MANILA, Philippines — Dionesia Pacquiao, mother of champion Manny Pacquiao, clarified online trends and speculations that she was casting a spell on his son's opponent, Timothy Bradley, during their match in Las Vegas on Sunday.
"Rosary lang. Habang nagbakbakan sila, nagpe-pray ako para sa kanya. Sabi ko sa Panginoon na, sana pabagsakin niya si Bradley," Dionesia said in an interview with dzBB on Monday.
News outfits said Dionesia, wearing a white gown, stole the show during the much-anticipated rematch.
She was spotted pointing fingers seemingly at Bradley, glaring menacingly, kissing a prayer card while reading aloud while the two fighters traded blows.
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Dionesia, a fervent Catholic, said her prayers seemed to have worked after she saw her son gaining ground as Bradley was losing his footing.
"Nakita ko na, four rounds na ... ang paa ni Bradley, 'pag papunta kay Manny, gano'n gano'n na e. Sabi ko, praise the Lord!" she said.
When the unanimous decision was announced favoring Pacquiao, Dionesia was among those who celebrated on the ring alongside the Filipino champion's assistant trainer and best friend, Buboy Fernandez.
Dionesia was afterwards seen on camera approaching Bradley and speaking with him.
"Sinabihan ko siya na, 'I'm sorry, Bradley ... sports, boxing lang ha'," she recalled.
"Tumatawa si Bradley sa akin. Humarap siya sa'kin, tawa ng tawa. Sabi niya, 'No problem, mama, I need more time'," Dionesia added.
She also welcomed her new title "Pambansang Daliri" after her son, who has been known as "Pambansang Kamao."
Dionesia was trending on microblogging site Twitter worldwide for an hour following Pacquiao's victory.