Like the millions of Filipinos all over the Philippine archipelago, we were glued to satellite TV last Sunday noon, which was hooked up live with the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Like in all the Pacman fights, the streets of Cebu and I guess this goes for the rest of the nation, were empty as people were indoors watching the fight. Prior to the start of the Pacquiao-Marquez fight, a 10-bell silent prayer was observed for the passing of boxing great Joe Frazier. I was a young lad when my father and I flew to Manila to see the epic “Thrilla in Manila” and that set me off to watch boxing matches.
But as far as the Pacquiao-Marquez fight is concerned, let me say that the 47-minute, 12-round fight was one of the most boring fights that we’ve seen Manny Pacquiao ever fought. No doubt, Marquez fought a very tactical fight and from our viewpoint he looked like he even landed more blows on Manny, while Manny failed to explode with his famous one-two-punch and ended not even landing a serious blow to the face of Marquez. So after 12 rounds, judges Glenn Trowbridge (116-112) and Dave Moretti (115-113) scored for Pacquiao, while Judge Robert Hoyle scored a draw (114-114), thus giving Manny Pacquiao a majority decision so he could still keep his title as the welterweight champion of the world.
Naturally, Juan Manuel Marquez could not hide his feelings that he was robbed of the WBO title. It was the first time that bottles and debris were thrown at the ring because the Mexicans in the crowd felt cheated. In all honesty, many of us who were watching the match at the Cebu Country Club thought that Manny was a goner. But then, the judges have made their decision, which should make all of us Filipinos proud of Manny.
However while the judges gave Manny a majority decision, may I suggest that Congressman Pacquiao should review the tapes of his last fight and he should look at it as an eye opener… that he wasn’t fighting the way he used to fight with a great explosive energy he used to have. That seems to have disappeared through time. In fairness to Marquez, his defense was impregnable. Perhaps Manny ought to consider retiring at this point in his career, while he still is considered the world’s greatest pound for pound boxer. It’s called quitting while he is still ahead of the game.
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I got a very interesting comment about the article we wrote about the United Nations (UN) last week. Here’s the letter in full.
“Mr. Avila: You are the recipient of my “honesty award” for having the courage to question the legitimacy of the United Nothing, I mean Nations. This body has been delivering a bunch of BS and hot air since its inception. There were high hopes for world peace and prosperity when it was created. Its performance has been a dismal failure. It did not stop wars. It did not stop atrocities in Africa and the Middle East. There were instances where African soldiers or guerrillas were killing people while the UN forces wearing the blue berets stood and watch because it was in their mandate to intervene.
So what’s the purpose of peacekeeping forces if they will not intervene to stop the carnage? This body is paving the way for the creation of a Palestinian state but it will not end hostilities against Israel but rather increase the danger Israel will be facing if nationhood is granted. Their goal is the destruction of the Jewish nation. Of course, they will say it openly to the media and to the world. Economic programs by the UN did not improve anything. Food supply did not increase from any of their programs in place.
This body has the biggest bureaucracy and agencies are ran by Marxists who could hardly pay their dues. This is a debating society financed by world’s biggest economies. The President of the UN has lavish perks comparable to a head of state. Filipinos and Filipino politicians are so ENAMORED by this body as if it’s a gift to the world. Getting a post at the UN is a plum job with generous salary, perks, and retirement plan as if it has a legitimate source of income. You will have a feat if you learn the corruption that goes on in this body. What a tremendous waste of money!
Many Americans are tired of this body in New York City. Many would like to see the UN uproot its NY headquarters to Brussels where it belongs — liberal Europeans. Many also suggest that other well off European nations increase their share of contributions instead of the US paying a big chunk of it.
Thank you for your revelation that the UN is a liar with the agenda of population control through methods you mentioned in your column. The UN is an evil entity that needs to be disbanded. We don’t need it. But I must admit that majority of Filipinos would not believe you because the UN, as far as they are concerned, is the symbol of hope and world peace. Bah hambug! Mr. Avila, you delivered again! Thanks. Nomer Obnamia nomer1250@yahoo.com.
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For email responses to this article, write to vsbobita@mozcom.comor vsbobita@gmail.com. His columns can be accessed through www.philstar.com