted out several of his own hit songs, and also did numbers with Britain’s Got Talent Filipina Madonna Decena, and concert king Martin Nievera. 

The man is truly a superhero . . . Wapakman!

The author, Lounell Correa, is the son of the late Polding Correa, former manager of Manny Pacquiao. Manny still makes it a point to visit Polding’s family and staff everytime he’s back in Manila.