MANILA, Philippines - Isang kasama niya sa House of Representatives ang humiling kay Manny Pacquiao na magtakda ng “at least one patriotic fight” sa Manila bago siya magretiro upang maipakitang isang global tourist destination, retirement haven at investment hub ang Pilipinas.
“We would like to believe that professional boxing is not just about money. That it is also about the sport. And in this case, it is also about Manny giving his country a much-needed lift,” ani LPG-MA Rep. Arnel Ty, miyembro ng House committee on sports and youth development.
“While money is an important issue, it need not be the sole or predominant factor to be considered all the time in deciding as to where to stage a fight,” dagdag pa ni Ty, isang long-time sports patron.
Ang pahayag ni Ty ay ukol sa sinabi ni promoter Bob Arum na “there is zero chance” na lalaban si Pacquiao sa bansa bunga na rin ng mahal na gate tickets.
Ang extended trip sa Manila ang isa pang dahilan ng pangangayaw ng mga boxing fans at turistang manonood sa laban ni Pacquiao sa bansa.
“I don’t think Manny himself is personally worried at this stage in his boxing career about making more money. I believe Manny the flag-waver is personally willing to hold a fight here. It is his promoters, who are driven only by financial rewards, who don’t want a fight here,” sabi ni Ty.
“Mr. Arum is underestimating the capacity of Filipinos to go out of their way to pay for expensive tickets just to see their idol fight. We Filipinos can be very passionate fans,” dagdag pa nito.
Sinabi pa ng lawmaker na ang mga non-Filipino Asian fans na may pera ay gustong makapunta sa Manila para sa laban ni Pacquiao.