And so when he was asked to do the fight between Pacquiao and Mexico’s Oscar Larios, the extraordinary ring announcer known for his baritone voice, salt and pepper hair, and tuxedo image just couldn’t say no.
"It was a no-brainer. I had to come," said Buffer, who flew in Friday morning for today’s fight, considered the biggest to be held in the Philippines since the Ali-Frazier Thrilla in Manila in October of 1975.
Of course, Buffer is being accorded first-class treatment. He is billeted at the swanky Discovery Suites in Ortigas and is provided with 24-hour security in case the women try to get a hold of the brown-eyed debonaire.
During yesterday’s official weigh-in, Buffer was tailed by three bodyguards whenever he went in and out of the 22nd floor Serendipity Lounge where he gave his own fans a glimpse of his famous act.
The 6-foot native of Philadelphia, who has worked some, if not most of the biggest fights in recent history, said in performing his glamorous job he has to stay neutral.
"I’m supposed to be neutral when I do my job. But I’m a fan and I have my favorites. I’ve always liked Manny," said Buffer, adding that he clearly remembers the Filipino in his fight against Erik Morales last year.
"He had a very bad cut and I thought the fight would be stopped but it ended in a decision. He’s ring fighter," said Buffer, a personal choice of Pacquiao to be the fight’s ring announcer.
"That’s the way it came to me. So I was really excited. You could feel the electricity here but even back home and even in the Internet Pacquiao is always and always being talked about," he said.
Buffer added that Pacquiao should be way up there in the sport’s best pound-for-pound list, probably alongside world champion Floyd Mayweather. In his eyes, Pacquiao is truly a great fighter.
Surely, he can’t wait to drop his famous and patented "Let’s get ready to rumble" line. Then he can sit back and relax, enjoy the fight and later on announce the winner the way no one else does. — Abac Cordero