Pacquiao told: Hang up gloves

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — It is time for Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao to retire from boxing, after his knockout loss in his fourth bout with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas last Sunday. This was the common suggestions of some local officials in this city and Negros Occidental province. Here are some of their comments:

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia (who was an official member of the Team Pacquiao): “It was a sad day for the country. Boxing is a game of extreme risk and danger and it was a lucky punch from Marquez.”

Bacolod Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson: “Tsamba gid (It was lucky for Marquez). But Manny had a good fight. There should be no more fifth fight between the two. If Pacquiao will not retire from boxing, he should go for Floyd Mayweather, Jr.”

Former Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella (former Philippine Olympic Committee commissioner): “If Manny can’t focus completely on boxing, it’s time to hang up the gloves. He has nothing to prove anyway anymore. He is already a legend. He should have stopped when he was ahead. He’s only human. Boxing has always been unpredictable. Forget Mayweather now. Time to move on.”

Third District Rep. Alfredo Benitez: “It’s time for Pacquiao to retire. It was not the same Pacquiao. He has mellowed.”

Negros Occidental Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr: “Pacquiao should instead focus on his job as congressman.”

Bacolod Councilor Carl Lopez: “It’s time him to retire. He should now concentrate on his career in public service.”

E. B. Magalona Mayor David Albert Lacson (president of Association of Chief Executives of Negros Occidental): “It was a sad loss and Pacquiao should retire from boxing. But, let us not forget that Pacquiao holds the record of having won eight titles in eight different divisions. He is the only boxer in history to have achieved such distinction. That is something that nobody can take away from him.”

Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez: “Pacquiao is the world’s famous modern day renaissance man. He is an icon to our youth and a model to all those who aspire to be successful. But even with a name as big as his, and as what others might perceive to be as an undefeatable athlete, every aspiring man can also face defeat. What is most important is the unshakeable character he retains. For most of humanity, he stands for bravery and generosity towards his fellowmen. He may lose this battle but he is still our champion. Mabuhay ka Manny!”

Fourth District Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer: “It’s part of the game. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. He has made us proud to be Filipinos.”

Sixth District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez: “You get knocked down, you get up, smile and move on. I’m proud of him.”

PB Member Emilio Yulo III: “Just like any other Filipino, I am disappointed. Be that as it may, Manny once again showed to the world how one can be graceful in defeat, just like what a true sportsman is.”

Bacolod Councilor Em Ang: “It was such a heartbreaking loss for Manny and I guess it is God’s way of telling him that it is time to stop boxing. To me, and I’m sure to many Filipinos, too, he is still the best boxer in the world. Eight division world champion ... Marquez landed a good punch and he deserves to be congratulated.”

Bacolod Councilor Caesar Distrito: “I was stunned and surprised by such a knockout. It was such an unfortunate and unexpected loss but, as Manny had put it, in a game, sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. I believe that Manny is like most of the Filipinos who, when we fall down, we could still manage to stand up and recover amid all adversities. In the end, Manny will regain the lost glory in Pacquiao vs. Marquez 5!”

Bacolod Councilor Mona Dia Jardin: “I’m sad for Pacquiao. But it takes a very special kind of person to be a fighter and losing is part of a fighter’s life. To all of us, Manny will always be our fighter, our pride. Win or loss, he is and will always be our champion.” (FREEMAN)