Hermie, of course, meant no offense in choosing Marco Antonio Barrera to beat Manny in their epic duel in 2002. It was his honest appraisal of what turned out to be a savage beating of the Mexican by the General Santos City idol. That was when broadcaster Ed Picson began to call the renowned kingmaker Hermie Barrera.
The problem was Hermie, who made world champions out of Luisito Espinosa and Morris East, announced his choice on national TV while millions of Filipinos watched and prayed for Manny to win. The fans never forgave Hermie for speaking out honestly. They wound up praying not only for Barrera’s scalp but also Hermie’s.
Apparently, some wise guy whispered to Manny that Hermie just didn’t like him and that’s why he favored Barrera. Of course, that’s farthest from the truth because Hermie is the biggest Manny fan in North Luzon. Brian Viloria is probably the only fighter whom Hermie idolizes more and that’s because they’re both GIs (genuine Ilocanos).
In time, Manny realized Hermie’s sincerity. Ed has also stopped calling him Hermie Barrera. Now, Ed is calling him the Palookaville Lip, a more appropriate moniker.
It was Hermie who orchestrated the Malacañang tribute for Manny, Brian and Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista a few weeks ago. No less than President Arroyo hosted the affair and treated the boxing icons to lunch.
Hermie glowingly recalled that when he welcomed Manny to the Palace, they embraced like long-lost father and son. If there was any bad blood between them before, there is none now.
However, Hermie said while his relationship with Manny is now hunky-dory, he’s still at odds with someone in the fighter’s entourage. He refused to identify the man whose main job is to hold up Manny’s championship belt coming from the dressing room all the way onto the ring before a fight.
"This guy gets a million bucks for flying to the US, at Manny’s expense, a few days before a fight and does nothing in the gym even if he’s supposed to be part of the training staff," said Hermie. "And he has the gall to join Manny’s corner, wearing a ridiculous headband."
Hermie and this unnamed man obviously don’t like each other. They became estranged when Hermie claimed he was shortchanged by the man in negotiating Morris East’s fight for the world superlightweight title in Japan many moons ago. A few years back, they came to blows and only well-meaning friends prevented a full-scale brawl during an accidental meeting in a corridor at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. An attempt to promote a fight-to-the-finish between the archenemies in the undercard of a Pacquiao mainer was nipped in the bud by the Senior Citizens Board.
Now that Hermie’s in good graces with Manny, he’s hoping the fighter listens to some sage advice.
Hermie’s suggesting for Espinosa, unemployed and living in a friend’s garage in San Francisco, to join Manny’s training squad for the Erik Morales rematch. Louie has been abandoned by his wife and their three children are back in Manila.
"I remember Muhammad Ali was so proud that Sugar Ray Robinson joined his training team," said Hermie. "It’s different when you have someone of Luisito’s caliber in your group. I think it will mean a lot to Louie now that he’s down and the judge assigned to his case (collecting his unpaid $130,000 purse for a 1997 fight from promoter Larry de Pedro) will take another eight years to make a conclusion or until she turns over the case to someone else and is promoted to the Supreme Court."
Hermie said Louie could teach Manny a few tricks in and out of the ring.
"Let’s face it, Louie was a two-time world champ and he reigned for many years," continued Hermie. "He knows what being a champ is all about. In the ring, he could spar some with Manny. I don’t mean for him to be killed. Anyway, they’ll be wearing headgear and using big gloves so the risk of hurting each other won’t be much."
Hermie said the Morales rematch is the biggest fight in Manny’s career.
"I’m definitely picking Manny to win because his mind is now clear of problems and distractions," he said. "If he trains hard like he’s supposed to and like he promised to, there’s no way he can lose. As Cus D’Amato used to say, the guy with the bigger will to win will win. Morales is dangerous coming off a loss. He had an off night against (Zahir) Raheem and he’s entitled to that. Ali, Robinson and the best of them all had off nights, too."
Hermie said one of Louie’s advisers, former San Francisco policeman Joe Robles, is in town and confirmed the fighter’s willingness to join Manny’s training staff.
"It would do well for Manny and his gang to look back at the performance of his previous sparring mates when he took on the likes of Marquez and Morales whereby his chosen ones acted as absolute turds," added Hermie.
"Manny’s previous sparmates weren’t much of a help when it came to the crucial biggies. Manny’s return go with Erik is the biggest deal since the establishment of the galleon trade. He can beat the terrible Mexican since Pacman’s problems are gone, thanks in part to the Ali Act and the help extended by meaningful friends. One big factor that shouldn’t be overlooked is my offer for Manny to consider Louie to join his training team. He’ll be of great help."
Hermie said at least, Louie can hold Manny’s title belt higher than his archenemy.